This award is in honor of the late Dr. Paul Beck who was a professor of history at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Dr. Beck was the consummate professor who not only excelled in the university setting, but he was also a true friend to the social studies teachers in public and private education. He is a past president of the NSCSS and one of its founding fathers. Any college/university professor or teacher at the public or private level is eligible for this award.