April 18, 2013
Dedicated to transforming the nation’s relationship with science and technology, the Museum of Science, Boston is proud to recognize outstanding members of the community who have made a difference in the lives of others through their commitment to innovation and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. At the fourth annual signature event of the Museum of Science, The Science Behind the Stars, the Museum will honor the 2013 Stars of STEM: Liberty Mutual Insurance, Dr. Pendred Noyce, and the Noyce Foundation.
“It is the Museum’s mission to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators,” said Ioannis (Yannis) Miaoulis, Museum president and director. “But we cannot create scientifically and technologically literate citizens without the support of other organizations, companies, and individuals. We are honored to recognize Liberty Mutual, Dr. Pendred Noyce, and the Noyce Foundation, who share our commitment to STEM education and have led the way.”
Marking its 100th anniversary in 2012, Liberty Mutual has long been one of the Commonwealth’s most philanthropic corporations. Through its Education Initiative, the company has invested almost $9 million in proven educational programs, including STEM education, that serve Boston’s neediest students. In addition, Liberty Mutual awarded a $1 million grant to the Museum’s Engineering is Elementary® curriculum during its formative years. The grant was key to the growth and development of what is now the nation’s largest – and nationally recognized – elementary engineering curriculum.
“At Liberty, we put a lot of stock in our belief that the surest path out of poverty is education. The Museum of Science makes learning fun, intriguing, and accessible; it brings a sense of wonder and awe to our natural world and engineered spaces; and it spurs fascination with the past and intrigue in our future,” said David Long, President and CEO of Liberty Mutual Insurance.
Dr. Pendred Noyce and the Noyce Foundation have a history of innovation that began with Penny’s father, Dr. Robert Noyce. The co-founder of Intel and inventor of the microchip, he helped launch the personal computing revolution. The Noyce Foundation has continued his legacy through its commitment to STEM via grants to afterschool programs, funding research studies on teaching, and developing leaders in public schools and in science centers around the world. As an acclaimed author, Pendred Noyce has communicated the excitement of math, science, music, and design through novels that spark young readers and future innovators.
She said, “The Noyce Foundation wants to see kids inspired by the challenges and possibilities science offers. Kids need to know that through their knowledge of science and engineering, they can make the world a better place. Science museums, afterschool programs, and great teachers are all key to making that inspiration happen.”
Past Stars of STEM include Governor Deval Patrick, Lieutenant Governor Tim Murrary, and Intel, accepted by Chairman of the Board of Directors Dr. Jane Shaw in 2012, and Genzyme Corporation, accepted by former Chairman, President, and CEO Henri Termeer, and Raytheon, accepted by President and CEO William Swanson in 2011.
The Science Behind the Stars supports The Campaign for the Museum of Science, which will transform more than half of the Museum’s 130,000 square feet of gallery space. To date, the Museum has raised $212 million -- and is well on its way to meeting its $250 million campaign goal by 2015. The campaign supports exhibits, programs, and facility improvements that explore the duality of our natural and engineered worlds and enhance the visitor experience and the Museum's sustainability efforts.
