The Cockrell Foundation once again proved its philanthropic prowess when it matched — to the tune of $780,000 — funds raised at the Reasoning Mind dinner, bringing total proceeds from the evening at the Houston Museum of Natural Science to $1.56 million.
The foundation was one of the core funders of the on-line math curriculum, founded in Houston, that is now serving nearly 70,000 students in seven states.
Estela and David Cockrell and Stephanie and Ernie D. Cockrell chaired the evening that feted more than 370 supporters to dinner and a panel discussion featuring Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Houston Endowment president Larry Faulkner with computer scientist and Harvey Mudd College president Maria Klawe serving as moderator.
Initial support from the Cockrell Foundation and that of ExxonMobil Foundation and the Hoglund Foundation allowed the program to launch in 2005 after a successful pilot program in the Houston Independent School District. Funds raised at the dinner will subsidize the cost of programs for schools and support development of programs for additional grade levels.
Among those grasping the importance of a solid math education were Elizabeth and Gary Petersen, Janet and Ernie Cockrell, Margaret Alkek Williams, Bobbie and John Nau, Joella and Steve Mach, Carmen and Butch Mach, Jill and Calvin Schlenker, Eva and Beau Bisso, Katie and A.J. Brass, Ginny and L.E. Simmons, Ann Kinder, Rosemarie and Matt Johnson and Sally and David Harvin.
Chairs Stephanie and Ernie Cockrell, left, with Estela and David Cockrell at the Reasoning Mind dinner.
