b'6new fund Supports Summer STEM Research Experience Gary Conner was known for his curiosity and his ability to \x1fx orspacecrafts. He eventually cofounded a startup company focused create anything on the spot. In fact, his wife, Cassie, describes a timeon making high-resolution computer graphics. He was instrumental when they traveled to Ecuador and he \x1fxed a local mans prostheticin establishing early adoption of o\x1e-shore manufacturing in South arminjustafewhourswithoutanypriorknowledgeofitsKorea and Japan. Cassie said that Garys friends often referred to workings. Thats the kind of mind Gary had, and he loved to share hishim as The Rocket Scientist.knowledge with young science lovers.The Conners bonded over a love for wine and travel. After settling Garyscuriosityfortheworld,combinedwithhisenthusiasmintheApplegateValley,theyplantedandnurtureda5-acre forteachingyoungminds,iswhatinspiredCassieConnertovineyardover22years.Theirtempranillograpesbecamethe establish the Gary Conner Fund for STEM. This fund will supportsource for Troon Vineyards Insomnia Port.studentswhoparticipateintheSummerSTEMResearch ExperienceprogramatSOUandsetaspiringresearchersandGarywaspassionateaboutgivingback,accordingtoCassie. scientists on a path of career discovery. He volunteered at a local school as a coach where he used his SOUF ANNUAL REPORT 2024engineering expertise to work with the robotics team. During the WhattrulytouchedmeaboutGarywashisabilitytoconnectCOVID-19 pandemic, Gary created face masks for local hospitals with everyone. He found new ways to explain things. It just showedfromhis3-Dprinter.HealsovolunteeredregularlyatCantrall his incredible way with people of all ages. He believed everyoneBuckley Park in Applegate. deserved a chance to learn, and thats why I know he would be so touched by this gift in his honor, said Cassie.Setting up the scholarship fund felt like the right way to honor Gary. He loved learning new things, especially about science and GarysearlylifeinOhiowasshapedbyhisengineerfather.technology.Thewaytheprogramfocusesonbothresearch His natural curiosity blossomed at a young age when he took apartand education felt very much like him. Plus, the small university andrebuiltanoldMGcar.Thisspiritofinquirypropelledhimfeelsmorepersonal,likesomethingIcouldtrulyconnectwith, towardsasuccessfulcareer.Asarocketengineer,Garywasand where I could make a tangible di\x1eerence, said Cassie. responsible for many of the nozzle designs used on exploratory'