Dr. James B. Beard (MS ’59, PhD ’61) will be awarded Purdue Universities highest honor of Honorary Doctorate on May 15. Jim Beard has a distinguished career as a scientist, teacher, and a worldwide leader in the turfgrass industry. He has authored or coauthored 131 refereed papers, 216 research reports, 455 popular articles, and 7 book chapters. Two of his books are the predominate texts in turfgrass instructional programs. “Turfgrass: Science and Culture”, is now in the 18th printing and is the most widely used text and primary reference source for undergraduate classes. His newest book, “Turf Management for Golf Courses” was just released in its second edition and is the standard throughout the golf industry. Jim’s research over the years has led to tremendous advances in the understanding of environmental stress physiology of turfgrasses including winterkill, heat, and drought, shade, and wear. Dr. Beard has positively impacted thousands of turf professionals here and abroad directly or indirectly, thus improving the quality of life of millions. We congratulate Jim and his best supporter, his wife Harriett, for their success and remarkable contributions to the turf industry.