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It's all happening at the zoo: Cymer cares about critters too |
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Aug 28, 2007 at 02:58 PM |
As a kid growing up in San Diego, I always looked forward to visiting the city's famous zoo.
Whether I was feeding and petting the animals in the children's zoo, watching wide-eyed as a huge python uncoiled or as one of the ubiquitous peacocks spread its tailfeathers, ducking out of the way when a mischievous primate threw a handful of poop at unsuspecting humans, or studying a penguin's comical movements for my junior-high drama class's animal-pantomime assignment, the zoo was a big part of my childhood. But it wasn't until adulthood that I fully appreciated what I had been told for years: the San Diego Zoo and its Wild Animal Park were and are one of the best, if not the best, zoo combos on the planet.
Although I no longer live in San Diego, we're still members of the Zoological Society and receive its member magazine, the cutesy Zoonooz. While perusing the most recent edition last week, an advertisement jumped off the page at me: Cymer, better known in the semiconductor manufacturing community for its lithography-enabling, deep-UV laser light sources, had a vibrant full-color advertisement with the main headline, "Helping Global Technology Soar." Four beautiful ornithological images adorn the ad (the birds are, [from top] lorikeets, Secretary bird, peacock, and harpy eagle, I'm told); in smaller type, a kicker says, "Proud Sponsor of the 2007 Celebration for the Critters." (Here's a link to a copy of the ad: Cymer_Critters_ZooNooz_Ad.pdf)
I contacted Ed Brown, a childhood chum I grew up with in the Point Loma area of San Diego (who also happens to be Cymer's president and COO), to find out more about Cymer's involvement with the zoo. For the second consecutive year, the company is the main monetary sponsor of the "Celebration for the Critters" at the zoo on September 29, touted as "San Diego's largest food and beverage tasting event." The event's proceeds will benefit the zoo's Center for the Conservation and Research for Endangered Species (CRES) unit. CRES is the "largest zoo-based multidisciplinary research team in the world," according to its Website, with its overarching theme of "biodiversity conservation" focused in six study areas.
"As you know, Cymer’s global headquarters lies in the culturally diverse and historic city of San Diego," Cymer's Mechel Sylvia told me. "As part of our ongoing efforts to be responsible corporate citizens, we continuously strive for involvement in key nonprofit events such as 'Celebration for the Critters.' Not only does CRES work to conserve animals and habitats in more than 20 countries worldwide, but its vision aligns closely with Cymer’s---to become a global leader in applying advancements in science and technology, which makes Cymer’s sponsorship of 'Celebration for the Critters' a perfect fit."
I love how the karmic wheel of technology turns here: The chips that Cymer's laser boxes help create, proliferate in the analytical instrumentation, computers, comm devices, and other gizmos that CRES uses to perform its state-of-the-art biogenomic and other wildlife conservation scientific endeavors--which Cymer helps fund through its philanthropic efforts.
"Additionally, Cymer employees, including our cofounder and CEO Bob Akins, have a personal affinity for animals," Mechel continues. "We understand the importance of sponsoring an event that supports the research, conservation efforts, and habitats of endangered animals across the globe."
Bob also shared a bit more about his aforementioned affection for the animal kingdom. "My affinity toward animals extends to all animals---from endangered species to household pets. My feeling is that humankind must take more responsibility for our stewardship of the so-called 'lower' life forms, no less worthy than ourselves; protecting those who cannot speak for themselves."
I'm glad to hear such refreshing sentiments from a head honcho of Bob's stature, and also to know that good corporate citizens like Cymer are trying to make the world a better place, not just make sure their margins meet "the Street's" expectations.
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