Scholarship created to honor teacher, science advocate Les Blanchett
A new scholarship in memory of Leslie “Les” Blanchett, a prominent science teacher and community leader, will provide financial support to students pursuing STEM degrees at Texas A&M University-Victoria.
"We are profoundly grateful to the Blanchett family for this investment in our students and in the future of science," said Amber Countis, vice president for advancement and external relations. "Philanthropy like this not only transforms individual lives, but it also strengthens our whole academic community. Through this generous gift, the Blanchett family is helping us cultivate the next generation of scientists, innovators and problem-solvers who will go on and make meaningful contributions to our world."
The Leslie "Les" Robert Blanchett Scholarship was created to honor Blanchett, a Victoria native born on July 8, 1946, and a 1969 graduate of Texas A&M University, who passed away on June 11 of last year.
He is remembered by his friends and family for his quick wit, love of conversation and devotion to Jane Blanchett, his wife of more than 56 years, as well as for his deep commitment to education and community outreach. He is survived by his three children: Amy, Joshua and Matthew Blanchett.
“Dad loved people,” his daughter Amy said. “He loved making others happy; whether demonstrating a science experiment, volunteering at church and Meals on Wheels or talking Aggie football. This scholarship is a way for us to honor how much he loved teaching and giving students opportunities.”
A hands-on educator and outreach pioneer, Blanchett taught science in the Victoria Independent School District, at Victory Christian School in Oklahoma, Devereux Behavioral Health and Bryan High School, where he coached under Merrill Green.
He later went on to work as a lab analyst for Union Carbide and Dow Chemical Company, but he remained best known in the local area for leading his liquid-nitrogen science shows and outreach programs that earned him the nickname “Dr. Freeze.” For more than 25 years, Blanchett brought science demonstrations to county fairs, schools and hospitals across the region to create memorable experiments and character-driven presentations including creations like “Mr. Molecular” and “Madam Atom” to make science fun and accessible for future generations of students.
“Les was a gifted educator and believed deeply in helping students discover their God-given gifts so that they would be directed and fulfilled into the right careers,” said his wife Jane. “He thoroughly enjoyed teaching in the sciences, as that was his gift.”
To honor his legacy, his family has pledged a gift of $2,000 annually for five years to establish a scholarship fund in his name with the intention of encouraging others to donate so more students are able to study STEM within the university’s College of Natural & Applied Science. Pam Lambden, the former long-time mayor of the City of Point Comfort, was the first to contribute to the fund, Amy noted. The scholarship criteria reflect Blanchett’s commitment to accessibility in higher education.
Recipients must be undergraduate students in good standing, enrolled full-time in the College of Natural & Applied Science and must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.
“My family knows all too well the expense affiliated with tuition and books,” Amy said. “Every student needs that opportunity of an education because they have the potential to change their whole family’s outlook.”
Blanchett’s devotion to his community extended beyond the classroom, Amy said. A lifelong sports fan who enjoyed fishing on the Texas coast and playing golf, he and his wife were also active members of Faith Family Church and were dedicated volunteers.
Plans are already in place to remember and honor Blanchett at local Aggie gatherings, Amy said. His name will be called during muster roll calls at the Calhoun County and the Victoria County A&M Clubs planned for April 21.
Those who wish to contribute to the scholarship fund can visit: https://tamuvalumni.org/donations/donate.asp?id=25352.
“My dad was a coach with a Health Science degree from Texas A&M and understood the importance of training,” Amy said. “He coached me in sports and in life. He also was very creative, and many times I would call him and brainstorm with him and get his unique ideas for various marketing projects. He was so innovative and funny. He just loved, loved talking to people. He was just an amazing man. He would be pleased to know his legacy will help students.”
Texas A&M University-Victoria, located in the heart of the Coastal Bend region since 1973 in Victoria, Texas, offers courses leading to more than 50 academic programs in the colleges of Business, Education & Health Professions, Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, and Natural & Applied Science. A&M-Victoria provides face-to-face classes at its Victoria campus, as well as online classes that students can take from anywhere. The university supports the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Opportunities for All initiative to increase awareness about state colleges and universities and the important role they have in providing a high-quality and accessible education to an increasingly diverse student population, as well as contributing to regional and state economic development.