Dr. Ernest & Sarah Butler Boost Math Learning Opportunities With New Endowment Gift

September 9, 2014 – San Marcos, TX

Dr. Ernest & Sarah Butler have donated $50,000 to Texas State University’s Mathworks center, adding to their existing “Sarah & Ernest Butler Endowed Scholarship in Mathworks.”  This named scholarship provides opportunities to young students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to attend Mathworks summer math programs.

The Butler’s endowed scholarship was originally established with a $100,000 gift in 2012, and has supported “Butler Scholars” attending the Honors Summer Math Camp (HSMC) program for high school students.  The 2014 HSMC program included three Butler Scholars: Fatimatou Diallo from New York; and Priscilla Giner and Priscilla Betance from El Paso. 

Diallo wrote of her experience in the HSMC program: “I got to see math in a different perspective.  Throughout the summer, I have also learned skills that will always benefit me.  I’ve learned to be more responsible, work with other people, and I have also developed public speaking skills.”

Mathworks summer math programs provide opportunities to students across Texas, and the nation, to develop their critical and creative thinking abilities.  Students in the HSMC program conduct original math and science research under the guidance of Texas State University faculty and industry professionals, advancing the frontiers of knowledge.  Alumni of Mathworks programs go on to major in math, science, and engineering in college, and become leaders in their respective fields.  Mathworks programs include nationally recognized summer math programs, and the Butler’s newest gift will provide opportunities to additional students, regardless of their financial background.