Stauffer donates $10K to space center

DOWNEY - Fifth-graders in the Downey Unified School District will be able to learn more about space exploration thanks to a $10,000 donation made by Dr. Mary Stauffer and her foundation to the Columbia Memorial Space Center.The money donated will be used to pay for field trips for every fifth-grader to experience the space center's Challenger Learning Center, which features a two-hour simulated mission to the moon. "We would like to thank Dr. Stauffer for her generous donation that will help support the Columbia Memorial Space Center's mission of encouraging our youth to discover the many wonders of space and science exploration," said Mayor Luis Marquez. Stauffer's donation will help pay for admission to the Challenger Learning Center, which is $350 per group (a minimum of 16 and maximum of 36 students), including entrance to the space center. Stauffer, 93, a long-time resident and retired Downey physician, made her donation during a visit to the space center. "I'm very interested in spreading the enthusiasm for science," she said. Stauffer's donation is consistent with the space center's mission. The Columbia Memorial Space Center is a hands-on learning and activity center dedicated to helping launch a path for young people to consider careers in science and space exploration. "Our city is proud to have a place where students can engage in science and space activities which allows them to not only expand their knowledge in these subjects, but also learn about our City's aerospace history," commented Mayor Pro Tem Roger Brossmer.

********** Published: October 27, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 28