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Annual Gala

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Connecticut Science Center Gala: Close Encounters of the STEM Kind

Thanks to you the Connecticut Science Center Gala:
Close Encounters of the STEM Kind was an out-of-this-world success!

Thank you to the sponsors, table hosts, bidders, supporters, and STEM superstars who made the Connecticut Science Center Gala a SOLD OUT night in celebration of the Connecticut Science Center's role in cultivating a STEM-engaged community of students, families, teachers, and professionals.

Through your generous contributions, we raised more than $635,000 to provide world-class STEM education programs and opportunities that are shaping the future of Connecticut’s workforce and beyond.

SAVE THE DATE FOR NEXT YEAR'S GALA

October 25, 2025
Details to be announced Spring 2025

THANK YOU TO OUR GALA SPONSORS

The Mother Ship Sponsors

Devil’s Tower Sponsors

  • Barnes Group
  • Belcan
  • Hoffman Auto Group
  • Gemma Power Systems
  • Laticrete International
  • Liberty Bank
  • RTX
  • Voya Financial
  • Petit Family Foundation
  • Stanley Black & Decker
  • The Cigna Group
  • UBS – Greco Wealth Management
  • Waterford Group

Area 51 Sponsors

  • Adams & Knight
  • CBS, a Xerox Company
  • CompassMSP
  • Cinemotion
  • Data-Mail, Inc.
  • Fairview Capital
  • HSB
  • iHeart Media
  • KPMG LLP
  • MetroHartford Alliance
  • Prime Materials Recovery Inc
  • Propark
  • Pullman & Comley
  • PwC
  • The Hartford

Flying Saucer Sponsors

  • Associated Security Corporation
  • Burns & McDonnell Foundation
  • Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense
  • Hartford HealthCare
  • Meryl & Scott Braunstein
  • Shipman & Goodwin
  • SMG Corporate Services
  • USA LED
  • USA Waste & Recycling
  • Vistra
  • Wondr Nation

Mashed Potato Sponsor

  • Connecticut Natural Gas
  • Gallagher Benefits Services
  • Jackson Lewis
  • Radiall
  • Robinson & Cole, LLP
  • RSL Fiber Systems, LLC
  • Trinity College
  • Steven & Gwen Hahn

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

SILENT AUCTION


Digital Program

Meet the 2024 Award Honorees

STEM Achievement Awards

Dr. Theodore S. Sergi K-12 Educator of the Year
Dr. Michelle A. Bellinger
Faculty of Physics and Eng.
Acad. of Aerospace Eng.
an adult bald men
Lifetime Achievement in Innovation
Mark R. Gurvich, Ph.D
Sr. Fellow, Structural Analysis
Collins Aerospace
Non-Profit Organization
Petals and S.T.E.M.
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Innovator to Watch
Molli Bennett
Welder
Habco Industries, LLC
Higher Education
Dr. Florian Carle
Managing Director
Yale Quantum Institute
Student
Jonathan Plona
Senior
Wolcott High School
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Industry Innovator
USA Waste & Recycling

The Petit Family Foundation Women in Science Leadership Award

Women in Science Leadership Award
Dr. Nicole Wagner
CEO
LambdaVision, Inc.
Women in Science Leadership Youth Award
Natalia V. Torres
Senior
Bloomfield High School

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE 2024 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 Klimaszewski
  • Joy Mattei
  • Maya Nicole Matthews
  • Irene O'Connor
  • MaryBeth Reiss
  • Rachel Schilberg
  • Rebecca Williams
  • Nola Zimmerman

2023 Gala