The Museum of Science held its annual Stars of STEM gala on May 1, bringing together more than 500 leaders, innovators, and supporters for a sold-out evening celebrating curiosity, discovery, and the transformational power of science. The event raised a record $1.8 million to support equitable access to STEM learning for all.
Event co-chairs were Joshua Devore and Katherine Relihan, and the event garnered more than 50 sponsors, including presenting sponsors CRV and Elizabeth G. Riley and Daniel E. Smith Jr.
The event honored Rick Burnes, whose career and philanthropy reflect a lifelong belief in the power of ideas. A founding partner of Charles River Ventures and a longtime Museum board member, champion and benefactor, Rick has helped define a new era of growth for the Museum. His partnership has expanded the Museum’s global engagement, most recently through the Global Science Creator Network, which will support science “content creators” in building digital audiences and promoting fact-based science information.
Burnes’ ties to Boston run deep. He earned his BA at Harvard and his MBA at Boston University before co-founding Charles River Ventures (now CRV) in 1970, a firm that has since backed more than 450 technology companies and helped seed New England’s innovation economy.
“Stars of STEM enables the Museum to reach people here in Boston and around the world to inspire a lifelong love of science,” said Tim Ritchie, Gwill York President of the Museum of Science. “We are grateful to honor Rick and to celebrate alongside a community that believes deeply in the role science plays in shaping a better future.”
Following the dinner and live auction, the beloved Sparks After Dark afterparty gave attendees an electrifying late-night experience featuring state-of-the-art robots, a theremin musician, immersive experiences in the Theater of Electricity, expertly crafted drinks, and decadent desserts.
This record-breaking year of support positions the Museum to open its new space, the Public Science Common, this Fall. The space will fuel dynamic programming, expand access, and ensure that more people can engage with science in ways that are relevant, inspiring, and deeply connected to the world around them.
About the Museum of Science
As science and technology increasingly shape our lives, the Museum of Science strives to equip and inspire everyone to use science for the global good. Among the world’s largest science centers and New England’s most attended cultural institution, we engage nearly five million people a year—at Science Park and in museums around the world, in classrooms, and online. Established in 1830, the Museum is home to such iconic attractions as the Theater of Electricity, the Charles Hayden Planetarium, and the Mugar Omni Theater. The Museum influences formal and informal STEM education through research and national advocacy, as a strong community partner and loyal educator resource, and as a leader in universal design, developing exhibits and programming accessible to all. Learn more at mos.org.
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