Distinguished alumni to raise money for STEM education in Dist. 220

Ocean conservationist Wallace J. Nichols and astronomer Laura Lopez will return to Barrington this week to help raise money for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education in Barrington Area Unit School District 220, where their distinguished academic careers started.

The scientists will speak at the annual Alumni Legends event, hosted by the 220 Educational Foundation at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, in the Barrington High Auditorium, 616 W. Main St.

Katherine Logue, the foundation's chairwoman, said she has been pleasantly surprised at how willing distinguished alumni are to help current and future students succeed.

"We're thrilled that these alum want to come back and share their stories," Logue said. "Having successful alumni back is the best way to advertise what we do."

Logue said since the foundation began 16 years ago it has provided more than $2.6 million in grants for different projects, technology and programs in the district.

Tickets to see Nichols and Lopez speak are $10 for adults and $5 for students and are available at 220foundation.org. Tickets to an after-presentation reception from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Barrington White House will be $100 and include admission to the Barrington High event.

On Friday, Nichols and Lopez will meet with students at district schools to tell them about their fields of study. Nichols will visit Barrington High and Station Middle School; Lopez will visit Sunny Hill Elementary and Prairie Middle School.