Al Bean is only the third person since 1955 to serve as Director of Athletics at the University of Southern Maine. Bean has been part of the Huskies community for five decades, beginning as a member of the baseball team. Since then, he has fulfilled many roles and been instrumental in USM Athletics.

The National Association of Division III Athletic Administrators (NADIIIAA) announced Thursday, August 12 that Bean is one of two recipients of the 2021 Richard A. Rasmussen Lifetime Achievement Award.

Recipients of this award, named after NADIIIAA’s Executive Director, are presented to those who have had a significant impact on Division III sports throughout the course of their career.

“This is an absolutely incredible honor, and I am truly humbled to be receiving an award named for Dick Rasmussen, who has been such a mentor to so many people working in NCAA Division III,” commented Bean.

Bean has a long list of awards and accolades, and he is deservedly now adding to it this lifetime achievement award.