What started as a dream has now become reality. On April 19, 2008 the state-of-the-art, 11,250 square foot training center located at UWA’s Tartt Baseball Field was named the Dora Dahlberg Beard Indoor Practice Facility. 

The naming opportunity was made possible through kind contributions to the university by Mrs. Beard’s family. “We greatly appreciate Anthony Beard (son) and Paul Beard (husband) for their kind contributions and for allowing us to honor Mrs. Beard in such a special way” said UWA Director of Athletics E. J. Brophy. “She had a very special place in her heart for our university and Tiger Athletics, and we take great pride in having her name adorn the best indoor practice facility for baseball and softball in the state of Alabama”.

The type of facility looked upon with envy by even the largest Division I schools, the Dora Dahlberg Beard Indoor Practice Facility provides world class training opportunities for all UWA baseball and softball student-athletes, as well as exterior concession and restroom facilities for Tiger baseball fans enjoying UWA’s famous “outfield decks” on gamedays.

 The late Mrs. Beard’s affinity with UWA included the fact that her daughter, Stephanie Beard Tesney, is a graduate of the university. Her nephew, Rob Dahlberg, is a standout baseball player for the Tigers and her niece, Kate Dahlberg, is a sophomore at the university this fall.