As I Remember: Carl 'Gus' Beck

Interview with Beck, who served as a member of the Farm Management faculty at Cal Poly 1932-1963. Beck was also involved in planning and conducting Poly Royal (annual Cal Poly showcase event), and in coordinating the Alumni Association. [00:00:09] As I Remember Opening [00:00:24] Beck describes how he first heard about Cal Poly while he was still in Colorado [00:01:16] Beck describes his arrival in California in 1927 [00:01:38] Beck recalls his attendance at a summer conference prior to going into teaching and obtaining a teaching credential [00:02:06] Beck describes how he acquire a job as an agriculture teacher in California [00:03:10] Beck describes his time teaching in Middletown and Colusa [00:03:38] Beck discusses how he made a reputation for himself in Colusa [00:04:53] Beck recalls when he arrived at Cal Poly in 1932 and student enrollment at the time [00:05:44] Beck describes the major departments at Cal Poly in 1932 and its "junior college" status [00:06:40] Beck describes the physical facilities at Cal Poly in 1932 [00:12:25] Beck discusses changes that McPhee made when he took over in 1933 [00:14:40] Beck recalls George Couper's important role with regards to Future Farmers [00:15:16] Beck talks about people who McPhee brought to Cal Poly during his administration to work as part of the agriculture department staff [00:17:59] Beck describes people who were part of the new Future Farmers chapter at Cal Poly in 1932 and noted their successes after graduation [00:19:33] Beck describes the importance of Future Farmers chapter at Cal Poly [00:20:34] Beck describes Poly Royal, a country fair and livestock show at Cal Poly on March 31, 1933 [00:21:39] Beck talks about the elected officers of Poly Royal [00:22:36] Beck describes past Poly Royal queens, Miss Cal Poly, and eligibility requirements [00:25:54] Beck discusses his role as an advisor for Poly Royal [00:26:41] Beck recalls his involvement in an honor organization for agriculture students at Cal Poly [00:27:43] Beck talks about the beginnings and purpose of Gamma Pi Delta in October 1934 [00:28:13] Beck describes eligibility for Gamma Pi Delta [00:29:03] Beck talks about the charter members and officers of Gamma Pi Delta [00:30:14] Beck describes Alpha Zeta, an honorary agriculture fraternity [00:32:55] Beck recalls the activities of Alpha Zeta [00:34:02] As I Remember : Reel 2 [00:32:11] Beck describes the service functions of the Future Farmers of America [00:37:55] Beck describes changes that occurred when McPhee became director of vocational education [00:38:27] Beck talks about the service functions the Future Farmers of America performed during the conference of the Agricultural Teachers' Association [00:39:33] Beck discusses the beginnings of the Region at Large [00:40:20] Beck describes issues encountered, such as paying dues to the Agriculture Teachers' Association and lack of representation on the board, and efforts made to remedy this [00:43:33] Beck describes the sources of opposition [00:44:09] Beck describes the "divergent views" of how the Region at Large came to be formed [00:45:51] Beck talks about the "Yellow Dogs," and organization formed for the purpose of "having a good time" [00:48:49] Beck describes changes to the Region at Large, such as initiation and hazing [00:52:09] Beck talks about his involvement in the Staff Club and some of the club's activities [00:54:45] Beck talks about his involvement in the Alumni Association at Cal Poly [00:57:15] Beck describes his time as alumni executive secretary [00:57:52] Beck recalls his biggest achievement as alumni director [00:58:12] Beck talks about his teaching experience at Cal Poly and fthe courses he taught [01:00:02] Interview wrap-up: Couper reflects on Beck's experience at Cal Poly