Friends of Science Park

Purpose

The Friends of Science Park is an appointive board that assists the Director of the Science Park - Research Division and works within the organizational structure of the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and its Board of Visitors and The University Cancer Foundation. The purpose of the Friends of Science Park is to further the mission of the Science Park - Research Division by all available means with emphasis upon public relations and financial assistance through encouraging gifts, grants and bequests. All efforts are in concert with the objectives of the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

History

The organizational meeting of a group of eight prominent citizens of Bastrop County was held in the Conference Center of the Science Park - Research Division on September 25, 1984. Mr. Francis "Babe" Shirocky served as Chairman, and the Charter Members included Mr. Jack Griesenbeck, Mr. Cecil Long, Mr. Paul Welch, Jr., Mr. Warren Higgins, Mrs. Silky Crockett, Mr. Yerger Hill, and Mr. T. K. Dixon. The initial topics discussed were M. D. Anderson's Annual Campaign and the desire for the development of a conference facility. Mr. Shirocky served as the first Chairman of the group and throughout its developing years. His term ended in 1988.

Efforts to restructure the Friends of Science Park into a more organized, active, and dynamic board were initiated in June 1988. A committee was appointed to examine the Bylaws of the Board of Visitors of the University of Texas System Cancer Center and to prepare an outline for recommendation to the members of Friends of Science Park. The Friends approved the proposal, and it was subsequently approved by the administration of M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. On September 1, 1988, the new structure for Friends of Science Park was in place. Since that time, the organization has continued to grow under the leadership of chairpersons serving one-year terms. They have included Dr. Earl Walborg, Mrs. Silky Crockett, Mr. Charlie Jones, Mr. Steve Rivers, Mayor Vernon Richards, Mr. Jack Chance, Mr. Douglass Nichols, Mrs. Eleanor Mutschink, Mr. David Weir, Mr. Wallace Lundgren, Mr. Jim Cowan, Mrs. Elaine Seidel, Mr. Derek Van Gilder, Mr. Brad Hurta, Ms. Gina Chronis, Mr. Mark Lehnick, Mr. Lynn Frerich, Mr. Tex Middlebrook, and Mrs. Nancy Fritsche.

Annual BBQ and Auction

The Annual Friends of Science Park Barbecue, held each spring on the grounds of the Science Park - Research Division campus, is a major effort to encourage community awareness. In 1995, live and silent auctions were added as a fundraiser to the annual barbecue. All money raised from the auctions is used on the Science Park - Research Division campus for various research needs.

Current Membership and Roster of Officers

Currently, 90 members from Smithville, Bastrop, Flatonia, Elgin, Paige, Giddings, Columbus, Eagle Lake, Victoria, LaGrange, Columbus, Muldoon, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston serve as Friends of Science Park. This group continues to promote the Science Park - Research Division throughout the area and to energetically address the many needs of the institution and its staff who research the many areas of cancer cause and prevention. The Friends of Science Park currently meet quarterly on campus for a luncheon and program presentation by one of the faculty or an institutional representative.

2006-2007

Officers

 Chairperson - Mrs. Nancy Fritsche
Chairperson Elect - Ms. Lenel Walsh
Vice Chairperson - Dr. Roger Hewitt
Secretary - Mrs. Renee Blaschke
Immediate Past-Chairperson - Mr. Tex Middlebrook

Standing Committee Chairpersons

 Membership - Mrs. Elaine Seidel
Public and Governmental Relations - Mr. Johnny Sanders
Financial Assistance - Mr. Mark Sheffield