JMU Center for Economic Education honored with national award 

The Council for Economic Education (CEE) has awarded James Madison University’s Center for Economic Education with the 2024 Albert Beekhuis Award.  

The Beekhuis Award recognizes an affiliated Center for Economic Education in the CEE network for outstanding performance in working with teachers and for exhibiting excellence in the delivery of high-quality programs and outreach to its community.  

CEE’s Senior Director of Programs Kevin Gotchet stated, “Dr. Albert Beekhuis was a lifelong believer in the value and importance of economic literacy and a longstanding supporter of the mission of the Council for Economic Education. The programs offered by the JMU center, and the commitment to driving forward the mission of providing the best and most effective economic and financial education to teachers, students, and the community at large make the JMU center deserving of this award.” 

John Kruggel, director of the JMU center, credits the award to the public-private partnership between the JMU College of Business and Your Economic Success (YES).

“This award is a testament to the support we receive through the College of Business and our funders at Your Economic Success," said Kruggel. "The public-private partnership between JMU and YES goes back to the founding of our Center in 1981. This partnership provides funding and support for our center and allows us to provide programming and assistance to local schools and nonprofits. With the continued support of JMU and YES, our center increases economic and personal finance education throughout our community and the region,” Kruggel added. 

Kruggel and center Associate Director Lauren Shifflett accepted the Beekhuis Award on Sept. 26 at the CEE’s 63rd annual Financial Literacy and Economic Education Conference in Cleveland, Ohio.