 Dr. Begian retired from the University of Illinois in 1984.In 1985, he was lured out of retirement to become the director of the Purdue University Symphonic Band from 1985-1987.Then director of bands at Purdue J Richard Dunscomb stated, "We think he's going to bring the same kind of excitement to the concert band that Bill Moffit is bringing to the marching band program" about recruiting the "internationally known conductor."