In Memoriam: Faculty & Friends

Notices sorted by graduation date

Alan Richard Beckenstein of Charlottesville died July 17, 2025. He was one of the longest-serving faculty members in Darden’s history, working there for 53 years. He was a devoted teacher who brought personal connection and joyful humor to the classroom and believed in the potential of every student. Students remember him using skits and costumes to explain complex concepts. He served on the UVA Faculty Senate and led Darden’s Executive Program, and he also led a joint Darden and Ernst & Young executive education program in New Zealand, making nearly 50 trips. Joys of his included Motown music, Michigan football and golden retrievers. Survivors include his three daughters, among them Stacey Beckenstein Bruns (Col class of ’96, Educ class of ’96) and Wendy A. Pilch (Col class of ’97, Educ class of ’97); three sons-in-law, four grandchildren, among them Jackson Bruns (Col class of ’24) and Lilly Clark Pilch (Col class of ’28); and his partner, Martha.