Paul George, a Lasting Legacy
In recognition of his dedication to STEM, Paul George donated funds for the establishment of the Paul George STEM Center. Paul and Jimmy Nichols (team lead for Lakota Robotics) had a dream of creating a STEM center as a home for Lakota Robotics. When Paul passed from cancer in 2020, he left Lakota Robotics the funds to make their dream into a reality. The Paul George STEM center embodies the vision of empowering the next generation of innovators and leaders in STEM.
Home of Lakota Robotics (FRC Team 1038)
The STEM center serves as a home for Lakota Robotics and is the hub for their students interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, providing them with resources and opportunities to engage in hands-on learning experiences.
Paul’s dedication to empowering young engineers and fostering a love for STEM continues to inspire students and educators alike. Though he passed away in 2020, his legacy lives on through the countless individuals he mentored and the resources he provided for future generations. Paul George will always be remembered as a champion for education, innovation, and the transformative power of mentorship in shaping young minds. His experience in the industry provided students with valuable insights into the engineering field, enhancing their understanding of real-world applications. George’s encouragement during competitions instilled confidence in students, teaching them that setbacks are a natural part of the learning process.
Paul has passed, but his legacy lives on in the many he touched and the difference he made.Paul worked to build a strong Legacy of mentoring students to pursue careers in STEM. He worked to not only inspire students but the mentors as well. To help all of us to develop the skills needed to effectively inspire and guide the kids. We will all work diligently to ensure that the values and passion for FIRST that he instilled in us all, will be honored and passed on to the next generation.
Mentoring
Paul’s passion was mentoring and inspiring students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. He also worked to help fellow mentors develop skills to effectively engage with students. In addition to working with his Lakota Robotics team, Paul was a dedicated and valued volunteer for the FIRST organization for twenty-five years, serving in at least ten different roles. Paul’s service was recognized in a variety of ways, the most prestigious being with the Woodie Flowers Finalist Award at the Queen City Regional in 2013 and the 2015 FIRST Robotics Competition Volunteer of the Year Award at the FIRST Championship.
At Lakota Robotics, Paul George dedicated his time and expertise to mentoring students eager to explore the world of engineering and technology. He was not just a teacher but a true advocate for hands-on learning. Through engaging projects from robot design to programming, George inspired students to think critically and creatively.
His mentorship style emphasized encouragement and empowerment, fostering an environment where students felt free to innovate and take risks. George believed in the potential of every student, and his guidance helped many discover their passion for STEM fields. His ability to connect with young minds made a significant impact, motivating them to pursue careers in engineering and technology.
The impact of dedicated mentors in the fields of engineering and technology cannot be overstated. One such influential figure was engineer Paul George, whose commitment to education and mentorship left a profound legacy at Lakota Robotics. His contributions extended beyond personal guidance; they included significant philanthropic efforts, such as the establishment of the Paul George STEM Center. With a noteworthy professional career at Procter & Gamble and a strong involvement in FIRST Robotics, George’s influence continues to inspire students even after his passing in 2020.
FIRST® Robotics
Paul had been a volunteer for FIRST® for 27 years, over a quarter of a century. He started his work with FRC as a mentor and over the course of his volunteering career he had also been: FRC Mentor, FTA, Chair of a Queen City Regional Planning Committee, FTC Mentor, Scorekeeper, Field Builder, Field Resetter, Referee, Head Referee, Co-Chief Field Supervisor, and Robot Inspector. Paul did not miss a single FIRST® Championship since they started in 1995.
As a mentor for FRC Team 1038, Lakota Robotics, Paul was recognized with the Woodie Flowers Finalist Award in 2013. For his many volunteering accomplishments and his dedication to FIRST®, Paul was selected as the FIRST Championship FRC Volunteer of the Year in 2015.
Paul was a caring soul with a gentle sense of humor who made countless friends during his time with FIRST®. Teams praised Paul for his fairness and concern in making sure they had the best experience possible at events. And Paul was so revered by his fellow FTAs for his thoughtfulness, even-handedness, and experience that they created wristbands printed with the characters “WWPGD?” (What Would Paul George Do?). These were handed out to all the FTAs at their annual training session. To fondly keep Paul’s impact alive, Lakota Robotics had also proudly displayed WWPGD on all team shirts and robots.
Professional Journey
Paul George worked at Procter & Gamble as an engineer for over 30 years. During his time there, he excelled in various engineering roles. His experience allowed him to work collaboratively with diverse teams, honing his problem-solving skills and gaining insights into the practical applications of engineering principles.
Paul’s work at Procter & Gamble equipped him with a deep understanding of the importance of innovation, teamwork, and effective communication—values he would later instill in the students he mentored. His professional background provided a solid foundation for his contributions to STEM education, allowing him to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications.
Bowling
An avid bowler, Paul was secretary/treasurer of many leagues for nearly twenty years. He had two perfect 300 games to his credit. Paul also enjoyed chess, tennis, softball, card games, and woodworking. To honor Paul’s love of bowling, Lakota Robotics holds an annual bowling fundraiser at Gilmore Lanes which is the bowling alley Paul scored his perfect 300 game.