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News
05.17.06
St. Paul Travelers Pledges $1 Million to
Science Center
From appliances to air quality, young scientists to
uncover real-world risk
WINDSOR, CONN. – (May 17, 2006) – The Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration today announced a $1 million donation from St. Paul Travelers for the Center’s prominent Science Hall and development of a dynamic science education program. Scientists from the St. Paul Travelers Engineering Laboratory in Windsor will work with the Center to create a signature education program for the hall that will teach science principles through familiar objects such as household appliances and workplace hazards.
The announcement was made at the warehouse of St. Paul Travelers’ laboratory where rows of scorched kitchen appliances, such as toasters, microwaves, stoves, and blenders line the floor awaiting tests to determine what caused them to burn. These items are involved in ongoing investigations by scientists working at the lab. With the use of forensic science and some of the world’s most sophisticated technology, like a scanning electron microscope that can magnify a sample to show its molecular structure, scientists can determine whether a fire was the result of arson, faulty equipment or unsafe operation.
“Our staff of expert scientists are eager to work with the science center to develop innovative programs that will enhance science education throughout our state,” said Joseph Lacher, executive vice president, Personal Lines, St. Paul Travelers and member of the Center’s Board of Trustees. “We are dedicated to improving and strengthening our communities, and fully support this vital educational institution that is emerging right on our doorstep.”
The partnership will allow the science center to offer a risk-management education program that will incorporate fascinating forensic science techniques used at the laboratory to investigate claims. Potential program components include video, hands-on features that may entail analyzing samples taken from fires and deciphering their chemical makeup to determine the cause of the blaze, take-home safety guides, live science demonstrations and on-line curriculum materials.
“St. Paul Travelers has made a significant contribution to this project and commitment to the development of forensic science and public understanding of the essential science of risk management,” said Dr. Theodore Sergi, president and CEO of the science center. “Thanks to St. Paul Travelers’ staff of highly skilled and experienced chemists, engineers and laboratory technicians, we will offer innovative educational programs that will captivate our visitors.”
St. Paul Travelers Science Hall will be a striking, two-story, 1,800-square-foot space within the Center that overlooks the Connecticut River. It will be among the most versatile and well-used spaces in the Center, serving as a prominent social hall for corporate and private events, as well as donor receptions and museum parties. It will also serve as an education center for presenting changing public programs for visitors of all ages, including schoolchildren, teachers, science clubs and professional associations.
The St. Paul Travelers Engineering Laboratory contains state-of-the-art laboratory instruments and industrial hygiene equipment that help to identify and evaluate household and workplace health and safety risks. With more than 3,000 pieces of equipment, and methods for analyzing more than 500 chemicals, scientists and technicians are able to identify and evaluate hazardous health exposures and investigate a range of insurance claims nationwide. The 40,000-square-foot facility has been fully accredited by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) for more than 25 years.
CT Center for Science & Exploration
The Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration, now under construction at Adriaen’s Landing in Hartford, will spark creative imagination and an appreciation for science by immersing visitors in fun and educational hands-on, interactive experiences. The Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing science education throughout the state of the Connecticut, providing learning opportunities for students and adults of all ages, and engaging the community in scientific exploration. Details, images, news releases and live webcam are available online at www.ctcse.org.
St. Paul Travelers
St. Paul Travelers is a leading provider of commercial property casualty insurance. Under the St. Paul Travelers brand, the company is also the second largest underwriter of auto and homeowners insurance through independent agents. The company’s community giving is focused on community development, education and arts and culture. A member of Hartford’s corporate community since 1864, St. Paul Travelers provided in excess of $4 million in community support for the Metro Hartford area in 2005. St. Paul Travelers employees are consistently active in community initiatives and provide thousands of hours in volunteer time in Hartford and other area towns each year. For more information, visit www.stpaulSt. Paul Travelers.com.
Contacts:
Connecticut Center for Science & Exploration
Michelle Morales – (860) 727-0457 x116
St. Paul Travelers
Marlene Ibsen – (860) 277-9039
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Elliott Ginsberg, Chief of staff for Rep. John Larson, listens as John Machnicki, Vice President Engineering Laboratory leads a tour through St. Paul Travelers Engineering Laboratory during an announcement of a partnership between St. Paul Travelers and the CT Center for Science & Exploration. |
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Joseph Lacher, Executive Vice President, Personal Lines, St. Paul Travelers announces a $1 million donation to the CT Center for Science & Exploration for the Center’s Science Hall and development of educational programs. |
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A crowd of scientists at St. Paul Travelers’ Engineering Laboratory line the wall during a press conference to announce a partnership between the CT Center for Science & Exploration and St. Paul Travelers. |
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Elliott Ginsberg, Chief of staff for Rep. John Larson, Dr. Theodore Sergi, president and CEO of the Center, Joseph Lacher, Executive Vice President, Personal Lines, St. Paul Travelers and State Insurance Commissioner Susan Cogswell during the announcement of a $1 million donation by St. Paul Travelers to the new science center. Click to download. |
