The Michael W. Hoke Foundation for Excellence in Science Education by hosting the 1st Annual Michael W. Hoke Foundation Gala, with the goal of raising funds for a scholarship at Lamar University for one or more deserving students. it will be held on July 23, 2022, from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Shahan Events Center – LSCO, 209 Green Ave. in Orange.
Michael Hoke was born in Dickinson, TX, the third of four boys, to Marvin Ford and Jesse Faye Hoke in July of 1948. He grew up playing amongst the woods and wetlands that abounded near his childhood home. It was during these formative years that he first fell in love with the outdoors and what it had to offer. After graduating from Dickinson High School he would go on to attend Lamar University, and after nearly not making it out of his first year, he found his footing, and Sandra, and eventually graduated with a degree in Biology.
Most people would have you believe that Michael immediately found a job as a teacher, but that wasn’t the case. He began working at Sherwin Williams selling paint. However, after a dispute involving a sales commission, he got in his car, drove down to a school, entered, and asked to speak to the principal, as he had decided he wanted to become a teacher. It was that fateful day that would lead him to become one of the best and most lauded science educators in the country.
During his career, he would go on to found or co-found such programs as Bios: A School on Wheels, Science Superstars, Eco-Rangers, and many more. His work impacted thousands of students, instilling in many a lifelong love of science and the environment.
The 1st Annual Michael W. Hoke Foundation Gala will include dinner and drinks, a silent auction, a presentation about their cause, and much more.
Patrons can enjoy a drink and catch up with old friends before dinner, provided by Old Orange Cafe & Catering Company, followed by a presentation and announcement of silent auction winners. The attire is business casual.
All net proceeds of the event will be donated to increase the endowment for the Michael Hoke Memorial Scholarship at Lamar University.
Tickets are $100 each and can be reserved online here.
