Friends of Science Park
Established in 1984, the Friends of Science Park is an appointive board that assists the Director of the Science Park and works within the organizational structure of the MD 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 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 MD Anderson.
Membership
Friends of Science Park members reside in many central Texas communities and promote Science Park throughout the region. They energetically address the many needs of the institution and its staff and are committed to their annual fundraiser, the Stampede in the Park, a family fun run. The Stampede funds scholarships for students engaged in cancer-related research at Science Park. The Friends meet for a quarterly luncheon and informative program focused on current campus events as well as the research of students, postdocs and faculty.
To inquire about joining the Friends of Science Park, contact Cindy Morgan at CRMorgan1@mdanderson.org or 512-237-9414.
Honorary Members
Honorary Membership is awarded to those who have made substantial contributions to the advancement of the Science Park through their leadership, service or financial contributions. Honorary Membership was granted to Ken Blaschke, Silky Crockett, and Jack Griesenbeck in 2010.
Stampede in the Park
Starting in 2017, the Friends of Science Park have presented Stampede in the Park, an annual 5K and 1-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk. The Stampede is a means not only to connect to local Bastrop and surrounding county communities, but also to raise funds that provide scholarships to exceptionally talented graduate students who are pursuing an M.S. or Ph.D. degree while performing cancer-related research on the Science Park campus in Smithville. All race proceeds are kept and used locally. This event also furthers the broader MD Anderson mission of eliminating cancer in Texas, the nation, and the world, by raising funds to support the education of the next generation of cancer scientists.
The 3rd Annual Stampede in the Park, presented by the Friends of Science Park, will be held in Smithville on Saturday, April 6, 2019. Registration for this family-oriented event is $30 per person for the 5K run, $20 per person for the 1-mile walk and free for those 12 and under. All ages are welcome. Gates will open at 8 a.m. with a 9 a.m. start. Short campus tours, refreshments, and children’s activities will be available following the race.
2018-2020 Executive Committee
Officers
Chairperson - Ann Fulcher
Chairperson Elect - Reed Morgan
Vice Chairperson - Linda Wilson
Secretary - Adena Lewis
Immediate Past-Chairperson - Adena Lewis
Standing Committee Chairs
Membership - Elaine Seidel
Financial Assistance - Tom Bettes
Governmental Relations - Judge Paul Pape