Remembering the Legacy of Alfred Franklin Beers: A Pillar of Financial Administration and Community Service

Alfred Franklin Beers
Alfred Franklin Beers, a revered figure within the University of Pennsylvania community, passed away on July 8 at the age of 87, leaving behind a profound legacy of service and dedication. Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Beers held various key positions, leaving an indelible mark on the university’s financial administration landscape.Born in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, Mr. Beers spent his formative years in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and graduated from William Allen High School. Following a commendable three-year tenure in the U.S. Army, during which he rose to the rank of Sergeant, Mr. Beers pursued his academic endeavors at Muhlenberg College, where he obtained a degree in accounting in 1960. His early professional experiences included six years at Peat Marwick’s audit department in Philadelphia, where he made significant contributions to the field of accounting and solidified his designation as a certified public accountant.

caption: Alfred Beers
Alfred Franklin Beers

Mr. Beers commenced his long and distinguished career at the University of Pennsylvania in 1966, initially serving as the assistant business manager of the School of Medicine. Over the years, he ascended through the ranks, displaying exceptional leadership and financial acumen. His notable roles included assistant comptroller, associate vice president for finance, and ultimately, the esteemed position of university comptroller in 1982. Mr. Beers’ invaluable contributions to the university were further underscored in 1997 when he was appointed as the associate vice president for finance, where he played a pivotal role in overseeing the university’s financial operations and fostering a robust framework for administrative efficiency.

Throughout his tenure at Penn, Mr. Beers garnered widespread acclaim and recognition for his exemplary contributions to the field of financial administration. His illustrious career was marked by notable affiliations with esteemed organizations, including the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Financial Officers Board of the Association of American Medical Colleges, and the Society of Research Administrators. Mr. Beers’ active engagement extended beyond the university, as he also chaired the costing and financial compliance committee of the Council on Governmental Relations.

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Outside of his professional endeavors, Mr. Beers was a passionate recreational vehicle enthusiast, embarking on extensive travels across 49 states and all ten Canadian provinces, cherishing the exploration of new landscapes and experiences with his loved ones.

Mr. Beers is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy, and his four children, Michael, Karl, Denise Prentice, and Jennifer Newlands, as well as his twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. The cherished memory of Alfred Franklin Beers will be commemorated during the visitation at St. Dorothy Church in Drexel Hill on July 23, followed by a burial mass at 10:30 a.m. Contributions in his honor can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, reflecting his enduring commitment to supporting vital causes and making a positive impact on the community. Alfred Franklin Beers’ dedication, integrity, and contributions to the University of Pennsylvania and beyond will continue to resonate within the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. His exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to the betterment of the university community serve as an enduring testament to his enduring legacy.

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