The inaugural Science of Early Learning Award went to Lattie and Elva Coor for their early support of infant brain development programs and their commitment to education. Native Arizonans, the Coors have a rich tradition of giving back to the community.

As president for 26 years of Arizona State University, Dr. Coor was instrumental in improving the quality of undergraduate education and transforming the university into a major metropolitan research institution. Now chairman and CEO of the Center for the Future of Arizona, he continues to serve ASU as a professor in the School of Public Affairs. He is the recipient of many prestigious awards and appointments and has served on numerous boards and councils.

Elva founded the ASU President's Community Enrichment Program, a model university- community partnership that grew to more than 900 community participants. She chaired the board of the Life Development Institute, an organization dedicated to helping adolescents and adults with hidden disabilities or special needs and was a member of the scholarship committee for the Center for Talented Youth, a program created by Johns Hopkins University and co-sponsored in Arizona by ASU.