Devon Energy Corp. donated $30,000 to install smartboards in the Manning Academic Center at the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics in Oklahoma City. Biology professor Brent Richards said knowing that every classroom in the building has the same equipment will make a big difference for him and the rest of the faculty. He uses the projectors to show live dissections of animals, among other things. Dr. Frank Wang, president of the school, said community and corporate support is crucial for OSSM, which uses state appropriations to pay for most teacher salaries and operations. “Partners like Devon allow us to invest in the extra equipment needed to provide a world-class science education,” Wang said. Ryan Pivonka, Devon’s senior manager, petrochemical career development, is on the OSSM Foundation board. “These students are Oklahoma’s future scientists and innovators,” Pivonka said. “Devon is committed to supporting great schools that lead young people to careers in STEM, because it’s so important for our community’s success.” –Staff reporter.
