For Carla Beam ’76, giving comes with a sense of joy.
By Bennett Campbell Ferguson
October 2, 2026
In her 50 years since graduating, Carla Beam ’76 has been grateful for something she got from Reed that has served her in all aspects of life. “I learned to be fearless about what I don’t know—because I came away with the tools and the mindset to take any problem, any challenge, and to figure it out,” she says.
Carla brings a spirit of openness to everything she does, including philanthropy. Inspired by the generosity of fellow trustees Roger Perlmutter ’73 and Martha Darling ’66, she made a $100,000 multiyear pledge to the Annual Fund. “It was a big step up for me,” Carla says. “I’m not wealthy. But at the end of the day, I realized what I might give up was insignificant compared to what those dollars could accomplish, for others…and for myself.”
At Reed, Carla wrote her psychology thesis on the concept of internal versus external locus of control, positing that people who were philanthropic would measure higher on the internal scale—believing in the impact of their actions to bring about positive outcomes.
In her personal, professional and volunteer endeavors since graduating, Carla has been involved in all aspects of philanthropy, both giving and asking for financial support for organizations, including Reed. “I’ve seen the impact of those dollars on communities and institutions,” she says. “But I’ve also seen the joy that generous people get from giving.”
During her four years as an alumni trustee, Carla’s longtime commitment to her alma mater deepened. “I saw firsthand the quality of the leadership, faculty, staff, and students,” she says. “And I saw the commitment to producing graduates who are prepared to take on the big challenges of our world.”
As a donor, Carla invests not only in Reedies, but in the qualities that she believes define them—rigor, curiosity, and optimism. “They are also people who are willing to work hard,” she says. “That’s a really important skill that’s underrated.”
Another underrated skill: helping others finding meaningful ways to give, which Carla does as an Annual Fund volunteer. “It starts with asking questions to learn how Reed impacted them or what they care most about,” she says. “It’s a bit like matchmaking. When you find the right fit for their gift, donors feel the joy.”
