Mat Bevel Company sponsor South32 is a global mining and metals company that owns the Hermosa Project, a world-class zinc and lead mine near the small town of Patagonia, Arizona. Pictured above are Hermosa Site Services Manager Chris Gray and Communications Director Jenny Fiore-Magaña.

South32 is a multinational mining and metals company that owns the Hermosa Project, a zinc-lead-silver-manganese development option in Arizona, near the small town of Patagonia, Arizona, in Santa Cruz County. The Hermosa Project is South32’s first project in North America and contains what is shaping up to be one of the largest undeveloped zinc resources in the world.

The development of STEM skills among young learners is a big priority for South32. Guided by the belief that quality education is the foundation of economic and social prosperity, South32 supports STEM programs in the communities and regions where it operates. That’s why South32 has provided grants and sponsorships to Mat Bevel Company over the last four years to develop and distribute The Universe Within STEM world-building curriculum.

South32’s Will Shumway, Senior Exploration Geologist presenting to Chemistry students at Mica Mountain High School.

“The Hermosa Project is poised to be a substantial job-creator and contribute significantly to the state’s economy,” said Pat Risner, Hermosa Project President. “Building STEM skills among local students will be absolutely essential for us to employ regional talent for our project in Southern Arizona.”

That’s why Hermosa Project employees get involved with teaching students about the science and technology of mining in Southern Arizona. Recently, Will Shumway, Senior Exploration Geologist, and Matt Novak, Processing Study Lead were guest presenters during Chemistry Class at Mica Mountain High School. They shared with 125 students what a geologist does in a typical day, and the technology used for mineral extraction methods.

South32 pursues innovative mining technologies to improve efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of mining activities. As one example, South32 is using virtual design construction (VDC) to design and construct complex infrastructure at Hermosa. The technology uses an array of cutting-edge tools for virtually conceiving, planning, designing, and constructing facilities. Much like an interactive blueprint but with a lot more functionality, VDC creates a virtual twin, a 3D model of the structure prior to construction or fabrication. This technology allows South32 to anticipate and proactively resolve problems related to construction staging, traffic management and relocation of utilities.

“We are excited that students are learning about physics and the laws of motion this year through The Art of Kinetics, Module 2 of The Universe Within, said Melanie Lawson, Hermosa Project Communities. “It’s so important to foster innovation, creative problem-solving, technology skills and mechanical-spatial aptitude at a young age, especially when so many kids are exposed to mostly two dimensional digital mobile devices. In contrast, The Universe Within connects kids to the physical world, mechanics, motion as they use materials and tools to construct three- and four-dimensional objects from their worlds.”

Efforts in the U.S. to improve STEM education have largely been driven by demand from the private sector, where employers such as South32 are keenly aware of the lack of qualified candidates for science- and technology-focused jobs. By supporting programs like The Universe Within, companies are also addressing the drastic shortage of females and minorities who are taking advantage of the many opportunities in STEM-related careers.

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Gathering Grounds is a popular cafe in Patagonia, Arizona that provides quality food and service to the community and visitors to the region. Their menu features organic, locally roasted espresso and coffee, and a large variety of homemade sandwiches, soups, fresh baked goods as well as vegan and gluten-free options.

Audrey Doles, owner and operator of Gathering Grounds, supported Mat Bevel Company during its 2021 fundraiser because education is important to her. She said, “When I see this many children excited about science and math, I have no other choice but to offer my support!” Audrey is a Governing Board Member of the Patagonia Elementary School District. 

Owner of Gathering Grounds Audrey Doles with two of her three children on campus at Patagonia Elementary School.

When Audrey was 14, she worked for the then-owner of Gathering Grounds, Jenna Haugaard. She used to tell Jenna that when she grew up, she was going to buy Gathering Grounds, because she loved the cafe so much! Her dream came true in 2011, when Audrey and her husband, Brandon, purchased Gathering Grounds. 

Audrey’s family has deep roots in the Patagonia area. Her dad’s family was one of the first home setters in Elgin, a small community near Patagonia. Her grandpa and both of her parents attended Patagonia Schools. And so did Audrey and her siblings. Today, two of her children attend Patagonia Elementary School. 

Audrey loves art and creativity, so she volunteers in the Art Room at the school. One day when she was walking the kids from the Art Room to The Creative STEM Club, she learned how much they loved the creative activities in The Universe Within. 

More fresh cookies coming out from the kitchen at Gathering Grounds!

The common thread between Gathering Grounds and Mat Bevel Company is a commitment to serving the community for the better. She supports organizations that she believes in, and even more so when they are a local entity. She feels that one of the biggest things we are missing in this world right now is kindness, understanding, and compassion.  

Gathering Grounds, located at 319 McKeown Avenue, Patagonia, AZ, is open 7:30 to 2:30 seven days a week, offering a full service breakfast and lunch menu. 

MBC sponsor Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative’s Washington Youth Tour provides an opportunity for high school juniors to take an all-expense-paid week-long trip to see our nation’s capital.

Voted a 5-Star Electric Co-Op for 2019-2020, Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative (SSVEC) is a not- for-profit, member-owned distribution cooperative providing electricity to more than 60,000 services over some 4,100 miles of energized line. The cooperative’s service territory covers parts of Cochise, Graham, Pima and Santa Cruz counties in Southern Arizona. As with any cooperative member-driven entity, SSVEC is dedicated to community growth, quality of life and a positive vision for the future.

Marcus Harston, Community Relations & Youth Program Coordinator for SSVEC, manages three youth programs for the Cooperative: YES Fair, Washington Youth Tour and a Scholarship Program. He also oversees the Surge Protection Program, as well as coordinating events and product sales.

SSVEC supported Mat Bevel Company this year as a sponsor because of programs that empower youth to excel academically, emotionally and professionally. Delivering programs to local communities is a priority for both organizations. “Teachers or students should not have to drive hours to participate in programs, courses and training,” Marcus said. “This limits the number of students and teachers in rural areas who can attend.”

SSVEC’s YES fair is one of three regional science fairs that’s affiliated with the International Science and Engineering Fair. The Washington Youth Tour provides an opportunity for high school juniors to take an all-expense-paid week-long trip to see our nation’s capital and visit with our representatives and senators in Washington D.C. The Scholarship Program provides thirty $3,000 scholarships to students in SSVEC’s service area.

“These programs provide activities and opportunities for our rural members and families members,” Marcus said. “Much of what we do now is the result of either a national program or a need that our members worked with SSVEC to establish.”

In the future, SSVEC would like to provide a science camp during the summer for YES Fair teachers and students with a focus on STEM. Programs like “The Universe Within” world-building curriculum are in line with future goals of the YES Fairs student development ideas.

2019 SSVEC YES Fair Grand Prize Winner Megan Fox pictured with Advisor Beverly Adams.

“Our students at the YES Fair have presented many outstanding projects such as an electric jet engine, a portable solar water purifier and cyber security software,” said Marcus. “Many project ideas were based on needs in their communities or situations they found interesting. The teachers encourage students to do much of their own research online or interview people in the community.”

Marcus believes that what we put into our communities—the education of our students, and their activities—funds our future. He’s always pleasantly surprised when he meets someone who participated in one of SSVEC’s youth programs whose kids are also participating in these programs today.  “We have a teacher at Buena High School who won the grand prize at the YES Fair when she was in high school. Now she’s teaching at Buena and her student won grand prize last year,” he said.

Marcus encourages young people to follow their passion. “Who you are isn’t decided by where you live or what you see! Your dreams tell you a direction to follow, your research and education show you the path to follow, and passion will drive you there.”​