A fitting tribute: Ruth Patrick Science Education Center offers unique opportunities to honor loved ones and support STEM education

When Dr. Rose Lee Hayes lost her husband, Stewart Bell Fox, in 2014, she wanted to establish a memorial that would serve as an active part of the community. In recognition of Fox’s 26 years of service as a science fair judge in their home state of Virginia, Hayes chose to dedicate a classroom in his honor at the University of South Carolina Aiken Ruth Patrick Science Education Center (RPSEC).

The RPSEC offers a hands-on approach in science, mathematics, technology and environmental education. Through research-based programs, it provides engaging learning opportunities designed to promote interest and excitement for students to pursue careers in these areas.
Since 1987, the RPSEC has had more than 2 million student, teacher and community visits to its various programs. However, the Center is unable to serve all interested groups due to insufficient funding.

“While the RPSEC impacts tens of thousands of students each year, funding of the Center has decreased,” says Dr. Gary Senn, RPSEC Director. “The community can make a difference by giving more children this unique opportunity, and thereby create the future scientists and engineers America desperately needs.” 

In addition to naming a classroom space, donors may support the RPSEC in a variety of other ways, including the annual Adopt-an-Animal and Galactic Guardians programs. 

Adopt-an-Animal sponsors help support the cost of feeding and caring for a live animal used in K-12 educational programs for one calendar year. Wildlife such as owls, hawks, turtles and amphibians are available for adoption.

Donors may become a Galactic Guardian by adopting a celestial object for one calendar year, assisting in the creation of new programming for the planetarium and access to planetarium programs for students.

Supporters may also sponsor programs such as planetarium shows; program series in mathematics, physical science, earth science or astronomy; or summer camps to help offset student registration costs.

Since establishing Fox’s memorial in 2014, Hayes, a retired medical anthropologist, has participated in many events at the RPSEC. She has adopted wildlife, including Lina the Owl and baby alligators Ruth and Patrick, and sponsored shows featured in the DuPont Planetarium.

“The RPSEC has wonderful opportunities for someone who wants to create a living memorial for someone they love,” Hayes says. “I have enjoyed participating in the educational activities in the classroom named in my husband’s honor. It has been a rare and fulfilling privilege for me.”

To inquire about establishing a living memorial or other donation opportunities, call (803) 641-3313 or email rpsec@usca.edu. All RPSEC donations are tax deductible with sponsor names featured prominently in the Center and on corresponding exhibits and program materials.

For more information, contact USCA Marketing & Communication at news@usca.edu.