Father Patrick O. Braden

A hero is defined as a person admired for his/her achievements and noble qualities or the central figure in an event or movement. Fr. Patrick Braden was involved in the founding of the Institute for Storm Research at the University of St. Thomas in 1966, the first organization dedicated to weather education prior to the Weather Research Center. Father Braden, a U.S. Navy veteran with a doctorate in engineering from the University of Texas, has taught physics at UST for many years and educated many young minds. Fr. Braden and Dr. Freeman agreed on the foundation and principals that Weather Research Center still holds in our mission statement. Fr. Braden is honored as one of the center's 2007 Weather Heroes for his dedication to science education.

Shell Oil Company

Some people put forth a heroic effort defined as impressive size, power, extent or effect. Shell Oil Company carried out a public awareness program "Are You Ready for Hurricane Season?" that reached millions in the community about how important it is to be prepared for hurricane season. Their sponsorship of educational programs like the Future City Competition allows young science ethusiasts to be recognized for their forward thinking. A recent student was recognized for her efforts in developing a futuristic city that protects the shoreline of the Louisiana Coast during hurricanes. The Shell Eco Marathon is an educational project that integrates the sustainable development values with driving as far as possible using the least amount of energy. The Shell.com website offers many useful tips on evacuation of your family by automobile, again demonstrating the company's commitment to education and awareness during hurricane season.

Bill King

To be heroic is defined as a determined effort especially in the face of difficulty and that is the best description of the work of Bill King as Chairman of the Governor's Task Force on Evacuation and his continued work on hurricane mitigation. According to the Houston Chronicle, "It was during Hurricane Lili in 2002 that King found out Kemah, one of the spots on Galveston Bay most vulnerable to surges, did not have an evacuation plan. It set him on what was then a one-man crusade to keep his coastal Texas neighbors from being hurt or killed by a catastrophic hurricane." This is why Weather Research Center has chosen Bill King as one of our 2007 Weather Heroes.