Saint Louis Science Center James S. McDonnell Planetarium’s 50th Anniversary Gala
The Saint Louis Science Center celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the James S. McDonnell Planetarium with a black-tie gala, Saturday, December 7, 2013. A St. Louis icon and attraction designed by HOK co-founder Gyo Obata, the Planetarium has become a testament to James S. McDonnell’s commitment to the St. Louis community, sharing the wonders of our universe and the marvel of modern flight with more than 19 million visitors.
Special guest and featured speaker Charles Bolden, chief administrator of NASA, addressed friends and supporters. Bolden, a former Marine aviator, test pilot, and astronaut, has led the space agency since 2009. In his keynote address, Bolden talked about St. Louis’ role in the history of American space exploration, highlighting the industry’s mutually positive investments in our local community.
“We are celebrating a St. Louis treasure, ” noted Bert Vescolani, President and CEO, Saint Louis Science Center. “The James S. McDonnell planetarium is recognized as one of our nation’s leading educational facilities for exploring our universe. We strive to inspire the next generation of space explorers and scientists who will make those next journeys into space possible.”
Donna Wilkinson, president, The Wilkinson Group, and Dennis Muilenberg, president and CEO, Boeing Space, Defense and Security, The Boeing Company served as gala co-chairs. Honorary chair for the event was John McDonnell, retired chairman of the board of McDonnell Douglas Corporation. Maggie Crane, former KMOV news reporter and current communications director for St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay, handled the evening’s mistress of ceremonies duties.
Presenting sponsors for the gala comprised Emerson and The Boeing Company. Other sponsors included Centene Corporation, Edward Jones, John and Anne McDonnell, Monsanto Company. Electrical Connection, Mercy, Peabody Energy, Pelopidas LLC and PGAV.
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Bill and Marsha Rusnack, Debra Hollingsworth and Mark Stacye
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Becky Willard, Megan Shackelford
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Cynthia Skaggs, Tracy Hart, Patti La Brott, Danielle Vescolani
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Veronica McDonnell, Jerry and Peggy Ritter
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Donna Wilkinson, gala co-chair, Charles Bolden, NASA administrator, guest speaker
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Barbara and Robert Boyle, Ed Monser
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Travis Brown, Paul Shaughnessy
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Kelvin Carter, Deborah Patterson, Maureen and Michael Keating, Helena and Juan Ferreira, Sherri and David Brown
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Maggie Crane, mistress of ceremonies, with her mother, Rhonda Crane
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Pris McDonnell, Randy and Veronica McDonnell
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Greg and Stephanie Ottinger
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Theo and Trudi Alexander
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Dolph Bridgewater, Bob Hermann
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Lisa Bischof, Manya Douglas-Clayton
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Drs. Tom George and Barbara Harbach
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Kent Schien, Charles Bolden, Rear Adm. Dan Kloeppel
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Gala co-chairs Dennis Muilenburg, Donna Wilkinson
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Dr. Tim and Kim Eberlein, Drs. Lynn and Joe Cornelius
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Bert Vescolani, president/ceo, Sandra Van Trease
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John McDonnell, honorary chair, Dennis Lower, Dennis Muilenburg
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Harvey and Judy Harris
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Dr. Bill and Pat Peck, Barbara and Dolph Bridgewater
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Keith Williamson, Stefanie Williams
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Rachel and Michael Brown, Rita Brown, Paula and Michael Brown
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Kirsty McDonald, Diana Svec
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Amy Schiaffino, Kent and Carol Schien
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Kate Bell, Deb Cottin, Debra Hollingsworth
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Ann Konzen, Diane Lochner, Lyda Krewson
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Maggie Crane, director of communications, office of Mayor Slay, mistress of ceremonies
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Maggie Crane
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Donna Wilkinson, gala co-chair
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Donna Wilkinson
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Dinner music provided by Off the Charts
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Gala co-chair Dennis Muilenburg, president/ ceo of Boeing Defense, Space & Security, introduces the guest speaker.
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Dennis Muilenburg
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Dennis Muilenburg presents a special gift to Chares F. Bolden, Jr., major general, USMC retired, NASA administrator.
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Charles F. Bolden, Jr., major general, USMC retired, NASA administrator, featured speaker
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Charles F. Bolden, Jr.
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Bert Vescolani, president/ceo
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Bert Vescolani
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Gallery overview
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Gallery overview
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Charles Bolden chats with some of the guests.
