Atlee and Winifred Beechy Peace, Justice and Reconciliation Lectureship

Atlee and Winifred Beechy, both graduates of Goshen College (1935 and 1938 respectively) returned to the campus in 1949 where they worked for the next 34 years, dedicating their lives to counseling and educating students within the broader context of promoting peace and justice in our communities, our nation and our world.  Atlee served as Dean of Students, Director of Counseling Services and professor of education, psychology and peace studies, helping found the College’s Peace Program.  Winifred was a teacher, writer, coordinator of Peace and Social Concerns for the Mennonite Church and served in numerous overseas relief and service assignments with Atlee.

Winifred and Atlee were co-leaders of the first Goshen College Study-Service Trimester in Poland (1974) and then in China (1980).  They traveled to dozens of countries in the interest of international education, relief work and peace and justice concerns under the auspices of Goshen College, Mennonite Central Committee and other organizations.  An alumnus of Goshen College and donor has chosen to memorialize and commemorate the lives of Atlee and Winifred Beechy, and the ideals of peace, justice and reconciliation by which they both lived.