I’m one of the recent graduates from NIU’s Visual Communications program, and having heard you speak on a few occasions I remember you mentioning Bruce’s name. At the time it held no special significance for me, but it is only now, upon hearing of his passing, that an interesting story came out.

It turns out Bruce was my grandpa’s best friend in life. They both grew up in Harvard and knew each other from the age of three. They served in World War II together and remained good friends until my grandpa died in 1995. My grandpa was even mentioned in the very nice obituary that was printed (though not by name). My Dad has fond memories of going over to Bruce’s house with his family and being very interested in the printing press that he was running from his basement, and just listening to the way he talked and carried himself.

Who would have thought? It’s a shame I only found this out after Bruce’s passing, because it would have been wonderful to meet him and hear some of his insight. I’m sure he would have been a wonderful help.

A short story:

One day in early January, I made cold calls to design offices in Chicago asking if anyone would be willing to host a field trip of college students from Trinity Christian College. After networking through several refusals somebody said, “Call the Design Partnership in Evanston.” And, of course, that’s where we were welcomed and hosted by Rick Valicenti for an “after hours” field trip. Later, I realized that The Design Partnership was a collaborative group with Bruce Beck.

The anecdote you told students, that evening, was while you were doing basically production work you went and showed your portfolio to Mr. Beck, who apparently, didn’t think much of your design work but recognized your potential by the way you presented yourself. Bruce said, “I can use someone like you.” From there we sort of know the rest of the story. (Please tell me if I don’t have your story right).

The point is that the great spirit of generosity, trade, value, art and craft that was the hallmark of Bruce Beck’s work carries on in your practice too.