2017

IN THIS ISSUE

WIESS ENERGY HALL 3.0Groundbreaking! Electrifying! Revolutionary! These are only a few of the superlatives used by visitors and the media in describing the Museum’s new Wiess Energy Hall, which officially opened to the public on November 20th. After years of planning and construction, the tremendous amount of effort and attention to detail has finally paid off.

The moment the elevator doors open on the Museum’s fourth floor, visitors are transported to the deck of a working offshore drilling rig. They step onto the floating platform where the sight of waves on the horizon, the sound of helicopters dropping off crew, and the movement of the automated drilling equipment all contribute to the authenticity of the experience.

Previous Wiess Energy Hall favorites are back in all-new formats. The venerable Geovator, with its longtime host Captain Mercaptan, again takes visitors down into the earth—but on a completely reimagined journey. The new Geovator is bigger and better than ever with larger screens and enhanced motion effects. As the Geovator descends through the Museum to the ground below, mummies in the third floor’s Hall of Ancient Egypt fly past and dinosaur bones from the Morian Hall of Paleontology scatter. Visitors soon survey the rock strata beneath Houston—and possibly encounter menacing dinosaurs and survive a massive meteor strike. Be prepared for surprises!

Completely new experiences include Energy City, a 2,200-square-foot, 1/150th-scale landscape where nine different sources of energy are highlighted to showcase the entire energy value chain, and demonstrate that together, these sources can sustain a city that looks a lot like Houston! Visitors can see wind turbines, nuclear power plants, solar farms, onshore and offshore drilling platforms, and more during the day-to-night cycle of the city as it pulses with energy. What makes this exhibit so spectacular is the integration of animation, projection mapping technology and physical elements, which allow visitors to follow trains, trucks, cars, boats, and airplanes moving throughout the landscape.

Another fresh immersive experience is the Eagle Ford Shale Experience, also known as the EFX3000, a conveyance in which visitors are “shrunk” to the size of a grain of proppant, and injected down the borehole of a freshly drilled well before leveling out to traverse thousands of feet horizontally into the target shale formation. During their journey, visitors venture into a narrow micro-fracture, navigate around other grains of proppant holding the fracture open, and watch real time micro-seismic data pour in as they experience hydraulic fracturing firsthand—from inside the well! The journey concludes with a thrilling ride to the surface atop a column of freed oil and natural gas.

Other highlights of the all-new Wiess Energy Hall include a dazzling history of energy presented on array of 32 screens at 15K resolution, a giant tricone drill bit 15 feet in diameter, a real drilling simulator, a real interactive ROV (remote control submarine), a five megawatt gas turbine engine cut away to reveal its inner workings, and a 70-foot twisted structure modeled after the plasma cloud in the “Stellerator” fusion reactor that pulses with dynamic light and highlights the renewable and future energy sources changing our world.

The new Wiess Energy Hall is a unique educational resource, filled with interactive exhibits that help to make science and technology of energy come alive for all of our visitors. Patrons who visit the Hall want to learn more about the industry and the utilization of the earth’s limited natural resources. Student groups who come to the Hall on co-curricular visits are able to utilize the free curriculum guide from the Museum’s website for more in-depth learning. The Hall is also an integral part of the Museum’s day-long course, Introduction to the Energy Industry, which educates industry professionals, as well as employees from industry-related companies. It is also used by many corporations to train their new hires about the science, vocabulary, economics and impact of this industry which is such an integral part of the Bayou City.

WIESS ENERGY HALL 3.0CAPITAL CAMPAIGN DONORS

$10,000,000 +

Anadarko Petroleum Corporation

$1,000,000 - $9,999,999

ChevronThe Cockrell FoundationConocoPhillipsThe Elkins FoundationEnterprise Products Partners L.P.EOG Resources, Inc.Exxon Mobil CorporationGeoSouthern Energy Partners GP, LLCHalliburton Foundation, Inc.Phillips 66Shell Oil Company Walter Oil & Gas Corporation

$250,000 - $999,999

AramcoCheniere EnergyConstellation and Exelon FoundationEnCap Investments L.P. (EnCap Investments, L.P., Gary Petersen, Phillips Family Foundation, Zorich Family Foundation)Claire and Joe GreenbergHMW EntertainmentWilliam S. and Lora Jean Kilroy FoundationLINN EnergyLyondellBasellMarathon Oil CorporationKelly and Bill MontgomeryOccidental Petroleum CorporationPatterson-UTI Energy, Inc.Simmons & Company InternationalCarolyn and Garry TannerTexas Crude Energy, LLC - K.C. Weiner & Peter J. FluorTotalJennifer and Wil VanLohMichele and Dheeraj Verma

$100,000 - $249,999

The Brown Foundation, Inc.Oasis PetroleumSusanne and William E. Pritchard III

$50,000 - $99,999

David Williams

Up to $49,999

Mr. and Mrs. Carl A. DavisThe Alan & Michelle Smith Family Fund

WIESS ENERGY HALL PARTNERS 2017-18

$100,000+

Chevron

$50,000 - $99,999

ConocoPhillips $50,000Exxon Mobil Corporation Phillips 66 Shell Oil Company

$25,000 to $49,999

Aramco Marathon Oil CorporatePwC

Wiess Energy Hall 3.0

The Big Bang BallHMNS 2018 Gala: Jewel of the Nile

A Butterfly Flutter2017 Excellence in Science Awards

Membership

A Powerful LegacyHouston Strong at HMNS

President’s CircleCurator’s Circle

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PAGE 7: Janet and Ernie H. Cockrell, Joel Bartsch, Ernie D. Cockrell

Bill Montgomery, Paul Bernhard, Garry Tanner

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Over the years, the Hall’s utilization and number of visitors has continued to increase. The Wiess Energy Hall remains more relevant than ever as it expands to include developments such as the astounding rise of unconventional hydrocarbon resources and the technological breakthroughs that make their recovery viable. On the conventional energy side, advances in engineering expertise, machinery, electronics, and computing power have led to increasing activity and an urgent need for new talent and know-how. And since the Hall’s last update twelve years ago, the solar and wind power industries have skyrocketed, especially here in Texas.

The new Wiess Energy Hall is over three times the size of the previous Hall. With an area of almost 30,000 square feet, it includes all the existing exhibit content in a refreshed format, as well as numerous completely new exhibits. The new Hall is designed with more immersive, scenic elements representing the upstream, midstream and downstream segments of the industry. And the layout will allow the Hall to be the premier venue for industry functions from small cocktail parties to grand sit-down dinners.

The Museum is very grateful to Anadarko and others for their support in helping us reach our $40 million goal. If you would like more information about the new Wiess Energy Hall and how you and your company can be a part of this project, please contact Amy Chaisson, Director of Corporate Giving, at 713-639-4746 or achaisson@hmns.org .

Jeanie Kilroy Wilson, Russell and Elise Joseph

Jim Looke, Brenda Roliard, Mandy Lewis, Chaz Lewis, Ron Wilson, Rusty Walter,Meme Horton, Jack Horton Rich Lewis, Kayla Lewis

Claire and Joe Greenberg

Michelle and Alan Smith

Windi and David Grimes

Joni Baird and Natalie Barber

Merritt Talbot and Truman Bell

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HMNS 2018 GALA: JEWEL OF THE NILEWe are honored to have Jenna and Harris Junell, and Kay and Brandon Lobb co-chairing the annual HMNS Gala Jewel of the Nile, transporting us to the where the exotic Nile meets the arid Sahara!

Please set your sundials for Saturday, March 3, 2018. This year’s Gala pays homage to the HMNS Hall of Ancient Egypt, and the rich culture and history of the fertile Nile River. Royal guests will enjoy drinks, dancing, a one of a kind gem and minerals auction that would leave Nefertiti speechless, and dine on a feast fit for a Pharaoh.By supporting the 2018 Gala, Jewel of the Nile, you help educate and inspire the next generation of explorers.

Individual tickets start at $500 and tables of 10 start at $5,000. For sponsorship and ticket inquiries, contact Emily Brents at 713-639-4729 or ebrents@hmns.org.

THE BIG BANG BALLThe Houston Museum of Natural Science 2017 Gala, The Big Bang Ball, was held on Saturday, March 4th. This year’s Gala focused on our newly renovated Burke Baker Planetarium. Gala Co-Chairs, Shawn Stephens and Jim Jordan and Kelli and John Weinzierl hosted a spectacular evening under the stars for over 500 museum supporters.

Guests filled the Museum’s exhibition halls and dined on cuisine by City Kitchen, drank smoking liquid nitrogen cocktails, bid on fabulous auction items, and danced to the beats of Infinite Groove. We even had our own Carolyn Leap dazzling guests with a fabulous chemistry presentation in the Grand Hall! The Gala raised over $800,000 in support of educational programs, benefitting hundreds of thousands of school children in Houston and beyond. We are grateful for all of the stellar support from our many donors and for making the The Big Bang Ball an astronomical success!

2017 GALA UNDERWRITERS

Virgo

Anadarko Petroleum CorporationRanda and Charlie Williams

Big Dipper

Bud Light/ Silver Eagle DistributorsChevronKathleen and Maynard HoltKathrine G. McGovernT. Mark Kelly/ Vinson & Elkins LLPThe Petersen FamilyKelli and John Weinzierl

Pegasus

The Cockrell FoundationKelly and Bill MontgomeryShawn Stephens and Jim Jordan/ King & Spalding LLP

Aquarius

Monica and Fox BentonDeb and Tim CejkaCarolyn and Platt DavisEnVen Energy Corporation/ John WilkirsonExxonMobil CorporationFrost BankAlfred C. Glassell, IIIKathy and Peter HuddlestonKristi and George LindahlJoella and Steve MachLaurie and S. Reed Morian Occidental PetroleumCarroll R. RayCarolyn and Garry TannerPhoebe and Bobby TudorHallie Vanderhider/ Cynthe and Brian Hughes/ Kelley and Stephen Lubanko/ Nancy and David PustkaAnnaLee and Andrew WaiteJeanie Kilroy Wilson and Wallace S. Wilson

Orion

Andrews & Kurth LLP/ Kristen and David BuckLisa Young and Matt Assiff Beck Redden LLPTony Banham/ Mike FrazierThe Gordon A. Cain FoundationDr. Mary Schwartz and Dr. David CechStephanie and Mark Deverka/ Jenna Jackson and Brendan Gilbert/ Alison and Randy WilhiteEllie and Michael Francisco/ DeeDee and Wallis Marsh/ Elizabeth and Alan Stein/ Kim and Dan Tutcher / Susan and Sean Gorman/ Tracy and Brian Kapiloff/ Amy and Gentry Lee/ Kim and Scott Martin/ Polly and Jeff WhittleMarie and Gray HallHolthouse Foundation for KidsCaroline and Bruce Hurley/ Nancy and Daniel Perrier/ Virginia Holbrook and Paul Teten/ Sue and Mark Worscheh/ Maria and John ZerrInsgroup, Inc/ Liz and Woody WoodardMarathon Oil CorporationAyse and Grant McCrackenMorgan StanleyPorter Hedges LLPAmy Chaisson and Dr. Marlin Sandlin, Jr.Roland and Debra SauermannMelinda and Sam Stubbs/ Kay Lee and Gene Werlin/ Laura and Bill WhelessJune Russell and Robert UlrichUSI Southwest Walter Oil & Gas

HMNS Gala Co-Chairs John and Kelli Weinzierland Shawn Stephens and Jim Jordan

Virginia Holbrook, Shawn Stephens and Caroline Hurley

HMNS Carolyn Leap doing chemistry demonstrations

Kelly and Bill Montgomery

Sam and Melinda Stubbs

Ernie and Stephanie Cockrell

Hallie Vanderhider and Bobbie Nau

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 two teachers and two students who excel in science

2017 EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE AWARDSeducation. Chosen through a review process, with applicants from the greater Houston area schools, these students and teachers exemplify the Museum’s mission. This year’s award recipients were honored at the December Board of Trustees meeting.

A BUTTERFLY FLUTTER This 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. Nearly 250 family members came to enjoy the butterfly center, arts and crafts activities, face painting, insect petting zoo, refreshments and fun. Thanks to the wonderful 2017 chairmen, Katie Forney and Heidi O’Donnell, HMNS raised over $17,000.

Come spread your wings and fly to HMNS on Saturday, February 24, 2018 for the next A Butterfly Flutter. While you enjoy our complimentary mimosa bar, your little “caterpillar” will enjoy 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 2018 A Butterfly Flutter Chairmen, Alex and Bobby Stillwell and Katie and Robby Zorich, 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 Emily Brents at 713-639-4729 or ebrents@hmns.org.

Photos by Priscilla Dickson

Evelyn Frensley Scholarship for Outstanding Achievement in Science or Mathematics:

Jasmine Huang, Bellaire High School, HISDJoseph Hlavinka, St. John’s School, Houston

Wilhelmina C. Robertson Excellence in Science or Mathematics Teaching Awards:

Shana Steinhardt, Garden Oaks Montessori, HISDRichard Embrick, David Crockett Middle School, FBISD

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2017 GALA UNDERWRITERS(continued)

North Star

Keith AlbrightGina and Devinder BhatiaMolly and Allen BrivicJane DiPaoloPamela and Bruce EarthmanJo and Jim FurrMerill and Joe HafnerJennifer and Kyle Hawes Mady and Ken KadesHarriet and Truett LatimerAnne and Dr. John MendelsohnLainie Gordon and David Mincberg Sara and James ParrHon. D’Lisa Simmons and Michael BarnesPolly Sims

Contributors

Roni and Doug AtnippMelza and Ted BarrJennifer BennetKatie and AJ BrassKathy BrittonAnne ChaoHilda and Greg CurranLynn and Ronnie DeyoKatherine Shanks DoddJulia and Mark EllisLesha and Tom ElsenbrookCindy and Bill Geiser Elvis GrayBernadine JohnstonLeticia LoyaStephen MatthewsDebbie McNulty and Dean RuckMedrano Family FoundationGinni and Richard MithoffMelissa and Michael Mithoff/ The Mithoff Family FoundationNidhika MehtaGary MercerDavid L. PesikoffEric PulaskiAmy and Peter ShaperLeigh and Reggie SmithAnn TrammellMeredith and Langston TurnerRanda and K.C. WeinerCarol Wood Tom ZayFay and Salim Zakhem

2017 ANNUAL FUND DONORS

Gifts of $75,000 and Above

The Cullen Foundation

Gifts from $25,000 to $74,999

Apache CorporationAramcoChevronConocoPhillipsMarathon Oil CorporationPhillips 66The Powell FoundationPwCSterling-Turner Foundation

Gifts from $10,000 to $24,999

ExxonMobilAnn and Randy FowlerMichael & Rebecca Cemo Foundation

Gifts from $5,000 to $9,999

Melza and Ted BarrMelody and Jimmy DunneHarriet and Stuart GrossmanMary Ann and Jimmy NewmanRachael and Jason VolzSandra WilkensLeewood and Thomas Woodell

Flutter Co-Chairs, Heidi and Tobin O’Donnell with Hudson

Cary and Anne Goss with Cameron, Thatcher, Piper and Stella

Flutter Co-Chairs, Katie and Johnny Forney with Charlie, William, and Lucy

Louis Tramuto

Sofia Darnell, Camila and Paulie Young, Evie Darnell

MEMBERSHIP WHAT IS NEW

Last year, The Houston Museum of Natural Science’s Membership department announced major upgrades and benefits for members. Three new membership levels allow you to do more and with more of your friends and family at the Museum. HMNS has added three exclusive new membership events: 2nd Saturdays, Members First, and World Trekkers.

MEMBERSHIP LEVELS:

HMNS is now offering three new levels of membership:Family Plus-level, which includes Family-level member benefits with an additional guest; Family Flex-level, previously known as a Voyager membership, now will allow up to ten guests.Lastly, in addition to invitations to exclusive Catalysts events, the new HMNS Catalysts Family-level provides the benefits of a family level membership as well. HMNS is thrilled to offer more opportunities and discounts for everyone hoping to join a membership.

• Family Plus includes Family-level member benefits for two adults and four children, PLUS one additional adult or child.

• Voyager level membership is now called Family Flex and allows membership benefits for ten people.

• HMNS Catalysts Family (Young Professionals) includes Family-level membership benefits for two adults and four children, plus an invitation for two to exclusive HMNS Catalysts social events (once per quarter, ages 21 and up) and two free tickets to all summer-series Mixers & Elixirs.

2nd SATURDAYS:

Every second Saturday of the month, members have the opportunity to experience the Museum an hour earlier than regular visitors. Starting at 8:00am, members are able to enjoy private tours, arts and crafts, food trucks, free entry to permanent exhibits and exclusive discounts for special exhibits. Become a member today and start your weekend off the right way with HMNS’s Second Saturdays.

MEMBERS FIRST!

Members get exclusive access to special exhibitions before they open to the public. In November members enjoyed private, Members-only viewings of HMNS’s new Wiess Energy Hall 3.0. Renew or become a member today to guarantee your invitation to the Member preview of the new Death By Natural Causes exhibit in March 2018.

WORLD TREKKERS:

Another Members Only event, World Trekkers,invites HMNS members to “see the world, skip the jet lag!” Launched this past year, these exploratory family events hope to highlight a diverse set of cultures from around the world. Guests enjoy food samplings, entertainment, arts and crafts, live animals and more.

In 2017 Members were able to explore four diverse cultures, by “traveling” to Denmark, Italy, Vietnam, and Canada. These events have been a wild success with an average of 500 regular attendees. The Museum hopes to bring the world to you through these cultural festivals. For more information on Membership, please call 713-639-4629.

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Stacy and John WilkirsonLiz and Woody WoodardLynn and Oscar Wyatt Carolyn and John YoungYourCause, LLC Trustee

Gifts received as of October 22, 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.

2016 ANNUAL FUND DONORS

Gifts of $75,000 and Above

Chevron

Gifts from $25,000 to $74,999

John P. McGovern FoundationT.L.L. Temple Foundation

Gifts from $10,000 to $24,999

The Crain Foundation

Gifts from $5,000 to $9,999

The Fruehauf FoundationJocelyn Kress Family Foundation TrustJoan and Marvin KaplanDiana H. McSherry and Patrick H. PoeKeith and Mattie Stevenson Foundation

Gifts from $1,000 to $4,999

Carol and Bruce S. AppelbaumLee and Robert J. ArdellGaynor and Anthony P. BanhamJanice BarrowBridgewater AssociatesMarcie and David A. BristolJudy and Arthur B. CoenRalph CunninghamChristopher H. EfirdConnie L. EstopinalCarol and Robert E. Fondren L. Henry GisselJean and Donald M. GrayMargaret and Don Hawk Huffington FoundationKyle and John B. KirkseyCynthia and Richard J. LoewensternKlinka and John H. LollarMarilyn G. LummisJennifer McLaughlinLinda C. MurrayRebecca and C.R. PalmerMartha PetersonThe Post Oak SchoolFairfax and Risher RandallClarruth A. Seaton-BarriaultMaria L. ShawJudith and E. Leon SmithBlakeley and William A. SmithBette and Ralph B. ThomasGinya and Clayton K. TrierMillicent and R. Paul Wear, Jr.Kay Lee and Gene Werlin Laura and William M. Wheless III Lisa and Daniel WieczynskiBobbie and Herman T. Wilson, Jr.

Gifts received as of November 2016 to December 31, 2016. 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.

2017 ANNUAL FUND DONORS (continued)

Gifts from $1,000 to $4,999

Abuso Catering CompanySusan AllenNancy AllenMary and John ArensdorfEllen and Richard BachmannJ. D. BartellVirginia and John BaxtAnna Mae and Vic BeghiniThe Benevity Community Impact FundMarilynn and Michael BloomRia BrewerSarah BurtramKarol Kreymer and Robert Card Barbara and James CaubleMary Schwartz and David CechCity Kitchen LLCNancy and Sam ConnerLois and Carl DavisDebra and Michael DishbergerRuth and Walter DishbergerAnne and Charles DuncanPamela and Bruce EarthmanEnbridge Energy Company, Inc.Doe and Henry FlorsheimHarriet and Joe FosterBeverly and Michael FrazierKaren and Bob FritzThe Fruehauf FoundationCindy and Bill GeiserMarilynne and Fred GormanJean and Donald GrayCharles GregoryAmanda and Steven GyeszlyPatricia and Greg HazlettCarolyn and Bill HollandKathy and Peter HuddlestonJerry and Nanette Finger FoundationAnn and John JohnsonVirginia and John JoinerAda and Howard KiattaAnne KinderCandy and Tom KnudsonKathleen and Randall LakeJoni and Neal LaneHarriet and Truett LatimerJoyce and Robert Levine Walter LightShelli and Steven LindleyBruce LundstromKris and John MaclayChristy and William ManuelJudy and Kenneth MargolisAnne and John MendelsohnMargaret and Robert MihaloMartha and Peter MimsLinda and Robert MullinsSandra O’Donnell Holly OkruhlikGail and John PeterkinPetrello Family FoundationEd PriceEdlyn and David PursellVirginia ReevesRoslyn and Derrick MitchellBrenda and Mansel RubensteinLinda and Jerry RubensteinNancy and Clive RunnellsAmy Chaisson and Marlin SandlinThe Post Oak SchoolMary Margaret and Russ SchulzeShell Oil Company FoundationCarol and Michael StamatedesJeaneen and Tim StastnySally and Robert Thomas TrustJune Russell and Robert UlrichSusan and Anthony WalterAndrea and Bill White

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A POWERFUL LEGACY Longtime Museum volunteers Eleanor and Chuck Asaud share their considerable knowledge, experience and enthusiasm with the Museum’s visitors on a regular basis. Both are Master Docents and HMNS Guild Members who generously give their time in many areas of the Museum including the Cockrell Butterfly Center and the Morian Hall of Paleontology. “We enjoy learning new things, and working with the curators and other volunteers,” said Eleanor. The Asauds are also familiar faces at fundraising events, where they frequently volunteer to greet guests and make everyone feel welcome.

Because of their devotion to HMNS, it wasn’t surprising when the Asauds chose to become charter members of a newly-formed planned giving society, the HMNS Legacy Society, in 2013. The couple’s decision to remember the Museum in their estate plan was yet another way for them to make a difference at the institution where they already give so freely of their time.

“The Museum is an important and rewarding chapter in our lives. We have made friends here, continued to learn and taken part in meaningful work,” said Chuck. “The fact that we are able to work together at the Museum is a nice benefit,” said Eleanor.

Chuck and Eleanor met in college and have been partners in life since that time, raising three children and enjoying fulfilling careers. Eleanor spent 30 years as a preschool teacher, giving children a solid and caring educational foundation.

A dedicated scientist, Chuck made significant contributions in the aerospace and energy industries as a metallurgist, developing special products and exotic materials. Much of his work was highly classified. “At one point I worked in a small laboratory in Cincinnati, Ohio that required me to have FBI clearance,” revealed Chuck. “I was working with nuclear material used to fuel aircraft,” he added.

HOUSTON STRONGAT HMNS The devastation of Hurricane Harvey was far-reaching. Water surged into all parts of our community, our region and a large part of our state. It was labeled a 1000 year flood, and we’re all hopeful that we won’t see the likes of such damage for another 1000 years.

Harvey’s devastation went beyond Houston’s homes, damaging schools and classrooms and delaying the resumption of classes up to four weeks. The Museum stepped up to assist families and teachers in need alike.

From Sept. 5-8, HMNS hosted Camp Harvey, featuring labs, tours, crafts and free lunch for 240 students who couldn’t go back to school but needed a distraction. An entire week’s worth of camps filled in less than 12 hours. Parents dropping off their children responded with many thanks, some hugs and even a few tears.

As other organizations created Camp Harvey(s)out of thin air to occupy the many young minds, the Museum sent Outreach programs to these camps, free of charge, to further the museum’s mission and give kids a fun and interactive educational experience. Programs focusing on dinosaurs and arthropods visited six locations, and saw more than 750 people.

Many teachers lost more than personal belongings during the storm; districts were in dire need of basic school supplies, so HMNS began collecting and distributing as teachers’ requests came in. We set up an Amazon.com wish list with items and solicited donations from visitors to the museum, and we received more than $10,000 worth of school supplies in six weeks. Donations came in from all over Texas (including some HMNS staff) but also

In 1969, Chuck accepted a position at Cameron Iron Works which brought him to Houston. He continued his work in research laboratories until he retired from Tenneco in 1997.

Retirement brought Chuck and Eleanor closer to the HMNS. Chuck made Museum history in 2010 when he became the first male President of the HMNS Guild. When Ann Brinkerhoff, HMNS Board Member was forming the HMNS Legacy Society Committee, Chuck was a natural choice for membership. “As a scientist, Chuck’s methodical manner was a welcome addition to our group,” enthused Ann.

“His long-term involvement with the Museum was also important,” she added.

Like most important aspects in the Asaud’s life, the decision to join the HMNS Legacy Society was a joint one. “We decided that there was no longer a need for me to be named as beneficiary in Chuck’s life insurance policy; I really don’t need it,” said Eleanor. “We know that the Museum will put it to good use and that makes us happy,” said Chuck.

If you would like more information about the HMNS Legacy Society and how you can be a part of this special group, please contact Katie Conlan at 713-639-4615 or kconlan@hmns.org.

from as far away as Idaho and China. We distributed hundreds of notebooks and thousands of pencils and pens, dozens of backpacks and nearly 300 sticks of glue, more than 2,000 crayons and even an easel to 20 different schools and two district collection sites. Along the way, teachers thanked HMNS staff with hugs, smiles and tears and promised that the supplies would be put to good use.

Hurricane Harvey brought out some of the best qualities in the city of Houston and showed the strength in our community. HMNS was honored to assist those in need.

HMNS LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBERS

AnonymousCharles and Eleanor AsaudAnthony P. BanhamSusanne and Joel BartschAnn B. BrinkerhoffDr. Sarah (Sally) BurtramSonya L. DenisukMr. Stanley DruckDr. Kathleen R. GibsonFred H. GilmoreWilliam C. HauberMarilyn KnightLaurie MorianDiane Krobusek PerezAgnes M. ShortThomas E. SmithLewis E. Ball

2017 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

2017 Officers

Chairman

T. Mark Kelly

Vice Chairman

Al Walker

Treasurer

Tim Cejka

Secretary

S. Reed Morian

Immediate Past Chair

Patrick Burk

HMNS President

Joel A. Bartsch

2017 Executive Committee(Includes Officers)

Matthew J. AssiffErnie D. Cockrell IIJoella MachJanell NelsonCarroll RayShawn StephensSamuel E. StubbsGarry TannerKelli WeinzierlGene WerlinRanda Duncan Williams

2017 Board of Trustees

Michael BahorichTony BanhamAndrew BosargeCarolyn 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. WaiteAndrea White John WilkirsonDavid WilliamsLora Jean Kilroy Wilson

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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 for 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), magic shows, 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 the near future!

PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE The President’s Circle is a dedicated donor group that sustains the museum through gifts to the Annual Fund. Members receive invitations to private exhibition previews, tickets to special exhibits, and Family Flex benefits.

In 2017 our President’s Circle members enjoyed preview receptions the touring exhibit, Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum, and a special screening of Wortham GST film Amazon Adventure 3D, with its producers and director. President’s Circle

members helped HMNS celebrate the opening of our groundbreaking Wiess Energy Hall 3.0 with an exclusive preview in November. Looking forward to 2018, when members will be invited to our newest in-house exhibition, Death by Natural Causes, along with several other special events and programs. A gift today ensures your invitation to future gatherings.

Gifts of $2,000 and above the Annual Fund qualify a donor for a President’s Circle membership. For more information or to join the President’s Circle, please contact Emily Brents at 713-639-4729 or ebrents@hmns.org.

Throughout 2017, The Curator’s Circle enjoyed an exploratory night dining and preview the exhibition, Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum. Additionally, members attended an intimate dinner and discussion lead by HMNS President, Joel Bartsch, in the exquisite Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals. Finally, we ended the year with the grand opening and celebratory dinner honoring the newly renovated Wiess Energy Hall. Members had an exclusive first look at the extraordinary re-designed Hall lead by the expert designers and engineers who made it all possible. 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 713-639-4618 or sdarnell@hmns.org.

2017 BOARD OF TRUSTEES(continued)

Trustees EmeritiLewis E. BallF. Fox Benton IIIWilliam B. BlackAnn 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

2017 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. 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. Henry R. HammanMr. and Mrs. Ned S. HolmesMr. and Mrs. Peter D. HuddlestonMr. and Mrs. Russell C. JosephMr. and Mrs. Ken KadesMr. and Mrs. T. Mark KellyMr. George Lindahl IIIMr. and Mrs. Steve MachMs. Martha MageeMr. Gary MercerMr. 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 PustkaMr. and Mrs. Tommy RecklingMrs. Leslie Elkins and Mr. Shannon SasserMr. and Mrs. James D. WeaverMr. and Mrs. Richard W. WeekleyMr. and Mrs. KC WeinerMrs. Jeanie Kilroy Wilson and Mr. Wallace S. Wilson

Jeanie Kilroy Wilson and Wally Wilson

Laurie Morian and Lynn Wyatt

Curator’s Circle Chairs, Wendi and David Grimesand HMNS President Joel Bartsch

Patricia Breen, Brady and Zane Carruth

Peter and Kathy Huddleston

5555 Hermann Park DriveHouston, Texas 77030

H M N S . O R G / D O N AT E

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDHouston, TexasPermit No. 6371

POSTMASTER:Dated material

enclosed. Please deliver

IMMEDIATELY!

participated in the Museum’s inaugural Sensory Friendly Day.

527 visitors

108 sheep eyeballs are

dissected by young scientists during our summer Xploration camps

60,000 hours

Last year

HMNS Volunteers donated as much time to serve our visitors as it took the Cassini spacecraft to reach Saturn

The Cockrell Butterfly Center is home to over

500,000 butterfliesOffered

108 Adult Education

programs

4.88Xof previous resolution

9 millionpixels

previoulsy

The newly renovated

Burke Baker Planetarium’s 8K projection system

boasts an astounding

44 million pixels.

City of Sugar Land Fort Bend Junior Service LeagueFred and Mabel R. Parks FoundationHEB Tournament of ChampionsSterling McCall Acura

$5,000 - $9,999Kinder Morgan FoundationLUKOILMorgan StanleySiemens Analytical Products & SolutionsStrake Foundation

$2,500 - $4,999Andrew Delaney FoundationFluor The Lubrizol FoundationHouston Methodist Sugar Land HospitalMomentum BMW

PARTNERS IN EDUCATION2017-18

$150,000+The Brown Foundation, Inc.

$25,000 - $149,999ConocoPhillipsThe Harry W. Bass, Jr. FoundationM. D. Anderson FoundationThe Newfield FoundationVivian L. Smith Foundation

$15,000 - $24,999Air LiquideCFP Foundation The George FoundationMadison Charitable FoundationPhillips 66

$10,000 - $14,999America Association of Petroleum Geologists FoundationCenterPoint Energy

Youth Education Outreach program travels over

32,000 miles or 1.28X around the globe