Connecticut Science Center Announces Appointment of Honorary Trustees

The Connecticut Science Center is pleased to announce the appointment of eight esteemed former members of its Board of Trustees as Honorary Trustees. The inaugural class Honorary Trustees are Thomas Barnes, Cheryl Chase, Richard Gray, William Malugen, Dr. Henry McKinnell, Dr. J. Michael McQuade, Theodore S. Sergi, and Charles Shivery. By appointing each as Honorary Trustees, the Connecticut Science Center is celebrating their exemplary dedication and significant contributions to the Science Center and the community. 

The newly appointed Honorary Trustees are celebrated for their visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing the mission of the Science Center, inspiring lifelong learning through science. These individuals have played pivotal roles in fostering innovation, expanding educational programs, and ensuring the Science Center remains a cornerstone of discovery for all ages and backgrounds. 

“The Connecticut Science Center’s success is built on a foundation laid by extraordinary leaders like these.” Said Matt Fleury, President & CEO of the Connecticut Science Center. “We are profoundly grateful to these extraordinary individuals for their unwavering commitment to science education and community impact. It is an honor to recognize their legacy and celebrate their ongoing influence on our mission.”

Thomas Barnes was elected to the Connecticut Science Center Board of Trustees in 2004. He chaired the Board Finance Committee and later served as Board Chair from 2016-2018.  He was President & CEO of The Barnes Group before becoming its Chairman until his retirement. Mr. Barnes, The Barnes Group and the Barnes Family Foundation are exceptional community philanthropists. Mr. Barnes was named a Founding Trustee of the Science Center in 2009.

Cheryl Chase was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2003. She served as Board Secretary and advanced to Board Chair from 2009-2012, becoming Chair when the Science Center opened and served its very first visitors. She and her company, Chase Enterprises, continue to be significant funders of the Science Center and other treasured Hartford institutions. Ms. Chase was named a Founding Trustee of the Science Center in 2009. 

Richard Gray was instrumental in organizing the original incorporation of the Connecticut Science Center in his capacity as a gubernatorial designee for the project. Starting in 2001, Mr. Gray provided temporary leadership and offices to the fledgling institution, including its founding documents, at the Connecticut Health & Facilities Authority, which he led. He was elected to the Board with a small number of founders in 2003 and became the first Secretary for the Corporation in 2004. At that time, he served as Vice President & CFO for UCONN, and later as Deputy Treasurer of the State of Connecticut.  He was named a Founding Trustee of the Science Center in 2009.

William Malugen was elected to the Board in his capacity as an executive of Travelers in 2012 and served as Board Chair from 2018 to 2021. During this period, he provided strong leadership as the Science Center managed through the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. Serving previously as chair of the Board Finance Committee, Mr. Malugen was also a generous personal supporter. Travelers continues to be a significant funder of the Science Center.

Dr. Henry McKinnell was the Founding Chair when a Board of Trustees was first formed in 2003 to plan and create the Connecticut Science Center. Dr. McKinnell, who had studied chemistry as a college student and later turned to business, was at the time the Chairman & CEO of Pfizer, Inc. Leading the Board through a time of government turbulence, Dr. McKinnell was instrumental is seeing the Science Center to fruition from its nascent stages. He led the Board until the ribbon was cut and the doors opened June 12, 2009. 

J. Michael McQuade, a physicist, technology leader and business executive, was elected to the Board of the Connecticut Science Center in 2007 and served as Chair in 2018. During his time on the Board, Dr. McQuade was the Senior Vice President for Science & Technology at United Technologies Corporation, which was a founding supporter and longstanding donor to the Science Center.  He went on to hold science and technology research and policy leadership roles at Carnegie Mellon University and Harvard University. Dr. McQuade was named a Founding Trustee of the Science Center in 2009.

Theodore S. Sergi was named President & CEO of the Connecticut Science Center in December 2003 and led the planning and development of its new facility in Downtown Hartford until its opening in 2009. Upon retirement he was elected to the Board of Trustees. Prior to leading the Connecticut Science Center, Dr. Sergi served from 1994 to 2003 as Connecticut’s Commissioner of Education and spent 35 years in elementary and secondary education. During his years as Commissioner, he made raising expectations for improved academic achievement of all students his educational priority. He continues to be a generous donor and advocate for the Science Center. Dr. Sergi was named a Founding Trustee of the Science Center in 2009.

Charles Shivery, an engineer and utility executive, was elected to the Connecticut Science Center Board of Trustees in 2004 and later served as Chair from 2012 until 2016. While leading the Science Center Board, Shivery was President & CEO of Northeast Utilities, New England’s largest utility system, and a major supporter of the Science Center’s original capital campaign. Mr. Shivery, who has been personally generous to the Science Center for many years, was named a Founding Trustee of the Science Center in 2009.

For more information on the Connecticut Science Center’s mission, programs and leadership, visit CTScienceCenter.org.