Charity Selected for 2015 OTC Dinner

The Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) announces the 2015 beneficiary of the Annual OTC Dinner—the Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA) and the Petroleum Equipment & Services Association (PESA) Energy Education Center for the benefit of the Energy Institute High School.

OTC will host the fifth Annual OTC Dinner on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at NRG Stadium in Houston. The event recognizes industry achievements, raises funds for a worthy cause, and provides an excellent opportunity for industry leaders to network with colleagues from around the world.

Because of the support of industry-leading companies, a total of $925,000 has been donated to charitable organizations over the past four years. Past recipients are Medical Bridges, Offshore Energy Center, Engineers without Borders, and Gulf of Mexico Foundation.

"Each year, the dinner donates the net proceeds to an organization that is in some way connected to the offshore energy industry or to the communities where we operate. Our aim is to make a difference in people’s lives," said Kevin McEvoy, CEO of Oceaneering and Chair of 2015 Annual OTC Dinner Executive Advisory Board. "The Executive Advisory Board selected this year’s charity because of its strong commitment to advance STEM education through hands-on, project-based learning with a specific focus on the energy industry."

IPAA and PESA partnered with the Houston Independent School District (HISD) to create the first Energy Institute High School in the United States. Opened in August 2013, the Energy Institute is a new magnet school in HISD for grades 9–12. Students work within one of the three pathways—geosciences, energy alternatives, and offshore technology—with a core curriculum focused on STEM subjects.

"We are honored to be selected as the beneficiary of the 2015 Annual OTC Dinner. We are committed to bringing students a ground-breaking journey into the world of energy," explains Lori Lambropoulos, Principal, Energy Institute High School.

All classrooms utilize technology which provides teachers with the instructional tools necessary to engage students in a hands-on, student-centered environment. By the time a student completes four years, they will have worked in 150 different groups, on 150 different projects, and given 150 different presentations.

"It is through the contribution of corporations, like those involved with the Annual OTC Dinner, that the IPAA/PESA Energy Education Center is able to support the educational initiatives at the Energy Institute High School," explains Galen Cobb, Chairman of the IPAA/PESA Petroleum Academy Advisory Board.

"The IPAA/PESA Energy Education Center and the Energy Institute High School are committed to bringing students an innovative and fresh look into the world of energy and developing the next generation of talented energy professionals. Starting a program such as this from scratch is a challenge. This award enables us to add to the program and continue the momentum," said Barry Russell, IPAA President & CEO.

Sponsorship opportunities for the Annual OTC Dinner are still available at multiple levels.