2018

I N T H I S I SS U E

LEAVING A LEGACYIf you’ve visited the new Fossil Preparation Laboratory in the Morian Hall of Paleontology, you’ve probably met Dr. Rikki Raflo. Eight hours a day, five days a week, Rikki volunteers her time to the Houston Museum of Natural Science. While you can usually find Rikki chiseling away at microfossils in the Lab, she can also be found giving tours to students in the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals, answering questions at the touch cart, showing off her favorite dinosaur, Lane the Triceratops, or mentoring volunteers.

In addition to the time Dr. Raflo dedicates to the museum, her major financial support has allowed HMNS to fulfill a longtime dream of opening the Fossil Preparation Laboratory. Fossil preparation is the removal of matrix to expose fossil specimens by mechanical, manual or chemical means. Thanks to Dr. Raflo’s donation, HMNS can now bring the field to the Museum’s visitors.

Growing up, Rikki says no one would have guessed she would be visiting Antarctica or Argentina to learn about dinosaurs. Rikki remembers a time when she was terrified of them, “when I was young, I was at the Field Museum in Chicago and I had to be carried out of their Paleo Hall screaming.”

On most days, Dr. Raflo is found in the back of the lab, working to clear out the microfossils embedded in matrix – given the name “Tuffy” by the staff. Using dentist-like tools, vinegar, and water, Rikki washes and picks away the matrix in an attempt to isolate the teeth fossils for further examination. The process can take weeks and it is no wonder she has spent hundreds of hours volunteering in the Paleo Lab since its opening in September 2018. Rikki is also working on receiving her Master Docent at HMNS. She has logged over 600 hours at the Museum since she first became involved in 2016 when she was cajoled into giving dinosaurs a second chance.

In addition to Dr. Raflo’s current involvement with the Museum, she is a member of the Museum’s planned giving program, Legacy Society. Rikki’s choice to include HMNS in her estate plan is yet another way for her to make a difference at the institution where she spends so much of her time.

To read more about the HMNS Legacy Society, please see page 5, or to learn how you can leave your legacy, please contact Katie Winston at 713-639-4615 or kwinston@hmns.org.

Dr. Rikki Raflo

Leaving a Legacy

Inside the New Fossil Preparation LabA Welcome for the Philanthropy Vice President

Gala 2018: Jewel of the Nile

Gala 2019: WOW: World of Wonder2018 Excellence in Science Luncheon

A Butterfly FlutterLegacy Society

Catalysts that Cause a Spark!

Donors Circles

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Dr. Rikki Raflo

2018 PROGRAM ANDEXHIBIT DONORS

$1,000,000 +AnonymousWalter Oil & Gas Corporation

$250,000 - $999,999Benton Family FoundationThe Carruth Foundation, Inc.

$100,000 - $249,999The Brown Foundation, Inc.John P. McGovern FoundationDr. Rikki Raflo

$50,000 - $99,999Fox and Monica Benton

FoundationExxonMobilThe Hamill FoundationOccidental PetroleumShell Oil Company

$25,000 - $49,999Allied Integrated MarketingLisa Young and Matt AssiffHarry W. Bass, Jr. FoundationDebra and Albert CejkaConocoPhillipsAndrew Delaney FoundationThe Garden Club of HoustonM. D. Anderson FoundationThe Newfield FoundationPhillips 66Vivian L. Smith Foundation

$10,000 - $24,999Chinhui and Edward Allen IIIBMC SoftwareThe Gordon A. Cain FoundationZane and Brady CarruthCFP FoundationDebra and Michael DishbergerJenny ElkinsEngineers’ Council of HoustonThe Favrot FundThe George FoundationAnnie and Robert GrahamHEB Tournament of ChampionsHMNS GuildKay and Ned HolmesKathy and Peter HuddlestonElise and Russell JosephMady and Ken KadesJeanie Kilroy Wilson and

Wallace WilsonKristi and George Lindahl IIIJoella and Steve MachMartha MageeFred and Mabel R. Parks

FoundationNancy and David PustkaCarroll and Hugh RayIsla and Thomas Reckling IIIGlen A. RosenbaumUnion Pacific FoundationMeg and Richard Weekley

$5,000 - $9,999The Junior League of Houston, Inc.Kinder Morgan FoundationMorgan StanleyJoe Pacetti and Tristan NievesWanda and Frederick SdaoDanielle Forget Shield and

Christopher ShieldRanda and K.C. Weiner

Visitors to HMNS have noticed a lot of changes to our halls, building, and programs over the past decade. From the new Duncan Wing to the massive Wiess Energy Hall, the Museum’s expansion has been fueled by a major source: our donors. What many of our guests might not know is that their beloved Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that receives no state or federal funding.

So how do we take your donations and turn them into impactful programming, special exhibits, new halls, and building upgrades? Through the hard work of the Department of Philanthropy.

The new Vice President of Philanthropy, Amy Chaisson, has been causing quite a reaction since assuming the position in July. With decades of experience in fundraising and a background in corporate litigation, Amy has raised many millions of dollars for the Museum during her 11 years at HMNS. Before entering the non-profit world, Amy worked in medical technology and laboratory medicine. Chemistry was her first passion. Seeing firsthand the impact of science education in her own life, Amy believes that

“exposing people, especially children, to the sciences and the miracles of the natural world is critical to the success of our city and our country.” It is this belief that makes Amy and her team work diligently to use your contributions to reach and inspire our city’s future explorers and scientists.

Her team’s newest challenge will be to fund the expansion and relocation of the Chemistry Hall. Amy is especially excited to engage with the Museum’s community of donors to help get this 15,000 square foot project off the ground. The newest iteration of the Hall will be called Matter & Motion: From Quantum Chemistry to Astrophysics. Amy quipped, “Just like a really cool chemistry experiment, the promise and the opportunities with this new Hall are bubbling over!” To learn more about how your donations fuel the future, visit www.hmns.org/support-hmns. And for more information on the new Matter & Motion: From Quantum Chemistry to Astrophysics, call Amy at 713-639-4746 or email achaisson@hmns.org.

FUELING THE FUTURE: PHILANTHROPY AT HMNS

The newest addition to the Morian Hall of Paleontology has the intention of answering this question for visitors. The HMNS Fossil Preparation Laboratory now allows a behind the scene look at what happens between the time a fossil is discovered and it is placed on display.

The new Fossil Preparation Lab, generously supported in part by Rikki C Raflo EdD and Col. Charles P Raflo DVM, provides HMNS visitors a real time view of museum staff and volunteers cleaning, sorting, and preparing undiscovered fossils. From behind a large glass window, future scientists, students, and dreamers can observe every detail of the process. Cameras above the workstation provide up close and personal examination of every chip and chisel, projecting exactly what the scientist sees though their microscope onto large TV monitors. Between exposing and preserving fossils, the prep team answers questions asked by on lookers. Use the press-to-talk intercom system to pick the expert’s brains while they pick away at a 50 million year old ammonite!

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“The public sees every bit of a paleontologists’ daily work. We do all kinds of prep work from gently chipping away rock from fossils to even the mounting of fossils,” Associate Curator of Paleontology, David Temple explained.

In addition to preparing our exhibits at HMNS, the new lab also benefits other institutions. Using 3D printing and scanning, HMNS volunteers can “share” fossils with other paleontologists for their own research, which creates teaching opportunities within the paleontology community.

The HMNS Fossil Preparation Laboratory is open daily from 10 am – 5 pm.

For more information about the Fossil Preparation Laboratory, please visit our website at www.hmns.org or call 713-639-4629.

HOW DOES A FOSSIL BECOME EXHIBIT READY?

Amy Chaisson, Vice President of Philanthropy

Paleo Lab

Paleo Lab

2018 PROGRAM ANDEXHIBIT DONORS(continued)

$1,000 - $4,999Anonymous DonationArupHarry S. and Isabel C. Cameron

FoundationSyndee and Daniel HowgateLee Ann Morris and

Kevin JakubenasNasa Alumni League, JSC ChapterNext Level Urgent CareEdward and Ellen Randall

FoundationRoberts Markel Weinberg Butler

Hailey, PCAlicia and Ed ScalaJohn VasquezWJ Interests, LLC

$500 - $999Anonymous DonationAnonymous DonationBPDGD Group, Inc.Karen and David Johnston, Jr.Thelma and Russell JonesLJA EngineeringJim McClellanAdam Mekler

* Gifts received as of January 1, 2018 to November 7, 2018. We have taken care to ensure the accurate recognition of our donors. If an error or omission does occur, we apologize and hope you will bring it to our attention by contacting Emily Brents at 713-639-4729.

2018 GALA UNDERWRITERS

CairoTeam Wiess

GizaAnadarkoJenna and Harris JunellRanda and Charlie Williams

MemphisBud Light/Silver Eagle Distributors ChevronCherie and Jim FloresT. Mark Kelly/Vinson & Elkins LLPThe Lobb FamilyKathrine G. McGovern

The Valley of the KingsThe Cockrell FoundationScott FreemanLawrence Family FoundationKelly and Bill Montgomery Laurie and S. Reed MorianKelli and John Weinzierl

ThebesAnonymous Armadillo Financial PartnersMonica and Fox BentonBurnett Law FirmDeb and Tim CejkaCarolyn and Platt DavisEnVen Energy CorporationExxonMobil Corporation Frost BankAlfred C. Glassell, IIIAnn and Henry HammanKathy and Peter HuddlestonNick JohnsonKristi and George LindahlJoella and Steve MachMarathon Oil CompanyOasis PetroleumOccidental Petroleum Optcapital, LLC, Mike McGarry, and

E&G AdvisorsThe Petersen Family Potts Law Firm Pulaski Law Firm

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HMNS 2018 GALA: JEWEL OF THE NILEWe were honored to have Jenna and Harris Junell, and Kay and Brandon Lobb co-chairing the annual HMNS Gala, Jewel of the Nile. The night of Luxor-y was held on Saturday, March 3rd at HMNS. This year’s Gala paid homage to the HMNS Hall of Ancient Egypt, and the rich culture and history of the fertile Nile River.

More than 800 guests were greeted by camels as they were transported back in time to the days of the Middle Kingdom. Attendees enjoyed cocktails while they explored our silent auction filled with gems, fossils, minerals, and museum experiences, which would leave Queen Nefertiti speechless. Guests were ushered by royal escorts into the exhibit halls for a seated dinner fit for a pharaoh, provided by City Kitchen. The night concluded with dancing in the shadow of the pyramids to the sounds of Inside Out.

We would like to thank our many supporters for their monumental gifts to this year’s gala, which raised over $1.3 million! Funds raised from Jewel of the Nile benefit the Museum’s general operating budget, which sustains our many programs and fosters a love of science and discovery for two million visitors, school groups, summer campers, and scouts annually.

Christian O’Neil, Lisa Oren, Greg Eidman

Anne Hamman andStephen Brolier

Tommy Smith andWally Wilson

Terry and Tommy Smith

Laurie and Reed Morian

Jackie McGreevy, Kristen McMackin, Kristi Kincannon,Jenna Junell, Kay Lobb, Lori Herod, Shelley Iglesias

Paleo Dining Cleopatra Bottle Service

Harris and Jenna Junell, Kay and Brandon Lobb, Gala Chairs

Susanne and Joel Bartsch, HMNS President

Reisman Karron Greene LLPStrake FoundationStratos Medical Review Carolyn and Garry TannerAnnaLee and Andy WaiteWestbound BankJeanie Kilroy Wilson and Wallace

S. WilsonWoodforest Commercial Banking

LuxorAcclaim EnergyElva and Truett Akin/ Jennifer and

Steve ShellistAmerica’s Choice Home LoansLisa Young and Matt Assiff Carole and Ken BaileyBank of the OzarksCourtney and Bill Toomey/ BB&TKatherine and Edward Bialas/

Kristie and Kyle Kafka/ Liz and Robert Mann/ Georgia and Michael Piazza/ Meredith and Langston Turner

Jessica and Fred Brazelton/ Susan and Mike Heldebrand/ Elizabeth and Wyatt Hogan/ Susanand David Light/ Christine and Shea Morenz/ Leslie and Randy Newcomer

Ashley and Tab Bryan/Marjorie and Michael Dale/Kristen and Brian McMackin/ Kelly and Blake McWherter/ Macari and Neil Potter

Kristen and David Buck/ Deirdre and Francis Carr/ Rachel and Mark Lawrence/ Joy and Edward Randall/ Christine and Chip VanOs

Cadence BankThe Gordon A. Cain FoundationZane and Brady Carruth Cattan and Reppert FamiliesDrs. Mary R. Schwartz and David

A. CechCharlie and Evans Christ/ Erin

and Boyd Heath/ Natalie and Roy Horlock/Ally and Korsh Jafarnia/ Jackie and Connelly McGreevy

Ashley and Sam Cruse/ Nicole and Greg Eidman/ Stacey and Jeff Henningsen/ Trish and Jay Kyle/ Courtney and Christian O’Neal

The Friedkin GroupEleni and Thad Fuller/ Lorie and

Steve Herod/ Shelley and Billy Iglesias/ Katherine and Stewart Jones/ Kristi and Robert Kincannon/ Dr. and Mrs. Michael O’Shell

Janita and Garney Griggs/ Jeanne Moses/ Cynthia and Richard Snell/ Suzi and Doug Swanson/ Gail and Ed Withers

Hildebrand FundHolland & Knight LLPJill and Scott HolsteadInsgroup, INC / Liz and Woody

WoodardCarol and Ed JunellJulianne and Chris KugleLocke Lord LLP Jennifer and Joel MooreOFS Energy Fund, LLCPorter Hedges LLPReal CodersAmy Chaisson and Marlin E.

Sandlin, Jr. Sidley Austin LLP/ David Buck/

George VlahakosSarah and Gregg SnyderCynde and Chris StavrosCourtney and Doug SwansonJune Russell and Robert UlrichUSI SouthwestMollie and Kent WallaceTraci and John Young

George and Kristi Lindahl

The 2018 Excellence in Science Luncheon was an all-star event held on November 6th at River Oaks Country Club. Guests enjoyed listening to the President of the Houston Astros, Reid Ryan. Just back from the playoffs, Reid Ryan gave a play-by-play of the math behind winning a World Series. HMNS would like to thank the General Managers (Co-Chairs): Andrew Bosarge, David Frankfort, Randy Hale, Kevin Lilly, Bill Montgomery, Reed Morian, and Tom Roupe for knocking it out of the ballpark.

Each fall the Museum recognizes two high school students and two teachers who have distinguished themselves among their peers in the pursuit of STEM education at our annual Excellence in Science Luncheon. Selected through a review process, with applicants from the greater Houston area schools, these students and teachers exemplify the Museum’s mission. Through the generosity of the board of trustees of The Cockrell Foundation, an endowment was established at the Houston Museum of Natural Science to recognize the contributions of teachers and students who excel in science education.

HMNS is grateful to all our donors and participants for their astronomical support!

2018 EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE AWARDS

Please join our Chairs, Susanne and Joel Bartsch, for our annual gala, WOW: World of Wonder, on Saturday, March 2, 2019. This year’s Gala will honor the Cockrell Family and The Cockrell Foundation, for their 35 years of support.

By supporting the 2019 Gala, WOW: World of Wonder, you help educate and inspire the next generation of explorers.

Individual tickets start at $500 and tables of 10 at $5,000. For sponsorship and ticket inquiries, contact Sveta Darnell at 713-639-4734 or sdarnell@hmns.org.

Evelyn Frensley Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement in Science or Mathematics

Edward Li, Clear Lake High School, CCISDEmily Marshburn, Stratford High School, SBISD

Wilhelmina C. Robertson Excellence in Science or Mathematics Teaching Awards

Alex Jones, Horn Elementary, HISDDebbie Harris, St. Francis Episcopal School, Houston

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Alex Jones, Emily Marshburn, Reid Ryan, Edward Li, Joel Bartsch, and Debbie Harris

2018 GALA UNDERWRITERS(continued)

AswanSheri and Camp Bailey Lynn Baker and Sam Dinkin Molly and Allen Brivic Staci and Hunter CameronDenic Enterprises Cheryl and Rennie DoverThomas JacksonHarriet and Truett LatimerAnne and Dr. John MendelsohnLainie Gordon and David Mincberg Roslyn and Derrick Mitchell Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. SmithKatie and Bobby StantonEloise and James TaussigSusan and Andrew TruscottCarol and Carl Vartian Kay Lee and Gene WerlinLaura and Bill Wheless

ContributorsRuthie and Gene BurrusStaci and Hunter Cameron Gina and Colby CrenshawHilda and Greg CurranLeisa and Andrew DillonPepper and W. Ashley EdensCourtney and Jason FertittaNancy and James GordonCari and John GriggsKirksey and Cecilia HankamerMartha HouseBrenda and Brad JonesLaura and Steve JonesMarie Louise and David KinderSteven KherkherAmy and Gentry LeeLexitas LegalMegan and John LovoiKim and Scott MartinBill and Christie McCartneyGinni and Richard MithoffJennifer and Jimmy MurchisonKatherine and William PhelpsBarbara and Corby Robertson, Jr. Beth and Chase RobisonAimee and Wynne SnootsMartha Ann and Byron SnyderKaren and Harry SusmanWhite Family Foundation/Andrew

and Stacey White

2018 ANNUAL FUND DONORS

$100,000 +ChevronCullen Foundation

$50,000 - $99,999Apache CorporationConocoPhillipsThe Hamill FoundationJohn P. McGovern FoundationPhillips 66The Powell Foundation

$25,000 - $49,999AramcoMarathon Oil CompanySouthwestern EnergySterling-Turner FoundationT.L.L. Temple Foundation

$10,000 - $24,999Michael and Rebecca Cemo

FoundationThe Crain FoundationAnn and Randy FowlerFrost BankPalmer FoundationWilliam E. and Natoma Pyle Harvey

Charitable TrustPwC

Reid Ryan, President of the Houston Astros

HMNS 2019 GALA: WOW: WORLD OF WONDER

CREATE A LEGACY AT HMNS Board member Ann Brinkerhoff announced in 2012 theHMNS Legacy Society designed to honor individuals who provide for the Museum through planned gifts. “We are pleased to provide this opportunity to recognize the thoughtful individuals who make the type of gift that many times is reserved for family and close friends,” said Ann. She was instrumental in recruiting current and former Board and Guild members to the Legacy Society Committee to set guidelines for membership, define benefits and encourage their peers to join. “I was so honored to lead a group of like-minded individuals who share a love of and commitment to the Museum,” said Ann.

Members of the HMNS Legacy Society receive exclusive benefits for their visionary gifts including invitations to special exhibition receptions, and recognition in Museum publications.

Individuals who provide for the Museum in the following ways are welcome and eligible for HMNS Legacy Society membership:

• Name the Museum as a beneficiary in their will.• Designate the Museum as a beneficiary of retirement assets including

an IRA, 401(k), 403 (b) or other pension plans.• Donate a life insurance policy to the Museum or simply name it

as a beneficiary.• Create a charitable trust with the Museum.• Establish a charitable gift annuity through the Museum.• Promise a gift of artifact(s) that the Museum has agreed to accept.• Provide a future gift from a private foundation that honors an

individual as a lifelong supporter.

To enroll in HMNS Legacy Society, contact Katie Winston at 713-639-4615 or kwinston@hmns.org. Gift details are not required; however any information that you wish to share will be held in strictest confidence.

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$5,000 - $9,999Jimmy C. DunneExxonMobilHarriet and Stuart GrossmanMarie and Gray HallKathy and Peter HuddlestonMary Ann NewmanSandra WilkensLeewood and Thomas Woodell

$1,000 - $4,999Abuso Catering CompanyNancy AllenMary and John ArensdorfDonna and Mike BahorichCarol Baker Carol and Stephen BanksJ.D. Bartell Anna Mae and Victor BeghiniSudha BidaniBowen FoundationJane and Edward Braun Maria BrewerThe Bunchberry FoundationMary R. Schwartz and David A.

CechAnna and Frederick CharltonCity Kitchen LLCNancy and Sam ConnerDebby and Ralph CunninghamRuth and Walter DishbergerDeborah and Marshall DujkaAnne and Charles DuncanNancy Fischer Harriet and Joe Foster Michael and Janet FourticqBeverly and Michael FrazierKerry GalvinCindy and Bill GeiserMarilynne and Fred GormanJean and Donald GrayLou Ann and Milton GrayPatricia and Greg HazlettAlbert and Ethel Herzstein

Charitable FoundationCarolyn and Bill HollandCarrie HorneHouston Methodist Sugar Land

HospitalAdrienne and Larry JacobsonVirginia and John JoinerGaye and John KelseyAnne KinderCandy and Tom KnudsonLawanda and Edward LaaseKathleen and Randall LakeJoni and Neal LaneHarriet and Truett LatimerPamela LeaJoyce and Robert LevineCynthia and Richard LoewensternMarilyn LummisBruce LundstromKristine and John MaclayKarri and Joey MahmoudChristy and William ManuelJudy and Kenneth MargolisDavid Peavy and Stephen

McCauleyNora and John McGowanMelange CateringMelcher Charitable FoundationMargaret and Robert Mihalo Lainie Gordon and David Mincberg Patricia and Jerry OliverThe Post Oak SchoolGlen A. RosenbaumBrenda and Mansel RubensteinLinda and Jerry RubensteinClive RunnellsAmy Chaisson and Marlin E.

Sandlin, Jr.Mary Margaret and Russ SchulzeAgnes and Lindsey ShortSue and Lester SmithSally and Robert ThomasGinya and Clayton TrierJune Russell and Robert UlrichAdrienne and Timothy UngerRachael and Jason VolzMillicent and R. Paul Wear, Jr. Carolyn and Richard Weiss Laura and Bill Wheless

A BUTTERFLY FLUTTER 2018This past February, families and friends gathered throughout The Houston Museum of Natural Science’s Cockrell Butterfly Center and courtyard for the annual A Butterfly Flutter children’s event. Thanks to the wonderful 2018 chairs, Alex and Bobby Stillwell, and Katie and Robby Zorich, HMNS raised over $33,000! Three hundred guests enjoyed the butterfly center, arts and crafts activities, face painting, and insect petting zoo.

A BUTTERFLY FLUTTER 2019Spread your wings and fly to HMNS on Saturday, February 23, 2019 for the next A Butterfly Flutter. Enjoy our complimentary mimosa bar while your little “caterpillar” flies through a fun-filled morning of papilio activities. Funds from A Butterfly Flutter benefit the operating budget of the Cockrell Butterfly Center and education programs at HMNS. The 2019 A Butterfly Flutter Chairmen, Jennie and Doug Getten and Laura and Jamie Weaver, hope you will migrate to the Museum to support the best butterfly center in the Southwest!

To be a part of the excitement please contact Sveta Darnell at713-639-4734 or sdarnell@hmns.org

Photos by Priscilla Dickson.

Katie and Robby Zorich and children

Ella and Emma Tramuto Bobby and Alex Stillwell

Nicole, Alex, andRoxy Katz

Mary Langham Potter, Paulie Young, Sofia Darnell, Kendall Potter

Stacy and John Wilkirson Liz and Woody Woodard Edith and Robert Zinn

$500 - $999Carol and A.L. BallardJo and Bernard BensonMary and Richard CallawayCheryl and Carl CarlucciParrish ErwinElena and Dodd HackmanTeruhiko HagiwaraAnn and Arthur JonesJennifer and Chris LaporteJonathan ParkerLynn and Alex RosasBarbara and Louis SklarAnita and Bill Smith Terry and Tommy SmithJerry Ann Woodfin-Costa and

Victor CostaErla and Harry Zuber

* Gifts received as of January 1, 2018 to November 7, 2018. We have taken care to ensure the accurate recognition of our donors. If an error or omission does occur, we apologize and hope you will bring it to our attention by contacting Emily Brents at 713-639-4729.

Annual Fund 2017 Donors

$25,00 to $50,000 John P. McGovern FoundationT.L.L. Temple Foundation

$10,000 to $24,999Susanne and Melbern G.

GlasscockPalmer Foundation

$5,000 to $9,999Melza and F.T. BarrSusanne and Joel BartschAndrew Bosarge The Gordon A. Cain FoundationAnn and Henry HammanJoan and Marvin KaplanDiana McSherry and Patrick PoeWilliam E. and Natoma Pyle

Harvey Charitable TrustKeith and Mattie Stevenson

Foundation

$2,000 to $4,999Carol and Bruce S. AppelbaumLee and Robert J. ArdellGaynor and Anthony BanhamClarruth A. Seaton-Barriault and

Arthur G. Barriault Janice BarrowBridgewater Associates, LPMarcie and David A. BristolVirginia A. Clark Judy and Arthur CoenOP Decker Memorial FoundationConnie and Eric Estopinal Marisa FrazierLainie Gordon and David Mincberg The Fruehauf FoundationHerzstein Charitable FoundationHuffington Foundation Karol Kreymer and Robert CardHarriet and Truett LatimerWalter LightLinda and Robert MullinsMartha PetersonThe Post Oak SchoolFairfax and Risher Randall Maria ShawBlakeley and William SmithBette and Ralph ThomasCarol and Carl Vartian Betty and M.C. Bill WalkerMequet and David WerlinKay Lee and Gene WerlinLisa and Daniel Wiecynski Bobbie and Herman T. Wilson

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For five years HMNS’ Young Professional group, HMNS Catalysts, have been mixing things up and causing a major reaction! We sat down with two of our Steering Committee members, Christine Dubbert and Ben Clemenceau, to see what they love most about the Museum and the group they have helped to grow.

Can you share your first or an early experience you had at HMNS?

Christine: HMNS is weaved into the fabric of my childhood memories - from attending Space Cadet camp in the summer, to going to special exhibits with my mom (Dead Sea Scrolls, The Lord of the Rings Exhibition, and the Vikings exhibit to name a few). My sharpest memories start in the summer of 2008, when I became a Moran Ecoteen. I was able to join the ranks of high school summer volunteers and help out in the summer camps as well as interact with the public with the touch carts and hall tours. This honor meant the six of us chosen were able to pick an artifact that would be donated to the Museum in our name. We poured over several items, but eventually agreed upon the beautiful shrimp fossil in the picture below. The Morian Hall of Paleontology was still in the initial ground breaking phases at the time. In 2012, when the exhibit finally opened, we finally got to see our shrimp installed!

Why did you join Catalysts and the HMNS Catalyst Steering Committee?

Christine: I joined Catalyst because I wanted to continue to support the Museum and meet fellow like-minded individuals. When I learned about the Steering Committee, I was excited to serve in that capacity. The Museum is an important part of my life and I want to support it as much as it’s supported me over the years.

Ben: I’m a firm believer that you get out of a city or community what you put into it. As a child my parents had an “activity jar” with hundreds of little folded pieces of paper in it. Each weekend we’d do a random draw, and my brother and I always hoped mom would pick the “HMNS” slip. For all the fun and great memories this Museum gave me I wanted to give back. I felt that joining the Steering Committee was a great way to help encourage new generations of donors and participants. Houston is growing in size and offerings, and I’d like to help the Museum follow that same trajectory however I can.

What has been your favorite Catalyst event?

Ben: I have great memories from the first kickoff event, but I think a favorite of mine would be one of the first Gem Hall parties we had. The party spilled out of the Gem Hall to the upper level of the atrium just outside. We had great food, crafts and activities, a hilarious magician, and so many more things to see and do. It really felt like a proper celebration of HMNS, its great collections, and its engaging personnel.

Why should people join Catalysts?

Christine: Because it’s fun! My friends and I always look forward to each Catalyst event. You get to eat, drink, see your friends, make some fun crafts, and learn something new. Hard to beat an exciting night like that!

Ben: Anyone passionate about the museum and eager to support it as it grows should join! The member benefits are great, and it’s a great way to meet people. More importantly though, the money goes to a good cause. I think the mission of the HMNS is invaluable to Houston, and by joining you’re helping further that cause.

What impact do you think Catalysts could have at HMNS?

Ben: I think with our numbers we’ve got reach. I’m confident the Catalysts can become a real force in developing new, young patrons. Many of our Catalysts have valuable input, and are a part of Houston’s latest spike in growth. They’re in-touch, and ready to help the Museum grow too.

For more information about joining Catalysts, please visit our website at www.hmns.org/catalysts or contact Jessica Weatherholt at 713-639-4616 or jweatherholt@hmns.org.

CATALYSTS THAT CAUSE A SPARK!

Benjamin Clemenceau

Christine Dubbert

Annual Fund 2017 Donors(continued)

$500 to $1,999Donna and Michael Bahorich Carol and Stephen BanksSusan and Ron Blankenship Anna CharltonLana and Stewart Cureton Marie and Steve EvnochidesFinger FoundationNancy Fischer Lauren GardnerCharles GregoryMaarit and William HarpPamela and James Harris Jason Hurley William InsullJoyce LindlerKlinka and John LollarSally and Dennis Loner Audrey and Robert MacLean Carson and Arthur Seeligson, IIIElizabeth and Russell SellenJanet and H.J. SpringerJeanie Kilroy Wilson and

Wallace Wilson

* Gifts received as of November 2017 to December 31, 2017. We have taken care to ensure the accurate recognition of our donors. If an error or omission does occur, we apologize and hope you will bring it to our attention by contacting Emily Brents at 713-639-4729.

HMNS Legacy Society Members

AnonymousCharles and Eleanor AsaudLewis E. BallAnthony P. BanhamSusanne and Joel BartschAnn B. BrinkerhoffDr. Sarah (Sally) BurtramSonya L. DenisukMr. Stanley DruckDr. Kathleen R. GibsonFred H. GilmoreWilliam C. HauberMarilyn KnightLaurie MorianDiane Krobusek PerezDr. Rikki RafloAgnes M. ShortThomas E. Smith

2018 Board of Trustees

2018 Officers

ChairmanT. Mark Kelly

Vice ChairmanAl Walker

TreasurerTim Cejka

SecretaryS. Reed Morian

HMNS PresidentJoel A. Bartsch

2018 Executive Committee

(Includes Officers)Matthew J. AssiffErnie D. Cockrell IIJoella MachCarroll RayShawn StephensGarry TannerKelli WeinzierlGene WerlinRanda Duncan Williams

2018 Board of TrusteesMichael BahorichTony BanhamAndrew Bosarge

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CURATOR’S CIRCLE Since its establishment in 2012, the Curator’s Circle strives to give major donors contributing to the Museum’s exhibition program, opportunities far beyond standard experiences. The group was designed for unique and memorable occasions for those donors who contribute $10,000, or more, to support the Museum’s exhibition agenda, recognizing that travelling exhibitions complement the Museum’s permanent collections and help drive attendance, membership sales and expand Museum programming.

Events offered to the Curator’s Circle generally revolve around current happenings at the Museum, in an effort to emphasize the results of their support. They range from special speakers, intimate dinners (both at the Museum and in private homes), viewings in portable planetariums, and pop-up events that provide for things like star-gazing and shark-petting. And of course, the opportunity to be the first-of-the-first to preview special exhibitions. The list of activities grows each year, and the Museum is investigating travel opportunities for in the near future!

In 2018, the Curator’s Circle enjoyed a wonderful evening dining and previewing the exhibition, Death by Natural Causes, an intimate dinner, and a monumental surprise led by HMNS President, Joel Bartsch, in the exquisite Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals. They ended the year with an in-depth look

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE The President’s Circle is a dedicated donor group that sustains the museum through gifts to the Annual Fund. HMNS and its mission depend on the commitment of our devoted donors. President Circle donors receive invitations to private exhibition previews, tickets to special exhibits, and Family Flex benefits.

President’s Circle gifts support:

• Programs for youth that are rich in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) content

• Free and low-cost field trips for school groups• Free admission to the Museum’s extensive

permanent collection of two million rare and beautiful objects on Thursdays from 2 to 5 p.m.

• Unique special exhibits that feature major works of scientific and cultural interests which complement the Museum’s permanent exhibition

• State-of-the-art Giant Screen 3D films that allow the audience to experience new environments from outer space to the deep sea

In 2018 our President’s Circle donors enjoyed preview cocktail receptions for our newest in-house exhibition, Death by Natural Causes, as well as the touring exhibits, Message in a Bottle and Knights. In November, our President’s Circle donors and their families celebrated the unveiling of our annual Trains Over Texas display.

In 2019 gifts of $2,500 and above the Annual Fund qualify a donor for President’s Circle benefits (FMV $267). For more information or to join the President’s Circle, please contact Emily Brents at 713-639-4729 or ebrents@hmns.org, or visit www.hmns.org/annualfund.

Glen Rosenbaum and Rita Leader at Trains Over Texas President’s Circle reception

Curator’s Circle Chairs, Windi and David Grimes and HMNS President Joel Bartsch

President’s Circle Reception

Brady and Zane Carruth

Carolyn DavisNeil DuffinMark EllisRomelia FavrotMichael E. FrazierDaniel M. GilbaneRandy Hale Marie HallMaynard HoltJohn KirkseyRichard LoewensternGrant McCrackenDavid MincbergDerrick MitchellMichael MithoffBill MontgomeryMelissa NanceGary Petersen Bill PritchardArthur Seeligson IIIJeff ShellebargerTommy SmithLangston W. TurnerAndrew L. WaiteJohn WilkirsonDavid WilliamsLora Jean Kilroy Wilson

Trustees EmeritiLewis E. BallF. Fox Benton IIIAnn B. BrinkerhoffBrady CarruthErnie H. CockrellGeorge R. FarrisJason FertittaJerry FieldsJoe FosterAlfred C. Glassell, IIIJohn HagaleHenry HammanForrest HoglundPeter HuddlestonJohn JohnsonTruett LatimerGeorge LindahlJohn LollarRon McMillanAnne MendelsohnBill MontgomeryLaurie MorianS. Reed MorianLester SmithThomas StevensGeorge W. Strake IIILouis A. WatersJames D. WeaverRit WebbBill Wheless

2018 Curator’s Circle Members

Mr. and Mrs. Edward R. Allen IIIMr. and Mrs. Fox BentonMrs. Patricia BreenMr. and Mrs. Brady CarruthMr. and Mrs. Tim CejkaMr. and Mrs. Gary CrumMr. and Mrs. Platt DavisMr. and Mrs. Michael DishbergerMr. and Mrs. John DuganMrs. James A. Elkins IIIMr. and Mrs. Douglas C. ElliottMrs. Alfred C. Glassell, Jr.Mr. Alfred C. Glassell, IIIMr. and Mrs. Robert H. GrahamMr. and Mrs. David Grimes IIMr. and Mrs. Randall B. HaleMr. and Mrs. Ned S. HolmesMr. and Mrs. Peter D. HuddlestonMr. and Mrs. Russell C. JosephMr. and Mrs. Ken KadesMr. T. Mark KellyMr. and Mrs. John M. KirkseyMr. George Lindahl IIIMr. and Mrs. Steve MachMs. Martha MageeMr. and Mrs. Richard Mithoff, Jr.Mr. and Mrs. William C. MontgomeryMr. and Mrs. S. Reed MorianMr. Joe Pacetti and Mr. Tristan NievesMr. and Mrs. William E. Pritchard IIIMr. and Mrs. David PustkaDr. Rikki RafloMr. and Mrs. Hugh M. RayMr. and Mrs. Tommy RecklingMr. and Mrs. James D. WeaverMr. and Mrs. Richard W. WeekleyMr. and Mrs. KC WeinerMrs. Jeanie Kilroy Wilson and Mr.

Wallace S. Wilson

at the Morian Hall of Paleontology. Members had an exclusive first look at the new Fossil Preparation Lab inside the Hall with Associate Curator of Paleontology, David Temple.

Curator Circle members’ influence on the Museum is enormous, and valued. For more information on joining the Museum’s Curator’s Circle, please contact Sveta Darnell at 713-639-4734 or sdarnell@hmns.org.

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HMNS IN 2018

new artifacts and specimens were added to our collections.

visitors participated in the Museum’s Sensory Friendly Day.527

The Cockrell Butterfly Center is home to over

50,000 butterflies each year

The Wortham Giant Screen Theatre

annually mesmerizes 200,000 guests, enough to

fill up the stands of

4 Colosseums

Each year we welcome

over 5,000 school buses, equaling

4 Chichen Itza pyramids in volume

24,874 miles32,000 miles

Youth Education Outreach program travels over

32,000 miles

1.28X around the globe

Offered

108 Adult Education

programs

108 sheep eyeballs are

dissected by young scientists during our summer Xploration camps

N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 8V O L U M E 2 3 , N U M B E R 6

w w w . h m n s . o r g

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