Confessed wine geeks David and Jeanne Beck were at the peak of distinguished careers in biomedicine when the vineyard called. Led by a taste for fine pinot noir, the Becks discovered a unique micro-terroir in the Willamette Valley. It was love. Then they fell again—for Linfield.
Settling into the valley, the Becks founded their own vineyard and discovered a fertile learning culture nearby—one that reminded them of their own life-shaping liberal arts experiences. At Linfield they saw dedicated faculty cultivating the discovery capacity of curious students by immersing them in practical science. They found students up to their elbows in real research, asking the kinds of questions that lead to breakthroughs.
Before long the Becks were participating in a one-of-a-kind wine science program at Linfield, inviting students into the vineyard to investigate from the ground up. Studying grape varieties, experiencing the essence of terroir, and covered in mud, students come from across disciplines. Some are aspiring scientists; others are drawing creative connections between wine and other endeavors. All are full of wonder, Jeanne and David say. That’s what inspires the Becks to invest in the university. It reminds them of the students they once were—and remain for life.
Give NowSettling into the valley, the Becks founded their own vineyard and discovered a fertile learning culture nearby—one that reminded them of their own life-shaping liberal arts experiences. At Linfield they saw dedicated faculty cultivating the discovery capacity of curious students by immersing them in practical science. They found students up to their elbows in real research, asking the kinds of questions that lead to breakthroughs.
Before long the Becks were participating in a one-of-a-kind wine science program at Linfield, inviting students into the vineyard to investigate from the ground up. Studying grape varieties, experiencing the essence of terroir, and covered in mud, students come from across disciplines. Some are aspiring scientists; others are drawing creative connections between wine and other endeavors. All are full of wonder, Jeanne and David say. That’s what inspires the Becks to invest in the university. It reminds them of the students they once were—and remain for life.
Give Now