Some faculty leave a lasting impact that extends far beyond the syllabus, shaping students’ lives long after the course ends. For many in the Graham School community, that legacy is reflected in the work of Dr. David Bevington and his wife, Peggy Bevington, both devoted teachers whose passion for learning and mentorship continues to resonate with students and families alike.
Professor David Bevington was known for delivering a classroom experience grounded in intellectual rigor and deep curiosity. His students were able to immerse themselves in the liberal arts, encountering ideas not simply as abstract theories but as living narratives that connect to everyday life. One former student remembers stepping into Professor Bevington’s classroom after decades away from formal education, drawn by curiosity yet uncertain of belonging.
“After retirement, I felt compelled to go back to school,” she said. “The Graham School offered the perfect opportunity, and I was fortunate to be accepted into the Master of Liberal Arts program. Dr. Bevington’s class was my first college-level course in thirty years. I was nervous, I hadn’t attended an elite institution as an undergraduate, and even after a long, successful career, the University of Chicago felt intimidating.”
That apprehension quickly gave way to confidence. From the outset, Professor Bevington fostered an environment in which every voice mattered and intellectual risk was welcomed. The student remembers how he made everyone feel heard and valued. “From the first moment in class to the very last session he hosted in his home, Dr. Bevington was encouraging, engaging, deeply knowledgeable, and considered each of his students’ contributions to the dialogue a valued part of the learning,” she said. “He connected the humanity of Shakespeare, Thomas More, and Christopher Marlowe to the present day. For me, it was astounding and transformative. Suddenly, the dedication to an academic life became a valued commodity. I had always seen my undergraduate degree as a means to an end, but in his class, learning for its own sake became meaningful.”
In honor of the Bevington family’s immense contributions to education, this anonymous student recently committed $300,000 to the launch the David and Peggy Bevington Scholarship Fund, which seeks to open the doors of liberal education to more lifelong learners.
“Dr. Bevington’s passion for teaching deserves attention, reward, and recognition,” she said. “Experiencing first-hand the joy he had in seeing ideas constantly reshaped and renewed through students’ eyes was inspirational. There was no wrong idea, only a wider berth created for students to develop their own thinking. I hope for that spirit to be remembered and repeated, not only by his colleagues, but also by every student moving through the Graham School program.”
That sense of intellectual generosity and belonging stayed with this student long after the course ended. What began as a single course grew into a lasting appreciation for the kind of teaching that invites curiosity, rigor, and human connection. Years later, that gratitude found expression in a gift made in Dr. Bevington’s name, a tribute that also honors his wife, Peggy Bevington, whose own passion for teaching shaped generations of students during her time at the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. Together, the gift reflects a shared philosophy of education: one rooted in care, curiosity, and mentorship.
Honoring the Bevington Family
For the Bevingtons’ children, the scholarship is a meaningful tribute to their parents’ passion and dedication. Their son Steve Bevington reflected, “Our family could not be more pleased to see our parents’ legacy of lifelong learning continue. This generous tribute is perfectly targeted at supporting education in a way that we find meaningful and essential to progress and contentment.”
Their daughter Sarah Bevington added, “I am moved beyond words. We cannot be more pleased at the generous donor who recognized how important the Graham School was to my father. This gift supports the idea that learning should and must be a lifelong process, and that all people should have access to education throughout their lifespan. We are delighted and honored.”
Steve and Sarah shared stories that highlight the values guiding their parents’ lifelong dedication to learning. Steve recalled, “As educators, my mom, Peggy, a longtime teacher at the Lab School, had more formal training in teaching, but both of them understood that a flexible approach allowed them to reach students, friends, and family alike. They cared deeply about who they were instructing and loved the material they were discussing. In this way, they made learning exciting and meaningful in many ways.”
Sarah recalled, “Mom and Dad were well-matched. They were both gifted teachers, and each went out of their way to support and inspire students. They were outgoing and sociable people, with a talent for drawing others into conversation and thought. They connected easily, deeply, and honestly with others.”
Professor Bevington’s dedication to students extended beyond the classroom. Sarah remembered, “Dad always insisted on teaching more than his required load of classes. He continued to teach many entry-level courses throughout his career, never believing that teaching first-year students was beneath him. Despite high enrollment, he connected individually with students—regularly hosting classes and seminars at our family home, and biking weekly to Burton-Judson to have lunch with undergraduates. If any student asked for a letter of recommendation, he almost always said yes.”
Sarah also highlighted their parents’ broader contributions to lifelong learning: “For many years, they led trips for the UChicago Alumni Association: first to the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Canada, then to Oxford University, and later on Caribbean cruises. Mom did much of the research into the history and literary significance of the places they visited, and together they led talks and seminars. Many alumni returned year after year because of the connection they felt with Mom and Dad.”
How the Bevington Scholarship Supports Lifelong Learning
Scholarships at Graham play a vital role in expanding access to education for students of all backgrounds. The David and Peggy Bevington Scholarship Fund will specifically support students in the Basic Program of Liberal Education for Adults, enabling learners to engage fully in discussion-based courses, explore complex texts, and participate in a transformative curriculum without the stress of financial constraints. Scholarships like this one help ensure that the benefits of lifelong learning, critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and personal growth, are available to everyone, at every stage of life.
