14 Mar 2023

AVILUTION SUPPORTS HUDSONALPHA’S 15TH ANNIVERSARY SERIES AS PRESENTING SPONSOR

By Lillie Mermoud

Supporting critical educational initiatives and cutting-edge scientific research is a priority for Avilution. The company’s Founder and XFS Architect, Mark Spencer, considers philanthropy a powerful tool for shining the light on organizations that make the world a healthier place. 

When Spencer learned of HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology’s 15th Anniversary Series, a yearlong public event series, he knew these events embodied Avilution’s philanthropic goals and was inspired to make a generous gift to become the series’ Presenting Sponsor. 

“We believe in supporting organizations that advance health care and help people in the community to be more aware of how scientific research benefits their well-being,” said Spencer. “The 15th Anniversary Series is a great way for people to learn more about what HudsonAlpha does and how it affects their daily life.”

HudsonAlpha’s 15th Anniversary Series provides an opportunity for members of the public to come to HudsonAlpha’s campus to celebrate with a series of exciting guest speaker talks, exclusive presentations by the Institute’s faculty members, and community-favorite events like the annual Spring Benefit and Tie The Ribbons luncheon.

The 15th Anniversary Series also includes HudsonAlpha U Nights, HudsonAlpha’s newest public education events. HudsonAlpha U Nights are free evening events that help learners become familiar with basic concepts of genomics, stay up-to-date on the latest biotech and genomic discoveries, and understand how genomics relate to health and daily life. HudsonAlpha U Nights was preceded by the popular Biotech 101 and 201 series.

Spencer’s relationship with HudsonAlpha began with the Biotech series. He learned about the series through his friendship with the Institute’s co-founders, Jim Hudson and Lonnie McMillian, and enthusiastically attended the 101 and 201 events. The talks ignited his passion for the world of biotechnology and genomics, and he joined the HudsonAlpha Alumni Association as a way of supporting the Institute’s educational programming. “When I visit HudsonAlpha’s campus, I know I’m going to walk away inspired after learning something fascinating,” said Spencer. “Everytime I go, it’s an exciting surprise.”

Through Spencer, Avilution has been a generous supporter of HudsonAlpha’s educational and research programs. “HudsonAlpha is so unique in Huntsville. It’s so different from the aerospace industry we have here, a world I live in myself,” said Spencer. “HudsonAlpha impacts lives locally in Huntsville, but also the lives of people around the world. Having access to HudsonAlpha’s knowledge is an incredible opportunity for our community.”