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STEM Hero

Thomas P. Bostick

About
STEM Hall of Fame profile picture for Thomas P. Bostick inducted in 2013.

Lieutenant General Thomas P. Bostick is a decorated military leader whose career has been defined by service, innovation, and excellence. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, he rose through the ranks to become the 53rd Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, overseeing critical infrastructure projects and disaster response efforts worldwide.

Renowned for his leadership and strategic vision, Lt. Gen. Bostick has been instrumental in shaping military engineering, resilience planning, and environmental sustainability. His contributions extend beyond the battlefield, influencing policy and infrastructure development at the highest levels of government. With a legacy of dedication and distinction, he remains a respected figure in both military and civil engineering circles.

Lt. Gen. Bostick retired on May 19, 2016. He received the STEM Hero Award at the 2013 VEX Robotics World Championship.

Details

Award: STEM Hero
Year: 2013
Title: U.S. Army Chief of Engineers and Commanding General
Organization: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Location: Texas, USA

2025-2026 Signature Event Updates

  1. An Event Partner wanting to apply to host a Signature Event must have hosted events for at least 2 seasons prior to applying. 
  2. Signature Events must use the officially branded award banners for the Excellence Award and Tournament/Teamwork Champions Award.
  3. When hanging field skirts the VEX Robotics logo/brand name can not be covered up on the competition fields.
  4. VEX V5 Robotics Competition Signature Events may have regional capacity and max per organization restrictions lifted 8 weeks before the event if the event is not full (similar to the process already in place for VEX IQ Robotics Competition Signature Events).
  5. Minimum pit size reduced to 8’x 8’ instead of 10’x10’.
  6. Beginning in the 2025-2026 season, the REC Foundation will collect $10 instead of $5 per team registration on all Signature Events. This is to help offset travel costs for REC Foundation staff to support these larger events.

2025-2026 Signature Event Application Reminders

  1. Existing Signature Events only need to complete the Final Application (due by March 31, 2025)
  2. New Signature Event concepts will need to complete the Initial Proposal by January 31, 2025 and if approved, complete the Final Application by March 31, 2025.
Crowd watches the Signature Event in Minnesota's Mall of America
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Robot Shipping Option
Freeman is our shipping partner for the VEX Robotics World Championship. Teams choosing to ship should ensure that their robots arrive on or AFTER May 5, 2025 to the Kay…
Judges observe participants at VEX Robotics World Championship
Volunteer | VEX Robotics World Championship
WE NEED PASSIONATE VOLUNTEERS LIKE YOU TO POWER THE VEX ROBOTICS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP! Whether you participate solo or with a group of friends, family, or coworkers, you’ll make a huge…