John always believed strongly in the concept of social responsibility and incorporated this belief in to his work while serving as Founder and Chairman of both Flexible Technology Solutions and Profit Recovery Group (Now PRGX Global). Education remained a life-long passion of John’s, leading him to serve on the Board of Trustees at his alma mater, Saint Louis University, for over a decade. He served on the executive advisory board of its school of business and administration, named the John Cook School of Business in recognition of his notable contributions to the University. This commitment to educational opportunities extended to John’s personal involvement in supporting several Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), in Thailand and in Nepal.
He dedicated a great deal of his time and support to the Human Development Foundation (HDF), a nonprofit organization based in Thailand that provides schooling to the poorest of Bangkok. He was instrumental in the creation of Mercy Centre by HDF, and in the eventual creation of Mercy Centre USA, the American fundraising arm of HDF. Many of the children sponsored by John were referred to him by HDF.
John’s devotion to educational opportunities led him to create schools, learning centers, and provide scholarships for the poorest children in Nepal as well. Students sponsored by John continued their studies in the United States, England, Australia, Nepal, and Thailand. Many of these sponsored kids became interns and continued to pursue careers at FlexTecs Nepal Pvt. Ltd., with over 15 graduates currently employed there, including the Country General Manager Sudan.
Stories of those helped by John M. Cook.
Shambhu was the primary volunteer teacher at the learning center that John and the Roos family helped build in Bandipur. The learning center was built to provide educational support to kids outside of their normal school hours in addition to offering free internet, computers, and stationary.
The Roos family met Rajan in Bandipur almost 10 years ago. Rajan became a close friend and was selected for educational sponsorship and support. Through the continued support of the Roos’, Rajan was able to go to High School in Bangkok in 2015 and is now currently pursuing his dream of becoming a doctor, just completing his second year of medical school.
Bishesh met John (or “John Pa”, as he called him) in 2006 and quickly formed a close bond with him. John helped Bishesh get admitted into Ullens, a well-known school. Bishesh is now one year away from graduating before continuing his dream to enter the science field.
Bijeta was a studious girl who earned a scholarship that allowed her to complete the 10th grade but didn't know how she would pay for the rest of her education when her father became handicapped by a cracked pelvis. She met John, who helped her enroll in one of the best high schools in Nepal, Notre Dame. He also helped Bijeta pursue her undergraduate studies in Kathmandu before finding her a job at Flextecs.
Rohinee met John after finishing 10th grade and with his help, was able to go on and pursue her high school education at Notre Dame in Bandipur. After completing high school, Rohinee went on to pursue her undergraduate degree in Kathmandu and was able to get a job at Flextecs follwing her graduation.
Suman, with John's support, was able to complete his high school degree at Notre Dame and go on to get a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology. He is currently working at FlexTecs.