Alumni Spotlight

Forrest Hoglund (Kansas '56 )
Forrest Hoglund KS '56

It is no secret that the main goal of The Delta Chi Educational Foundation is to help further the educational pursuits of its undergraduate members. One brother, however, decided to go the extra mile with that goal.

Forrest Hoglund, Kansas ’56, decided that his foundation would help to build the Energy Exhibit at the Houston Museum of Nature and Science.

“There’s so much importance in educating young people today,” said Hoglund. “We want to make sure that they have a good time while they’re learning.”

Most of the content at the Wiess Energy Hall in Houston was conceived and designed by Paul Bernhard, who tailored the educational content to keep kids interested in the science of energy production. His work includes animated videos that explain wind farms, solar arrays and geothermal resources for energy production.
“The museum brings in around 600,000 students from around the region each year,” said Lataha Thomas, Vice President of Marketing for the Museum. “And like many other public institutions, we are in need of donations to keep everything up-to date. Right now we are in the middle of a capital campaign and we are doing a public push for that money. We are not looking for any funding from the city or state.”
 Houston Muesum

It is private donations that helped to build the Houston Museum of Science and it will also be the same that help to bring about the new Dallas Museum of Nature and Science. “So far we’ve raised more than $125 million of the $155 million we need to complete the project.” said Hoglund. “We are getting pretty close to that goal. We hope to break ground here (In Dallas) at the end of 2009.”

What makes the Nature and Science Museum unique is that it ties the history of fossils to the science of energy exploration. While kids are learning all about Brontosaurus and Triceratops, they also learn how modern drilling techniques bring fossil fuels to the surface for use in everyday life. And the Tom Hunt Energy Hall at The Perot Museum of Nature and Science will continue to show how science and technology are used to capture the vast array of traditional and alternative energy resources. It will also focus on contemporary energy issues and challenges facing society today.

“We believe very strongly in the Museum and are proud to play a role in its development. We so desperately need engineers and science professionals, and a museum helps to do that,” said John Creecy, former president and CEO of Hunt Petroleum.
Houston Muesum

To make the exhibits stimulating, fun and educational, the Museum will use state-of the art video; 3D computer animation; thrilling, lifelike simulation; hands-on activities; interactive kiosks and dioramas; energy IQ quizzes; tabletop landscapes; animated music videos; high resolution, computer-generated flyovers and more. Exhibits will be accessible and user-friendly for everyone from preschoolers to lifelong learners.
The Dallas and Houston museums are not the only philanthropic pursuits in which Hoglund and his wife Sally are interested. Their foundation has awarded grants to programs that range from wireless computer labs in public schools, cancer research centers, medical facilities in Dallas, Houston and at the University of Kansas, and even the occasional sporting venue.

Drive through the Kansas Campus in Lawrence and you’ll see how Hoglund’s philanthropy has benefited the Jayhawks. In 1987, the Jayhawks baseball field was renovated with help from the Hoglund Foundation and now bears the name of its benefactor.

“I played third base [for Kansas] but that was so long ago, I couldn’t give you any particulars about my playing,” said Hoglund. “But Sally and I have always been interested in helping others out. In a state with only 2.5 million people [Kansas], they need all the help they can get. We’re happy to do what we can.”
Houston Muesum
And also, Brother Hoglund has done his best to help out Delta Chi. His unwavering support of the Delta Chi Educational Foundation is matched by his philanthropy for his Chapter’s house in Lawrence. The house is a shining example of how alumni support can build a memorable place for undergraduates to live and learn. When you visit the campus, make sure you take a look at the Forrest Hoglund Library inside the house.

For more information on the good work of the Hoglund Foundation, go to www.hoglundfoundation.org.