Mrs. Covington's friendships with staff members inspired the Staff Senate, after her death, to establish an award in her memory. Each year at the staff picnic, the Bea Covington Award goes to a person who exemplifies the character and spirit of Mrs. Covington. Staff members are nominated by their colleagues. According to the award guidelines, those chosen "consistently demonstrate a positive attitude, are fun to be around and treat others with dignity, respect and kindness."
The most visible symbol of the Covingtons' legacy is the Douglas and Beatrice Covington Center for Visual and Performing Arts. Although Mrs. Covington did not live to see this elegant building completed, Dr. Covington attended the gala opening in November, 2008. The university, the local community and dear friends and family came together on that occasion to honor him and to celebrate his service, leadership and vision. Dr. Covington often commented on how proud and humbled he was to have a building named after him and his beloved Bea.
The H. Douglas and Beatrice M. Covington Endowed Scholarship in the Performing Arts was established after Bea's death to honor Dr. and Mrs. Covington. The family requests that anyone wishing to memorialize the Covingtons do so by making a gift to the scholarship fund. Donations may be sent to the Radford University Foundation, P.O. Box 6893, Radford, VA 24142. Please note the name of the scholarship on the check's memo line.
