Rock Hill Turner Foundation sets second annual Columbia fundraiser for STEM education

The Rock Hill Turner Foundation will hold its second annual fundraising event on Sept. 19 in Columbia, Maryland, to support STEM education and environmental grants, scholarships and resources. The gala will feature Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Thomas P. Bostick as keynote speaker and the first presentation of the foundation’s Eagle Awards.

Why it matters: - The fundraiser is designed to generate money for STEM education and environmental organizations. - The event supports scholarships, grants, and other resources for students and career professionals. - The foundation says donor support helps expand opportunities for promising minds in STEM.

What happened: - The Rock Hill Turner Foundation will host its second annual major fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 7-11 p.m. at Kahler Hall, 5440 Old Tucker Row, in Columbia, Maryland. - The event theme is “Building a Brighter Tomorrow through STEM Empowerment of our Youth and Career Professionals.” - The program will include a cocktail reception, buffet dinner, silent auction, and musical entertainment by the SK Jazz Group. - Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Thomas P. Bostick, PhD, PE, NAE, will deliver the keynote address. - The foundation will present its first Eagle Awards during the event.

The details: - The foundation’s mission is to support science, technology, engineering and math education and environmental organizations through scholarships, grants, human and tangible resources, and activity participation for education and preservation. - Bostick is the founder and CEO of Bostick Global Strategies. - His Army career spanned 38 years and included service as the 53rd Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. - In that role, Bostick led a $25 billion global engineering organization overseeing infrastructure, water, environmental, military construction and disaster-response projects. - Bostick also served as Director of Army Personnel, Commanding General of U.S. Army Recruiting Command, and commander of an $18 billion reconstruction program in Iraq. - After military service, Bostick was president and chief operating officer of Intrexon, a publicly traded biotechnology company. - Bostick serves on public and private company boards and on the International Advisory Board of the Panama Canal. - Bostick graduated from the United States Military Academy and holds master’s degrees in civil and mechanical engineering from Stanford University, a PhD in systems engineering from George Washington University, and an MBA with Distinction from the University of Oxford. - Bostick is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Construction, a West Point Distinguished Graduate, and a member of the George Washington University School of Engineering and Applied Science Hall of Fame. - Bostick wrote “Winning After Losing: Building Resilient Teams.” - The Eagle Awards recognize individuals and corporations that have made extraordinary achievements in STEM and reflect Eagle Scout traits including strength of character, leadership and service to community. - Foundation founder Brigadier General (Ret.) C. David Turner, an Eagle Scout, created the award. - Turner's vision for the Eagle name centers on the eagle’s ability to fly high, conserve energy and survey the land with extraordinary eyesight. - Jeri L. W. Turner, the foundation’s president, announced two 2026 Eagle Award recipients. - Lloyd Caldwell, PE, consultant and former director of military programs at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, will receive the Individual Eagle Award. - Tyrone Taborn, CEO of Career Communications Group, will receive the Corporate Eagle Award. - The awards will be presented in person at the fundraiser. - Donna Breckenridge, MS, RS, a board member and 2026 fundraiser chair, said donor commitment continues to help the foundation provide grants, scholarships and opportunities in STEM. - Ticket, sponsorship and donation information is available at event information. - Student scholarship applications are also available on the foundation website. - The Rock Hill Turner Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. - Brigadier General (USA, Ret.) C. David Turner is the foundation’s CEO, Jeri L. W. Turner is president, and Ronald Moore is chief operating officer.

Between the lines: - The Eagle Awards appear built to connect STEM achievement with the service-oriented values associated with scouting. - Naming the foundation’s first award recipients gives the new honor immediate visibility and helps position the fundraiser as both a donor event and a recognition platform. - The Columbia gala also serves as a public showcase for the foundation’s broader STEM education and environmental mission.

What's next: - The foundation will hold the fundraiser on Sept. 19 and present the Eagle Awards during the program. - Scholarship applications and event participation will continue through the foundation’s website. - Donations from the event are expected to support future STEM grants and scholarships.