Sandy and Bob Hovde
07 Aug 2024

Sandy and Bob Hovde Support HudsonAlpha’s Educational Events as Alumni Association Members

Through their Alumni Association membership, Sandy and Bob Hovde are supporting HudsonAlpha’s educational programs and fueling STEM education in Alabama and beyond

Sandy and Bob Hovde are proud lifelong learners. As engaged members of the Huntsville community, the Hovdes are interested in many areas served by local nonprofits and passionate about encouraging others to expand their knowledge. Their curious nature and desire to make an impact on the world around them led them to HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology.

The couple has been involved with HudsonAlpha for many years. Since learning about the Institute’s Biotech 101 and 201 series — the precursor to HudsonAlpha U Nights, HudsonAlpha’s current free public education program — the Hovdes have rarely missed an opportunity to come to HudsonAlpha’s campus and get the latest biotech and genomics update.

“It’s a smart thing to take advantage of the opportunities that are available to you in your community,” said Sandy. “These programs are completely free and open to the public, and incredibly informational.”

Through HudsonAlpha’s educational programs, the Hovdes seized the opportunity to learn more about HudsonAlpha and support the Institute’s many mission areas through philanthropic donations. One of the ways they enjoy fueling HudsonAlpha’s work is through their Alumni Association membership.

The Alumni Association program supports all of HudsonAlpha’s educational programs, from the free HudsonAlpha U Nights to field trips and summer camps for students, and STEM teacher training programs. Members of the Alumni Association receive exclusive benefits, such as early access to HudsonAlpha public events, invitations to the annual alumni member reception, and mentions in the HudsonAlpha Foundation’s annual Impact Report.

“What HudsonAlpha does best is teach,” said Bob. “For us, the purpose of our Alumni Association membership is to support these educational programs that teach members of our community and students across Alabama, and also help educators to better teach in their own classrooms.”

Read on to learn more about why Sandy and Bob are proud members of the HudsonAlpha Alumni Association and what gets them excited about HudsonAlpha as a whole.

HudsonAlpha Foundation: What inspired you to support HudsonAlpha philanthropically?

Bob Hovde: The education aspect is important to us, as we are really big on Alabama education. What HudsonAlpha is doing is important long-term, not just for here in Huntsville but for people everywhere. As scientists better understand the genetic side of things, we can solve more problems with human disease and agriculture that affect people around the world.

Sandy Hovde: We’re passionate about HudsonAlpha and its mission overall. We’re happy to support the Institute, no questions asked.

HAF: One of the many ways you support HudsonAlpha is by giving to Education, through the Alumni Association.  Why are HudsonAlpha’s educational programs important to you?

BH: Half of our families are teachers, and I worked with a STEM group when I was at NASA, so I’ve seen firsthand how STEM education can improve people’s lives and drive cutting-edge research.

SH: When I was younger, I was an aspiring teacher. I understood the value of education early on and it’s something I am excited to support today. Education is an easy place to hang our hats.

HAF: Why do you think it’s important to support not just our public education programs, but also the student experiences and teacher trainings that are funded through alumni membership?

BH: HudsonAlpha is at the leading edge of genomics research and is taking the opportunity to share that knowledge with others. If you don’t train people today, the people in the field in the future won’t be able to grow and build on this work.

SH: We recently attended one of the educator trainings for biology teachers held at HudsonAlpha, and it was amazing to see how HudsonAlpha distilled information from the research that’s done here in a way teachers could then bring those lessons back to their classrooms.

HAF: For people who may also be considering joining the alumni association, what would you tell them?

SH: The value is the knowledge you gain. The HudsonAlpha U and Biotech events opened our eyes to how genetics impacts what’s happening in the medical and healthcare worlds, and now we’re able to ask better questions of our physicians. As Alumni, it means a lot to know that our contributions make it possible for our community to have access to such important information for free.

As a nonprofit organization, HudsonAlpha relies on philanthropic support to fuel genomics research and STEM education.

If you’re interested in learning how you can support HudsonAlpha as a member of the Alumni Association, please contact Jeff Moore, Director of Planned Giving and Major Gifts Officer, at jemoore@hudsonalpha.org or 256.327.9434.