Greenberg Traurig LLP Donates
$7,500 to Astounding Inventions
October 12, 2006

IVC Foundation Chairman Howard Klein and Astounding Inventions Chair Shari Gunn are presented a $7,500 check by Raymond A. Lee, Managing Partner at Greenberg Traurig LLP

The Irvine Valley College Foundation is pleased to announce that the international law firm of Greenberg Traurig LLP will be the Presenting Sponsor of the 20th Annual Astounding Inventions competition.

“The Astounding Inventions competition is an exciting and unique program that promotes the Entrepreneurial Spirit,” stated Raymond A. Lee, Managing Partner of the Orange County office of Greenberg Traurig LLP.  “This program appealed to us because it encourages children to be creative, innovative, and dedicated; the very same characteristics Greenberg Traurig prides itself on.  We are excited to be a part of this program, which encourages elementary and middle students to act upon their creativity and realize their dreams,” he continued.

“Partnerships are very important to our college and to our students as they keep us connected to the community,” stated Dr. Glenn R. Roquemore, President of Irvine Valley College.  “We are grateful for the contribution that Greenberg Traurig has made to the Astounding Inventions competition, now in its 20th anniversary year, and we are excited about the many new possibilities our association with the firm will create,” he continued.

“I've been involved with Astounding Inventions for four years now, and every year it is an incredibly rewarding experience.  This invention competition for elementary and middle school students allows the Irvine Valley College Foundation to give back to not only the college through the funds we raise, but also to the community at large,” stated Shari Gunn, Chair of the 2007 Astounding Inventions competition.  “This year, we are thrilled to not only celebrate Astounding Inventions' 20th anniversary, but also the inaugural year of an extremely valuable partnership with Greenberg Traurig," she continued.

Astounding Inventions is an invention fair highlighting handmade inventions by school children from the Irvine and Tustin Unified School Districts encompassing kindergarten through eighth grade.  The competition was established to promote student interest and learning in math and science. 2007 will mark the 20th year of this exciting competition.  Astounding Inventions was conceived by Irvine Valley College in 1987 to promote creativity and interest in mathematics and science education among area students.

The 2007 Astounding Inventions competition will take place at Irvine Valley College on Saturday, January 27th.  The competition and exhibition will be held in Hart Gymnasium; judging will take place from 9:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., public viewing of the entries will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the Awards Ceremony will take place from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.  The day-long event will also include additional scientific, creative and educational activities for the entire family, such as Demonstrations and Stage Shows, will also be onsite from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  The public is welcome.  Admission and parking are free.

For information on how to make a donation to Astounding Inventions at Irvine Valley College, please contact Foundation Director Al Tello at (949) 451-5290.