CCS Pays Tribute to Anne Beck, Longtime Leader and Former Vice President

The College for Creative Studies is deeply saddened by the passing of Anne Beck, a cherished member of our community and former Vice President for Administration and Finance.

Anne passed away on April 25, 2025 at the age of  69 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband Bruce Beck; children Stephanie Beck, Bryan (Meghan) Beck, Billy (Roni) Balconi; grandchildren Nolan and Isla; and siblings Tom (Kris) Greene, Cathy (Dave) Pike, and Bob (Suzy) Greene.

For nearly three decades, until her retirement in 2022, Anne served as an integral part of CCS’s leadership. Her tenure was marked by significant contributions, which included the strategic redesign of the campus budget model, oversight of financing and construction of the Walter B. Ford building and Ford Campus parking garage, and the securing of the complex financing for the development of the A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education. Her profound knowledge and strong leadership proved invaluable in guiding CCS through numerous institutional milestones.

“CCS is grateful for Anne’s wisdom and dedicated service,” reflected Don Tuski, CCS President. “She was a driving force in the College’s progress, providing stability during challenging periods and laying a robust foundation for our future. I am deeply saddened by her passing and extend my heartfelt condolences to her family. Anne was a truly valued member of the CCS community, and her loss will be profoundly felt.”

“Anne Beck’s remarkable financial and leadership skills were instrumental to CCS’s transformation into the world-class institution it is today. Whether developing facilities, managing budgets, or shouldering her many other responsibilities, she labored tirelessly in the best interests of our students, faculty and staff,” shared former CCS President Rick Rogers. “We had a tremendous working relationship for 24 years. I greatly valued her abundant talents and her sound advice. She left an indelible mark on the College. I’m deeply saddened by her loss.”

Beyond her dedication to CCS, Anne was actively engaged in the Detroit community. She served on the boards of Midtown Detroit, Inc., the Local Initiative Support Corporation Detroit Advisory Board, and the predecessor board for University Prep Art and Design Middle and High School. Notably, she also played a key role in facilitating Shinola’s decision to establish its headquarters within the Taubman Center.

More information about memorial arrangements →