Dr. Richard Woodcock Makes $200,000 Gift to Support Students
On behalf of the College of Engineering, we are pleased to announce that Dr. Richard Woodcock has made a $200,000 gift to the College of Engineering. This gift will support Rocket Project and Aztec Electric Racing.
Over five years, Dr. Woodcock's giving to the College of Engineering has now totaled $1.2 million. "The impact of Dr. Woodcock's giving is truly transformational for the College and especially for two of our student organizations, Rocket Project and Aztec Electric Racing," said Eugene Olevsky, College of Engineering Dean. "His gifts have allowed our students to design and build rockets and race cars, which are invaluable hands-on experiences that enhance their academic studies." In addition to the two student organizations, Dr. Woodcock also provided Senior Design support.
In October 2022, with the permission of the SDSU Faculty Senate, the College of Engineering and Rocket Project renamed their student lab "The Dr. Richard Woodcock Rocket Project Student Laboratory" in honor of Dr. Woodcock's transformational support. "The students in Rocket Project are so grateful for Dr. Woodcock's generous giving," said Olevsky.
In February 2020, Rocket Project set a world record with "Lady Elizabeth," the student-designed and built rocket named after Dr. Woodcock's late wife, Elizabeth Jackson. Rocket Project leadership and the College of Engineering have specified that Dr. Woodcock's generous giving is an essential component of their success. Dr. Woodcock has visited campus to learn about their progress and has been to the launch site in the Mojave Desert to cheer them on and encourage them.
Dr. Richard W. Woodcock is considered the world's foremost educational test developer and is one of the most prolific and influential figures in the field of applied psychological assessment. His Woodcock-Johnson series of tests for cognition, achievement and reading is widely used in the U.S. and internationally. He is renowned for setting the standard for cognitive and achievement assessments worldwide as the author of such tests as Woodcock–Johnson® III (WJ IIITM) Tests of Achievement, WJ III Tests of Cognitive Abilities, Batería III Woodcock–Muñoz®, Dean–Woodcock™ Neuropsychological Battery, and Woodcock–Muñoz Language Survey®—Revised.
He earned his doctorate from the University of Oregon with a dual major in statistics and psycho-education. He has published more than 135 professional books and articles. With a lifelong career in education, Dr. Woodcock has been a teacher, school psychologist, and special education administrator. At age 94, he continues to work and is actively involved in research.
If you happen to see Dr. Woodcock in the community, at a campus event, or in the SDSU Dr. Richard Woodcock Rocket Project Student Laboratory, please feel free to express appreciation for his generosity.
The College is grateful for all those who provide philanthropic support that helps our students achieve their academic goals and develop skills that enable them to have rewarding and meaningful careers.
If you or anyone you know is interested in learning about ways to support the College of Engineering, please contact Kate Carinder, Senior Director of Development for the College of Engineering at [email protected].
