The Big Bang! at miSci, our annual gala, held May 1, was a smashing success, raising over $72,000 to support miSci's educational programs and exhibits. Thank you to all of our corporate sponsors, Honorary Committee members and guests. Co-Chaired by Andrea Golub and Peter Scanlan, the evening included the VIP opening for the new Challenger Learning Center of the Capital Region at miSci, and was enjoyed by close to 300 guests.

photo by Joan Heffler

On hand to welcome guests and showcase the Challenger Learning Center were, from left to right:  President, Arianespace, Inc. Clay Mowry; NYS Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara; miSci President Dr. Mac Sudduth; President & CEO of Challenger Center for Space Science Education Dr. Lance Bush; miSci Trustee Jane Golub; Community Philanthropist & miSci Supporter Neil Golub; Gala Co-Chair Andrea Golub; Gala Co-Chair Peter Scanlan; miSci Trustee and Challenger Learning Center Board President Dr. Heidi DeBlock; Lead Project Scientist for NASA's Space & Life Sciences Directorate at Johnson Space Center Dr. John Charles.

While students from Tech Valley High School were flying a simulated space mission, the Challenger Learning Center of the Capital Region at miSci opened to the media May 14 with remarks from representatives from miSci, the Challenger Center national organization, major donors as well as education and political leaders.  

"As the region's preeminent science center, miSci is proud to add the Challenger Learning Center of the Capital Region and simulated space missions to our existing high quality STEM programming," said miSci President Dr. Mac Sudduth. "We follow in the footsteps of the brave astronauts of the Challenger as we work every day to inspire Capital Region students and get them to dream of bigger things for themselves and the world around us. The community leaders who brought the CLC to fruition - especially the Golub and Apkarian families - should be applauded for leading the way to bring the CLC to miSci and for helping many future generations have these opportunities." 

Tech Valley High School students flying a mission in the Challenger Learning Center at miSci. Image by Lance Wheeler

Thomas Edison's spirit of invention is alive and flourishing in schools throughout the Capital Region. For Invention Convention 2015, 1,174 students engaged in creative problem solving modeled after Edison's concept of the invention factory. The top 100 student inventors were invited to create models of their inventions, which were on exhibit during May at miSci, and the students were honored at a Reception and Awards ceremony at miSci May 21. The event is a long time partnership between the museum and GE to engage young people in the innovation process and encourage the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Thank you to Invention Convention 2015 sponsors:

Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, miSci President Dr. Mac Sudduth, National Grid Customer and Community Relations Manager of Community and Customer Service Management Thomas Wind, and miSci Board of Trustees Member Ray Legere.

miSci is pleased to be participating again in the Blue Star Museum Program and extends free general museum admission to all active duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day 2015. 

"miSci is pleased to participate in the Blue Star Museums program again this summer. We're proud to provide this well-deserved recognition for our country's service members. " said miSci President Mac Sudduth.  Read more. 

Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas (left) and Kim Rainey (right) present Dr. Mac Sudduth with a $2,500 grant from Berkshire Bank to support miSci's annual Gala and the 2015 Science Festival of the Capital Region. Our thanks to our friends at Berkshire Bank for their commitment to miSci and STEM education. 

Sample beer from area brewers, savor delicious eats, listen to live music - all in our unique setting. Explore the science of brewing, interactive exhibits, planetarium shows & more! Limited Tickets.
Door prizes & cash bar. 21 & over.

FIFTEEN

miSci is #15 on the 2015 Business Review Festival and Tourist Attractions, Sites List.    

ONE 

miSci is the #1 Children's Museum in Capital Region Living Best Of List.