'Brian Beam made the world a better place': Elk Grove college student dies of cancer
This story was amended to correct the days of the visitation and funeral.
A 20-year-old Elk Grove Village resident who died of a rare and aggressive type of brain cancer is being remembered as a talented student and kind person.
Brian Beam, a 2016 graduate of Conant High School in Hoffman Estates, died Tuesday while in hospice care. His family was with him.
Beam was diagnosed with glioblastoma in November 2017 during his sophomore year at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. He was studying nuclear engineering at the school and was a member of the Naval Reserve Officers' Training Corps.
Beam's mother, Lydia, described her son as wise beyond his years. He loved reading from an early age - and cooking and baking, too.
"There was no recipe that was too hard," she said.
Instead of watching cartoons as a kid, Beam enjoyed cooking shows featuring Emeril Lagasse, Alton Brown and other TV personalities, she said.
Lydia Beam also recalled how her son liked wearing polo shirts to school when he was younger instead of less-formal T-shirts. He told her he wanted his teachers to know he meant business.
Beam was an academically gifted student, Conant High Principal Julie Nowak recalled. As a graduating senior, Beam received the Richard C. Kolze Award for Academic Excellence and the Social Studies Department Award.
But Beam was more than a good student. He also was kind and compassionate, Nowak said.
"He was constantly researching his interests and looking toward improvement in systems for a better school, community and world," Nowak said. "Brian was one to watch."
Beam had been a prominent member of Conant's debate team. He was the first four-time varsity member and two-time captain in team history, debate coach Frank Kernats said.
Beam was a student in Kernats' Advanced Placement U.S. history class. Kernats said Beam's love of learning "earned him the respect of the faculty and student body at Conant."
The current debate team and alumni held a fundraiser for Beam and his family earlier this year. Beam attended and served as the event's presiding officer.
"Simply put, Brian Beam made the world a better place in the short time he was with us," Kernats said.
Visitation is scheduled for 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 3, at Ahlgrim & Sons Funeral Home, 330 W. Golf Road, Schaumburg.
A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 4, at Willow Creek Community Church, 67 Algonquin Road, South Barrington.
In addition to his mother, Beam is survived by his father, Robert.
An online fundraiser was established to help cover Beam's medical costs and related expenses. To contribute, visit gofundme.com/dy3pb-brians-battle.