Academic scholarship fund established in tribute to Mark Beaumont
AIAS to award yearly scholarships to students in former Capcom COO's honour
The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences is to offer a new academic scholarship in honour of Mark Beaumont, the former COO of Capcom North America and Europe who passed away suddenly on February 23.
The endowment, established by the AIAS Foundation, will award four yearly $2500 scholarships to students attending accredited universities.
Beaumont had worked in the games industry for almost 30 years and been with Capcom since 2005, serving as senior VP and executive VP before being promoted to COO in April 2008. Prior to his time at Capcom, he served in roles with Midway Games, Time Warner Interactive, Activision, Sony's Psygnosis and Atari.
"Never one to seek the spotlight, Mark Beaumont has been a patient and invaluable mentor to me and the hundreds of other people he has touched over the course of nearly three decades in the industry," said Christian Svensson, corporate officer and VP of strategic planning & business development at Capcom, and AIAS board member.
"When you look at all of the games and brands he’s touched and people whose respect he has earned, I can think of no one that is more deserving of this honour than Mark."
"Mark Beaumont exemplified the qualities that define success within the world of interactive entertainment. The Academy Foundation believes that encouraging young adults to pursue careers within the business of interactive entertainment is the most fitting way to honour Mark and his accomplishments," added Joseph Olin, president of AIAS.
Further information on the Mark Beaumont Scholarship Fund can be found on the AIAS website.