March 29, 2024
Columns

Science, tech, and the call to charitable giving

Along with supporting science, math and agricultural education, generous gifts by Marquis Energy provide a vivid example of the virtue of charitable giving, which is so important to remember this time of year.

The good folks at Marquis Energy in Hennepin might have thought they were only supporting science, math and agricultural education at five area schools when they chose to donate $50,000 apiece last week to Putnam County, Hall, St. Bede, Princeton and Bureau Valley.

Indeed, the combined impact on education of Marquis Energy’s total bequest of $250,000 will be profound and far-reaching in the classroom and beyond.

Representatives from all five schools were asked about their reactions, and what they intended to do with the funds, and we got pretty much the same answers.

All five were overwhelmed by the generous gifts.

All five intend to use the money to bolster their STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) offerings, at the request of Marquis Energy.

In fact, St. Bede has a big project toward which its leaders plan to apply the donation: the construction of its new $6.5 million science building, with an anticipated completion date of May 1.

But members of the Marquis family at Marquis Energy have done more than donate generously toward education.

They provided a vivid example of the virtue of charitable giving.

This virtue can be cultivated at the highest levels, but also among those with less means.

This time of year, opportunities are plentiful to practice charitable giving.

• Food pantries are always looking for donations, both in canned, nonperishable items and monetary gifts.

• If they haven’t begun ringing their bells yet, Salvation Army volunteers will soon do so, inviting shoppers to dig into their pockets and purses and give to this good cause.

• Various toy drives are being conducted, and they depend on donations to bring smiles to underprivileged children on Christmas morning.

• United Way fund drives are a good way to help others.

• Want to give something, but money’s a bit tight? Give the gift of life – blood. Look for opportunities to donate a pint at the next local or area blood drive.

Because of Marquis Energy’s generosity, area students will benefit by expanding their minds through scientific and technical knowledge.

They’ve also received a timely lesson about the importance of cultivating a giving heart.