Graduate Profile: Katherine Beam
Katherine Beam took an introduction to environmental studies course as a freshman that set her direction in life.
After graduating from Alma, she continued on to Indiana University and earned a master’s degree in public affairs in environmental policy. She now works for the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, providing assistance and outreach to small businesses to help them meet and exceed their environmental responsibilities.
Katherine Beam
“Alma’s program exposed me to how environmental policy works in the United States,” the 2001 graduate says. “Everything started at Alma. I saw how communities and the government interact. I learned how environmental policy happens ’on the ground.’”
A double major in history and political science, Beam was attracted to the atmosphere at Alma. She credits professor Murray Borrello with helping her get an internship at the EPA and igniting her interest in the environment.
“There is nothing more real than hearing people talk about their kids playing in the Pine River and getting sick from the chemicals contaminating it,” she says. “This exposure has translated well into my current position because I carry those experiences with me with the end goal of improving the environment for everyone.”
While at Alma, she played volleyball and was a member of Gamma Phi Beta. She also worked at the library and wrote for the Almanian student newspaper.
