Annual Holiday Mixer Supports STEM

In December, Thomas Merkle, chapter president, presided over the chapter's annual Holiday Mixer as the master of ceremonies. The mixer was held at the Beardmore Event Center in Bellevue, Nebraska.

After the event, Merkle commented, "I love this event! It's the epitome of what we do well: assisting STEM education in area schools. Chapter followers are here in force, some with loved ones you don't often get to see; everyone is smiling and spreading holiday cheer from conversation to conversation; teachers are grinning from ear to ear because this is their night and they know they have earned funds to help implement a STEM initiative that only weeks before they felt was just a pipe dream, but our STEM grants are about to make it a reality; and let's not forget, I get to brush the dust off one of my ugly Christmas sweaters to make a public fashion statement, which is catching on with some of our attendees." When Merkle was asked what he finds most rewarding in guiding the chapter, he replied, "I enjoy the opportunity to meet so many fun, engaging tech-types, who are, like me, interested in building the Offutt and broader Omaha, Nebraska, tech community while supporting the country's national security!"

In parting, Merkle pointed out how he wished the chapter had more financial resources to help cover an even greater number of STEM initiatives throughout the Greater Omaha Metropolitan area. He added that the chapter's STEM work is only just beginning.

Event Photographs: