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Annual Gala

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Connecticut Science Center Gala: Close Encounters of the STEM Kind

Join us at the Connecticut Science Center Gala: Close Encounters of the STEM Kind for out-of-this-world cocktails, a seated dinner, music, live and silent auctions, and more in support of inspiring programs to meet the current and future STEM workforce needs in our region, world, and universe. See the Connecticut Convention Center transformed into a celebration of science fiction through the ages.

Gala-goers will also celebrate STEM leaders and innovators in our community with a special presentation of the 2024 STEM Achievement Awards and Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership Awards. This year, the Science Center will also dedicate and present the first annual Dr. Theordore S. Sergi K-12 Educator of the Year Award.

Tickets of the First Kind (Early Bird Tickets and Tables) Go on Sale in May.

Saturday, October 5, 2024
6:30PM-Midnight

At the Connecticut Convention Center
100 Columbus Boulevard
Hartford, CT 06103

STEM Nomination Awards

Each year the Connecticut Science Center celebrates the achievements of professionals, groups, advocates, businesses, students, and leaders who share our mission to inspire lifelong learning through interactive and innovative experiences that explore our changing world through science. Winners will be selected by the 2024 Gala Committee based on overall contributions to STEM in the region, opening STEM Careers to diverse audiences, and impacts on STEM education in the community. Awards will be presented at the Connecticut Science Center Gala: Close Encounters of the STEM Kind on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the Connecticut Convention Center.

Submit Nomination

THANK YOU TO OUR GALA SPONSORS

The Mother Ship Sponsor

Devil’s Tower Sponsors

  • The Cigna Group
  • Liberty Bank

Area 51 Sponsors

  • CBS, a Xerox Company
  • The Hartford
  • HBS
  • Shipman & Goodwin
  • MetroHartford Alliance

For additional information, please contact Whitney Gray, Director of Institutional Giving at wgray@CTScienceCenter.org or
(860) 520-2124

SUPPORT THE GALA

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE 2023 GALA COMMITTEE

Chairs

  • Jennifer DiBella
  • Jilline Dolan

Members

  • Taylor Benedum
  • Marissa Corda
  • Jennifer DiPentima
  • Carla Economos
  • Kate Greco
  • Lori Hess
  • Monica Hoffman
  • Martha Kalen
  • Shawna Klimanszewski
  • Joy Mattei
  • Maya Nicole Matthews
  • Irene O'Connor
  • MaryBeth Reiss
  • Rachel Schilberg
  • Kirsten Shea
  • Rebecca Williams
  • Nola Zimmerman

Meet the 2023 Award Honorees & Finalist

STEM Achievement Awards

a close-up of an old man smiling
K-12 EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR HONOREE
Richard McCarthy Retired Science Teacher Frank Ward Strong Middle School
a woman with blonde hair
HIGHER EDUCATION HONOREE
Rose Karvandi
B.S. Physiology & Neurobiology
UCONN Class of ‘23
a group of people wearing masks and holding a sign
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION HONOREE
Women’s League Child Development Center Hartford, CT
INNOVATOR HONOREE (INDIVIDUAL)
Christopher Allen, Sr. CEO iCleanse
INNOVATOR HONOREE (ORGANIZATION)
General Dynamics Electric Boat Groton, CT
YOUTH HONOREE
Nyasia M. Pitts Connecticut Science Center Teen Innovation Program Participant

The Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership Award

HONOREE
Tracy A. Propheter-Hinckley Design Deputy Chief / Hot Section Engineering Airfoil PL3 Aftermarket & Sustainment Engineering (ASE) Pratt & Whitney
STUDENT HONOREE
Ashley Malkin Greenwich High School
FINALIST
Christina Cho, PhD Postdoctoral Research Associate Lieping Chen Lab Department of Immunobiology Yale School of Medicine

2023 Gala