A human resources assistant on determination—and running 41 marathons—during her 47 years of Tufts service
“I ran Boston … the Marine Corps Marathon, and races in Greece, Russia, Dublin, London, and San Francisco. I was first in my age group in Greece,” said Kathleen Beebee, longtime human resources assistant at the university. “I have more miles on my feet than on my car.” Photo: Alonso Nichols
In 1978, I was living down the street from Tufts, as a single mom with a young son, I heard about a job training program on campus and took every course I could: accounting, typing, whatever they offered. When a filing accounting position opened, I grabbed it.
I used to ride my pink bike up the hill every day to work, happy to have a job so close to home. The work was tedious, but I told myself, ‘I have a job, and I’m going to build on this.’ I was proud when I was able to buy my own car.
I moved up the ladder here and there, first in accounting, and then in human resources. I love people; greeting them was my thing. Years later, people still tell me they remember how I welcomed them when they walked through the door to interview.
I started running in my late 30s at the Tufts gym, trying to lose a little weight on my lunch break. I’d change fast, then fly eight times around the track as fast as I could because I only had so much time. Earl Meehan, an athletic equipment manager, asked if I’d run a race. When he suggested a 10K, I didn’t think I was ready—but I did it anyway.
That led to my first marathon, and eventually to 41 of them. I ran Boston (my best time was 2:58), the Marine Corps Marathon, and races in Greece, Russia, Dublin, London, and San Francisco. I was first in my age group in Greece. I have more miles on my feet than on my car.
Kathleen Beebee and former Tufts University President Larry Bacow dance a waltz on the sidewalk.
‘Til this day, I’m out running at 5 a.m. Sometimes I wonder what I’m doing out there, but I always say: ‘Victory is at the end. Don’t ever tell me I can’t do something, because I’m going to do it.’
Raising $3,000 with the Tufts Marathon Team, with Don Megerle, was wonderful. I’d bump into President Larry Bacow and his wife, Adele, running in the area and they always gave a hug. One day Larry and I were waiting for the rest of the marathon team after a training run. There was music and he said, ‘Kathleen, do you want to waltz?’ So, we waltzed!
I’ve loved everyone at Tufts: my Facilities guys, and everyone in HR, TTS, TSS, Dining. My mother always said, ‘You treat people how you want to be treated.’ That’s what I do. I treat everyone with respect.
—Human Resources Assistant Kathleen Beebee has worked at Tufts for 47 years
Our Tufts is a series of personal stories shared by members of the Tufts community and featured on both Tufts Now and Instagram.
