Doug Williams with Gary Beban

CSM’s Athletic Department recently welcomed Gary Beban, the 1967 Heisman Trophy winner and a former professional football player, to the college to speak with the Bulldog baseball team. Beban, a Sequoia High School graduate, is senior executive managing director of the global commercial real estate giant CB Richard Ellis based in Chicago. He spoke as part of the baseball team’s Successful Speaker’s Series which brings members of the community to campus to speak about success both on and off the playing field. Beban discussed his success after his football career ended and offered advice for student athletes about achieving success in life beyond sports. A well-rounded college student, Beban also earned academic honors and went on to earn a B.A. degree in history from UCLA. Following a three-year stint in the NFL, he launched what has become a highly successful career in corporate commercial real estate business. Beban has held a number of executive positions in CB Richard Ellis and eventually rose to president and general manager of the company. Although he is recently retired, Beban continues to serve as its senior executive managing director.

Beban has the distinction of being UCLA’s only Heisman winner.  In the 1966 Rose Bowl, he scored both of UCLA’s touchdowns in the Bruin’s 14-12 victory over number one ranked Michigan State.  In 1967, Beban and UCLA (No. 1) were pitted against O.J. Simpson of USC (No. 2). Although Beban threw for 301 yards and two touchdowns, USC took a 21-20 victory in what is considered one of the best college football games ever played. Despite the close loss to USC, in 1967, Beban was awarded the Heisman as the nation’s top collegiate football player.