From fingerprints to forensic psychology, from computers to crime scenes and beyond, Colloquium 2014: Crime Scene Intelligence will fully explore the world of forensic science. The speaker lineup is still taking shape, but the Mensa Foundation is thrilled that acclaimed forensic anthropologist and best-selling author Kathy Reichs will speak at the event, scheduled July 1 in Boston.

Reichs, a forensic anthropologist and professor of anthropology, catapulted to fame when her novel Déjà Dead became a bestseller and won the 1997 Ellis Award for Best First Novel. She also is a producer of the Fox TV series Bones, which is based on her work and novels. As a forensic anthropologist, Reichs has taught FBI agents on human remains detection and has aided in the identification of war dead from several conflicts. She also assisted with identifying remains found at ground zero of the World Trade Center following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Reichs is an impressive addition to the day's program, which will be an exciting chance to interact with other bright minds on the current status of forensic science. Get more information and register today at colloquium.us.mensa.org/register.

We'd like to congratulate the winners of the 2013 Foundation awards, which recognize the research and support of intelligence both nationally and internationally, and remind you that the Foundation is currently accepting 2014 nominations:

• Kelly Cartwright of Yorktown, Va., is the 2013 recipient of the COPPER BLACK AWARD, which is given for a Mensan's specific creative achievement — patented or otherwise demonstrated to be of practical value — or for an innovation that has been implemented, at least in part, to the advantage of persons other than the nominee. Kelly received the award for her work developing and implementing an intervention for those with children suffering from Reading Comprehension Deficit.
• Matthew Guggemos, of San Francisco, Calif., is the recipient of the 2013 INTELLECTUAL BENEFIT TO SOCIETY AWARD, which recognizes a Mensan's application of intellectual abilities that result in tangible benefit to society. Innovative activities relevant for consideration include education programs for employees; client or business associate education programs; intellectual research and development; and programs designed to educate the public. Matthew, a speech-language pathologist, is credited with developing his own mobile-interactive-video-self modeling approach to improve social communication skills in children with autism spectrum disorder and/or Social Thinking deficits.
• Rena Subotnik is the recipient of the 2013 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, which is presented in recognition of a lifetime of contributions to the field of intelligence and related subjects, for her extensive contributions to the needs of high-performing children and adolescents. Rena created and developed the Esther Katz Rosen Center for Gifted Education Policy at the American Psychological Foundation. The mission of the center is to address the needs of gifted children through policy development, model building and service to psychologists and parents.
• John Otterstedt, a third-grade teacher in Ridgewood, N.J., is the 2013 recipient of the DISTINGUISHED TEACHER AWARD, which recognizes a teacher, professor or instructor at any education level who has had an especially positive influence on the education or life of a Mensa member or on that of a dependent. Nominated by a fellow teacher, John is known for subtly "tricking" his students into better expressing themselves through associative writing prompts, even going as far as videotaping lessons for a student unable to attend classes due to health issues. Students who struggle in his class are given "immediate and extensive attention," and communication between this teacher and parents is paramount.

The deadline for award nominations is March 1. Learn more about these award winners and make your nominations online in the Awards section at mensafoundation.org, or call 888-294-8035 ext. 5577 for more information.

An optimistic author once said: "Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy and change ordinary opportunities into blessings." The Mensa Foundation couldn't agree more, especially when considering its donors.

So, thank you — thank you for your time, thank you for your generous gifts and thank you for your support. Everything you do nourishes and sustains the Foundation's efforts.

The Foundation offers these gifts as one small way of saying “thank you” for your support:

• At the $50, $75 and $100 levels, donors receive commemorative pins.
• At the $200-$299 level, donors receive a Gildan Ultra Cotton™ T-shirt.
• At the $300-$499 level, donors receive an UltraClub® Classic Pique Cotton Polo in men’s or women’s styles.
• At the $500 and above level, donors receive a Foundation donor T-shirt and an UltraClub® Adult Lightweight Blend Soft Shell Jacket.

All clothing gifts are fulfilled by the Mensa Store.

The Mensa Foundation's commitment to educational outreach and gifted youth has never been stronger, and several examples illustrate that.

• Advanced reading skills are a hallmark of giftedness, and establishing a book club for young readers is a great way to reinforce that. Among the resources at mensafoundation.org/giftedspecialist is a step-by-step guide that leads adults through the process of establishing youth book groups. The guide includes ideas on where to find books, how to host a book group and how to avoid common pitfalls.
• Lesson and activity plans are designed to challenge and entertain gifted children, and TED® Connections are guides that help teachers, parents and youth use TED talks in a classroom or home setting. Find these valuable resources at mensaforkids.org/teachers.
• The Foundation's commitment to gifted youth is reinforced at conferences, where resources and information are shared about educating bright youth and the Foundation's mission. Slide decks and handouts from these conferences are shared at the Foundation's SlideShare site, and most are available for download.

For information on other Foundation programs, visit mensafoundation.org.

Each month in the Mensa Bulletin, Foundation leaders address projects, programs and the general news of American Mensa's philanthropic arm. Members have the opportunity to learn our programs and efforts from the Trustees themselves, as well as from committee chairs, appointees, donors, staff members, and supporters of the Foundation. Colloquium updates, donation efforts and outreach opportunities are just a few of the topics covered. The columns provide a great way to stay up-to-date and learn more about where your valuable contributions are going.

Can't find your current Bulletin copy? Head to mensafoundation.org/foundationvoices to read the organization's blog. You'll find the latest columns, as well as thoughts from Foundation leaders and supporters. We hope you'll find their insights informational and inspiring.

The winter 2014 issue of Mensa Research Journal is out. In it, Executive Editor Robin Crawford writes:

“This year, we are proud to share with you the work of Rena Subotnik, PhD., winner of the 2013 Mensa Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award. …

“This is what the Mensa Research Journal is all about: gathering and sharing research and information that will improve the intellectual and creative lives of readers, students of readers, and more. I challenge each of you to find at least one nugget in these pages that will make you a more efficient thinker or a better mentor for others.”

There is more on education for gifted youth, as well as articles on creativity, in the current MRJ. Order your copy or subscribe at mensafoundation.org/mrj.

Have you considered making a donation to the Mensa Education & Research Foundation?

For 40 years, the Mensa Foundation has been pursuing excellence in the study and use of intelligence. We've awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships, and more than 11,000 scholarship essays — a record! — were submitted for 2014 scholarhsips. We published more than 50 issues of the Mensa Research Journal and recognized numerous researchers, educators and journalists for their work. More recently, we have reinvigorated our focus on gifted youth.

These accomplishments in the area of intelligence herald a bright future for the Foundation. We hope you'll join us in this future by making a donation today. Donations to the Mensa Foundation are tax-deductible. To support the Foundation, please visit mensafoundation.org/donate.