Linking the University and the Community
The rise of Boston’s skyline over the past 100 years can be attributed, in part, to the family-run real estate business The Beal Companies, which for four generations constructed some of Boston’s most noted properties. Today, Robert Beal is the latest family member to head the company, which is currently constructing a classic brick 33-story luxury tower in Boston’s Back Bay.
However, housing Boston’s toniest residents is only part of Beal’s business plan. Beal is also personally committed to promoting affordable housing to recent college graduates, the underprivileged and the elderly. That is one of the reasons why he supports Northeastern’s new School of Social Science, Urban Affairs and Public Policy and serves as chairman of its board.
The School aims to be the premier university-based social science research and policy innovation laboratory for Greater Boston, and a strong link between the University and the broader community it serves.
“Two years ago President Aoun met with me, and we started talking about the new school. We fleshed out strategies as to how to make it work, and then he asked me if I would consider becoming the chairman of its board. And I said, ‘absolutely,’ especially considering the school’s urban focus,” recalls Beal. Since accepting his role, he has made several gifts to support the new school’s efforts.
