It's December once again, time to wrap up another year at Oil & Gas Financial Journal. In a year still marked with the lingering challenges of the global economic downturn, 2010 offered a glimmer of hope. Hope because some see 2010 as the year the first signs of economic recovery appeared, and hope because the year, once again, was filled with the generosity of others.

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"In these challenging economic times, its more important than ever to have committed partners like Williams," said Brian Gallagher, president and CEO of United Way as he honored Steve Malcolm, chairman and CEO of Williams and the Tulsa-based natural gas gatherer, producer, and transporter for its giving and volunteering efforts.

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Malcom

Another oil and natural gas company, privately-held Chief Oil & Gas, worked to expand its community efforts along with its leasehold in the Marcellus Shale. A $134,000 donation to fund the expansion of a mentoring program for at-risk youth in the Pittsburgh public schools was just one of many donations by the company in 2010.

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Isenberg

As Nabors Industries' chairman and CEO Eugene Isenberg told me, after decades of various philanthropic efforts–supporting hospitals, medical care facilities, and the arts–promoting education will always be "first and foremost." This year he created the Isenberg Scholarships to assist Nabors employees and their dependents in the pursuit of post-secondary and graduate degrees.

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ExxonMobil

Education is also paramount for oil major ExxonMobil. Among its many donations this year was a $1 million grant to Spelman College to provide scholarships to black women pursuing technology-related degrees.

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WEN

Supporting women in the field of energy is the goal of Women's Energy Network (WEN). The organization's mission is to provide networking opportunities and foster career and leadership development of women in, and looking to, the energy industry.

Also aiding the future of the energy industry is the Numerical Algorithms Group (NAG). NAG, a leader in high quality computational software and high performance computing services to users in major academies, Global 500 companies, and leading supercomputing sites, marked its 40th anniversary this year. To celebrate, the group expanded its student awards program to nurture the next generation of leaders in science and computing.

Another organization more well-known to the industry, Society of Exploration Geophysicists, is enlisting the help of energy companies to grow its Geoscientists Without Borders program. Schlumberger, Global Geophysical Services, and Australia's Santos have all contributed to the program aimed at providing assistance to communities through projects involving humanitarian and environmental applications of geophysics. Current projects are taking place in Indonesia, Australia, Honduras, and India.

A little closer to home, San Antonio-based Valero Energy Corp. held its annual Valero Texas Open and Benefit for Children Golf Classic. The fundraiser, one of the biggest on the PGA Tour, has consistently raised millions for various children's charities nationwide.

The year also highlighted the Louisiana Artificial Reefs Program. Pieces of decommissioned rigs are donated to the program, along with a portion of the savings over a traditional removal. The pieces become artificial reefs benefitting the coastal fisheries.

This year's columns also honored pillars of the industry.

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Mitchell

As unconventional resources are making headlines everywhere, legendary oilman George P. Mitchell was awarded the Gas Technology Institute's Lifetime Achievement Award for pioneering hydraulic fracturing–the technology that has unlocked shale gas and revolutionized the industry.

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Duncan

Sadly, the industry lost another legendary oilman in 2010. Houston businessman and chairman of Enterprise Products Partners LP, Dan L. Duncan, was known as much for the millions upon million he contributed to various causes–most notably medical research and comprehensive patient care–as he was for his business acumen.

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Thank you to all the 2010 participants, and the many more companies, associations, and individuals working to improve the lives of others. I look forward to hearing more inspirational stories in 2011. For more information or to recommend a particular effort, please contact me at Mikaila@PennWell.com.

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Charities and champions: the year in review 2010

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