At the Science Center, we believe that science and equitable access to STEM learning have a remarkable chemistry—one with the power to catalyze change that improves lives, transforms communities, and empowers future generations. As we reflect on a year full of inspiring imaginations, highlighting local innovation, and firing up curiosity, we are excited by the forward momentum of our mission to inspire everyone to be curious and engaged in science—momentum that could not have been achieved without the vital spark of your support.
In 2024, the Science Center marked several milestones as we continued to break down barriers and provide access to STEM experiences for our region. Our work touched more than 637,000 individuals last year, a figure that represents the highest number of people served since 2019 and an approximately 13.2% increase compared to 2023, all while achieving record guest satisfaction scores and accolades from national publications like USA Today and Newsweek. In addition, the American Alliance of Museums awarded the Science Center successful reaccreditation, their highest national recognition for museums in the country.
We are also pleased to report that we have successfully filled our Leadership team, having welcomed aboard Dr. Becky Thompson as Chief Science and Education Officer; Philip Leachman as Managing Director of Operations; and Dr. Lamara Warren as Managing Director of DEAI. These new additions to our Leadership team bring passion for science and informal STEM learning, expertise in museum operations, and the drive to advance science education for everyone—all to ensure that the Science Center is serving as an innovative and welcoming place for people across generations to discover what science makes possible.
Supporters and friends like you provide the spark that allows our mission to not just achieve momentum but sustain it and propel it to new heights. This 2024 Annual Report reflects what we can accomplish with the steadfast support of our most committed patrons, whose generosity truly powers our work. In reading these pages, we hope that you feel as inspired as we do in seeing so many examples of the ways that, together, we bring STEM to life for people of all ages.
Looking at the year ahead and those to come, we are energized by all that we have achieved and are eager to continue driving curiosity for science and technology forward. Thank you for your dedicated partnership and support as we unlock STEM learning to help build a brighter future for all of us.
Sincerely,
Todd Bastean
Dr. Mark S. Wrighton President & CEO Chairman
By the Numbers
618,888 PEOPLE AT THE SCIENCE CENTER
18,575 SERVED THROUGH OFF-SITE PROGRAMMING
TOTAL PEOPLE SERVED: 637,463
Science is all around us—and for each of us.
The Saint Louis Science Center demonstrated this in 2024 by delivering hands-on STEM experiences, events, and programs to more than 637,000 people through our mission to inspire everyone to be curious and engaged in science.
From underneath the roaring T. rex and the shimmering stars of the McDonnell Planetarium dome to classrooms, community centers, and the far corners of our St. Louis Metropolitan Area, the Science Center inspired imaginations, fired up curiosity, broke down barriers, and empowered people of all ages by making science accessible to all.
People Served Breakdown
General Public Residence Breakdown: Where Do Our Guests Live?
How Do Guests Engage with the Science Center?
Guests at the Science Center spent more than 147,940 hours engaging in gallery-based, team member-facilitated STEM activities through more than 233,480 interactions with Science Center educators.
STAGE PROGRAMMING
hours
hours
1,550+ FILM SCREENINGS In the OMNIMAX® Theater
1,280+ STAR SHOWS In the McDonnell Planetarium 930+ DISCOVERY ROOM SESSIONS
OVERALL EXPERIENCE RATING: What Do Guests Think of Their Science Center Experience?
93%
93% of exit survey respondents rated their Science Center experience as ‘Excellent’ or ‘Outstanding’
1,140+ GROUP VISITS TO THE SCIENCE CENTER
Including schools, camps, scouts, senior and tour groups, birthday parties, and more.
19,746,519 IMPRESSIONS
The Science Center’s social media and YouTube feeds garnered 19,746,519 impressions, an overall increase of nearly 12% from the previous year.
The Science Center’s website, slsc.org, drew 6,885,000+ page views from 945,450+ active users
OUR NIGHT SKY UPDATE BLOG POSTS RECEIVED: 159,000+ page views 62,500+ active users
OUR FIELD TRIP PACKAGES WEBPAGE RECEIVED: 6,310+ page views 1,570+ active users
Highlights
In 2024, the Science Center served as a cherished and esteemed resource for guests and community members to step into the world of STEM, earning reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums and garnering national recognition from publications like USA Today and Newsweek
In addition, the organization filled key leadership positions to drive the Science Center’s work forward over the coming years.
The Science Center once again placed in the Top Five for USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, earning the #3 spot for Best Free Museum and the #5 spot for Best Science Museum
Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards recognized the Science Center with the #2 spot for Best Free Museum
The Science Center received Tripadvisor’s 2024 Travelers’ Choice Award, which is given to those who consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked in the top 10% of things to do worldwide on Tripadvisor.
The American Alliance of Museums awarded the Science Center successful reaccreditation following an evaluation of the institution’s operational standards. Accreditation certifies an institution’s efforts to serve as a responsible steward for the collections and resources it holds in public trust and is the highest national recognition afforded to museums in the U.S.
Forward Momentum
The Science Center welcomed three new team members to complete a fully staffed Leadership team, bringing passion for STEM learning, expertise in museum operations, and the drive to advance science education for everyone:
Chief Science and Education Officer
Philip Leachman Managing Director of Operations
Managing Director of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion
In the summer of 2024, Todd Bastean announced that after more than 5 years as President and CEO, as well as previous service on the organization’s Board of Trustees, he would retire in 2025. During his tenure, Bastean helped guide the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic; oversaw the Science Center’s development of a new strategic direction, vision, mission, and values; and helped build the organization’s new leadership team.
Under Bastean, the Science Center developed new galleries, experiences, and programs, earning the highest guest satisfaction ratings in the organization’s history and helping the museum garner national recognition as one of the top five science centers in the country, all while substantially improving the organization’s financial position. In addition, Bastean’s leadership saw the Science Center launch new initiatives like the STL for All membership program and KultureCity® Sensory Inclusivity™️ certification, as well as expand our reach by continually growing annual visitation and the number of people impacted by our work.
In January 2025, the Science Center’s Board of Commissioners announced that Dr. Ray Vandiver would succeed Bastean as President and CEO of the Science Center, bringing more than three decades of experience leading science centers and museums to our organization.
“It has been an absolute honor to lead the Science Center’s remarkable team. They have amazed me every day, and we are so fortunate as a community to have them.” –Todd Bastean
Dr. Becky Thompson
Dr. Lamara Warren
Education, Galleries & Programs
45,000+ People
ATTENDED SUE: THE T. REX EXPERIENCE
SUE: The T. rex Experience
The Science Center’s summer special exhibition, SUE: The T. rex Experience, invited guests of all ages to meet SUE, the largest, most complete T. rex specimen ever discovered. Featuring a re-creation of the Hell Creek, South Dakota, dig site where SUE was discovered, as well as interactive stations to feel the texture of dinosaur skin and smell a carnivore’s foul breath, this special exhibition brought guests face to face with one of the world’s most famous prehistoric predators.
SUE: The T. rex Experience was organized by the Field Museum and is part of the Griffin Dinosaur Experience, made possible by generous support from Kenneth C. Griffin.
3,930+ People
JOINED IN THE FESTIVITIES DURING SUE’S UNEARTH DAY
SUE’s Unearth Day
On August 12, the Science Center celebrated the 34th anniversary of the SUE fossil’s “Unearth Day,” commemorating the discovery with activities inside the special exhibition and throughout the Science Center. Guests explored dino-themed presentations at the Energy Stage, participated in interactive fossil restoration demos in the Dana Brown Fossil Prep Lab, watched 3D printing demos of SUE’s bones in Makerspace, and more.
In the morning, Science Center members enjoyed a special presentation from paleoneurologist Dr. Ashley Morhardt, Assistant Professor of Anatomy with the Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, about her work exploring the evolution of dinosaur brains to better understand how, when, and why vertebrate brains evolved.
In August, the Science Center welcomed a “SUE-per” fan in 6-year-old Hunter Capella. Since first viewing SUE: The T. rex Experience at the Liberty Science Center in 2021, Hunter and his family have traveled to see the exhibition more than 60 times. The Capella family enjoyed a guided tour of the exhibition, a private visit to the Dana Brown Fossil Prep Lab, and an exploration of the dino-themed activities throughout the Science Center.
Summer STEM Explorers
Over seven weeks, the Science Center’s Summer STEM Explorers camp welcomed young innovators between ages 5–9 for hands-on STEM demos, art activities, Science Center exploration, and opportunities to engage their collaboration and problem-solving skills. Covering science themes including space, engineering, dinosaurs, earth sciences, and more, Summer STEM Explorers inspired imaginations, while leaving campers with takeaways ranging from handmade terrariums and galaxy bracelets to new friends and fond memories at their Science Center. 430+ Campers
PARTICIPATED IN SUMMER STEM EXPLORERS
Updates to the Life Science Lab Atrium brought new STEM experiences exploring the connections between nature and medicine, from medicines of the past to the ways modern technology like DNA sequencing allows researchers to make new discoveries.
Inside the Vault displayed new items from the Science Center’s robust Collections, including rare and exotic birds from around the world; stalactites, stalagmites, and even bones discovered from Cherokee Cave below St. Louis; and skull casts of early humans.
Makerspace invited guests to go hands-on with STEM with themed daily workshops. Guests explored the intersection of paleontology and 3D printing, how to make a multimedia dinosaur using recycled materials, and more.
In the fall, the Science & Education team launched Experience Guides—free, downloadable guides for teachers and adult chaperones during group visits. Aligning with state education standards for grades K–8, the guides allow teachers and group leaders to plan their trip and help chaperones and group members navigate the Science Center’s galleries.
Community STEM Showcase
COMMUNITY STEM SHOWCASE WELCOMED
2,910+ People FIRST FRIDAY EVENTS WELCOMED
12,400+ People OVER THREE DAYS, SCIENCE SPOOKTACULAR WELCOMED
6,350+ People
On the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend, the Science Center once again held the Community STEM Showcase. This free annual event highlighted the diverse scientific community in St. Louis, offering nearly 3,000 guests opportunities to participate in hands-on STEM activities, meet and see presentations from STEM role models representing a variety of backgrounds, and discover that everyone has a place in science.
First Friday
First Fridays served as the place to connect STEM and popular culture. These free evening events uncovered the science and technology inside fun franchises and themes like anime, the 90s, X-Men, Star Wars, Barbie, the Lord of the Rings, and more. Guests explored activities throughout the Science Center and enjoyed featured speakers and presentations from STEM experts.
December’s First Friday served as a capstone to the program in its current iteration, as the Science Center evolves the events in 2025 to bring more adult-friendly STEM offerings to the St. Louis community.
Science Spooktacular
Guests of all ages found science thrills at the annual Science Spooktacular. Across three days, this free event welcomed guests to enjoy themed experiences in the Science Center’s galleries like meeting creepy crawly critters in the Life Science Lab, building stick puppets and collage art in Makerspace, and taking in a chilling science demonstration or Spooky Story Time at the Energy Stage.
SciFest
SciFest—our series of free, all-day STEM expos—continued to immerse guests in science and provide connections to professionals working in STEM. The Science Center welcomed thousands of people to go deep into the worlds of engineering at Engineering Expo, nature at The Great Outdoors Expo, creativity at Play & Creativity Expo, and— for the first time ever—the science of food with our Sci-FEAST event, made possible thanks to Nestlé Purina PetCare Company.
“As an engineer myself and a mother of two, STEM outreach has always been near and dear to my heart. Careers in STEM-driven professions are in dire need. It is important to instill in children at a young age the importance of STEM in our livelihoods, the diversity which it provides, and the excitement it produces. SciFest events have been such an amazing avenue to impart this message— presenting STEM to folks of all ages in diverse manners with hands-on, fun perspectives.”
– Erin Jearls, wastewater engineer and longtime participant at SciFest: Engineering Expo
Ameren Ride & Drive
In March, the Science Center hosted our first EV Ride & Drive event in collaboration with Ameren Missouri. Guests could learn about electric vehicles (EVs), get a feel for how EVs can fit into their daily life, and explore vehicles on display in Boeing Hall. Participating in more than 150 test drives, dozens of drivers and their families were able to experience being behind the wheel of these next generation automobiles.
Thank you to Nestlé Purina PetCare Company for their generous support of Sci-FEAST!
November’s Sci-FEAST event served Science Center guests a full menu of food science. With more than 230 on-site STEM professionals, guests discovered the ways food is produced, prepared, and consumed by exploring, examining, and even eating the STEM concepts behind this important everyday topic. A brand-new spin on the classic SciFest expo, Sci-FEAST demonstrated the Science Center’s ability to innovate and experiment to deliver hands-on, immersive experiences guests cannot find anywhere else.
April 2024 Solar Eclipse
For the April 8 solar eclipse experienced by the St. Louis region, the Science Center served as the community’s hub to learn more about these incredible events and how to view them safely with educational programming, free eclipse viewing glasses, a NASA livestream video following the path of the eclipse, and more.
A Trek to Totality saw Science Center members and guests board buses to travel south and experience the path of totality firsthand.
NATIONWIDE COVERED THE SCIENCE CENTER FOR THE APRIL SOLAR ECLIPSE
In the weeks leading up to the event, the McDonnell Planetarium’s ECLIPSE star show explained how the position of the sun, moon, and Earth cause solar or lunar eclipses. April’s First Friday celebrated the eclipse and agriculture plot themes within the musical Little Shop of Horrors. And SciFest: The Great Outdoors Expo featured opportunities to interact with local scientists and outdoor-related STEM experts to better understand what was happening on the ground and in the skies above the region.
Science Center Member Events
We were proud to offer Science Center members exclusive, robust, and wide-ranging STEM experiences throughout 2024. Here are some of the ways we inspired our members to be curious and engaged in science.
3 Member Missions included a behind-the-scenes tour of our extensive Collections, which features more than 100,000 artifacts and specimens; a panel discussion with local engineers, architects, and more around our Dream it. Build it. exhibit and how these experts dream and build around us every day; and an evening lecture from Washington University Professor of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences Dr. William B. McKinnon for an overview of NASA’s Europa Clipper mission.
2024 saw a new era begin for the Science Center’s Einstein Society, a community of generous supporters helping catalyze our work. In the fall, we celebrated Einstein Society members and corporate and foundation partners with an evening reception on the Science Center’s SkyBridge. We look forward to more special opportunities to bring Einstein Society members closer to our mission.
4 Member Previews at the OMNIMAX® Theater invited members to immerse themselves in the Science Center’s latest documentary films under the five-story IMAX® Dome.
The Arctic Blue Whales Cities of Train Time the Future
3 New Member Expeditions welcomed those who had recently joined to learn about their membership benefits, participate in hands-on STEM activities, and then explore the museum. In addition, 4 themed Member Lounges invited members to celebrate special occasions like Valentine’s, Mother’s, Father’s, and Grandparents’ Day together at the Science Center.
In December, we hosted our annual Member Appreciation Night, which featured special evening activities ranging from Science Center Jeopardy and extreme weather demonstrations to McDonnell Planetarium star shows, special presentations at the Energy Stage, and more.
Community Science
The Science Center sparked a passion for STEM throughout the St. Louis Metropolitan Area, engaging in outreach programs that ignited curiosity with schools, community groups, and more. Amazing Science Demonstrations brought chemistry, electricity, soundwaves, and more to life. Family Math & Science Nights invited entire families to explore circuits, stomp rockets, animals, and even DNA. And participation at community events like the Cardinals Winter Warm-Up, the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Family Night, and Weather Day at Busch Stadium brought STEM learning to the St. Louis community.
1,580+ People PARTICIPATED IN THE SOLID PROGRAM
In collaboration with the Sheldon Concert Hall, the Science Center offered the Science of Learning Instrument Design (SOLID) program. In this hands-on program, teachers and students enjoy an interactive science demonstration from a Science Center educator and instruction from a Sheldon teaching artist. By exploring the science of sound and utilizing the engineering design process, student participants are empowered to design and build their own musical instrument.
In the spring, the Science Center piloted new Sphero BOLT™ coding programs with area schools and libraries. Introducing people of all ages to block coding and JavaScript—essential skills for advanced coding and robotics—this slate of new programs covered topics like computer science, math, language arts, and more.
Youth Exploring Science
The Science Center’s Youth Exploring Science (YES) program continued a legacy of success by inspiring and empowering local teens from underserved communities to prepare them for in-demand STEM careers of the future. After participating in the four-year program, which focuses on developing real-world skills through hands-on STEM learning and college and career readiness training, 18 teens graduated from YES with plans to pursue college studies in computer science, engineering, aerospace, agriscience, cybersecurity, and many others.
In 2024, teens in the YES program had opportunities to meet professionals and learn about a host of industries putting STEM to work.
During Black History Month, the YES teens participated in a panel discussion with Boeing employees to discover how people of color are thriving in the aerospace and aeronautics industry.
Mastercard employees visited the YES teens to talk about job opportunities and career pathways, as well as help practice the teens’ networking skills.
And a trip to the St. Louis headquarters of Nestlé Purina (pictured, left) illuminated the ways STEM plays a role in pet health, from keeping animals healthy to designing nutritious pet food.
During the summer, the YES program brought STEM learning to the community.
1,020+ Children PARTICIPATED IN SUMMERTIME SCIENCE
Summertime Science, held at the Taylor Community Science Resource Center, invited local children from the Science Center’s network of community partners to learn about aerospace, flight, engineering, and more.
80+ Students PARTICIPATED IN STEMTASTIC CAMP
1,000+ People PARTICIPATED IN POP-UP SCIENCE EVENTS
STEMtastic Camp returned for another summer of STEM learning. Taking place at schools in the Riverview Gardens and Florissant-Ferguson School Districts, this program saw the Science Center and teens from the YES program facilitate science projects, art explorations, and team building activities through the camp’s three weeks of programming.
Pop-Up Science events saw Science Center team members and YES teens visit local public libraries, the Missouri Botanical Garden, Challenger Learning Center, Missouri History Museum, and more to deliver hands-on STEM activities.
“We are proud to be longstanding partners with the Loeb family to recognize and reward outstanding teachers dedicated to STEM education.”
–Todd Bastean, President & CEO, Saint Louis Science Center
Loeb Prize
In May, the Science Center honored Elisabeth Greenwood from Belleville West High School with the Carol B. and Jerome T. Loeb Prize for Excellence in Teaching Science and Mathematics at a celebration inside the McDonnell Planetarium.
The Science Center proudly welcomed back the STEMSTL Project Lead the Way Showcase to exhibit high school capstone projects in engineering and biomedical science. Members of the Science Center’s Science and Education and Exhibits teams presented the inaugural Saint Louis Science Center Science Communicator Award to three student projects exemplifying outstanding science communication, with the winning projects put on display for Science Center guests to see.
Pictured, from left: Todd Bastean, Elisabeth Greenwood, Carol Loeb.
Dr. Lamara Warren joined the Science Center team as the Managing Director of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion. Dr. Warren’s role supports efforts to thoughtfully execute the Equity and Inclusion pillar of the Science Center’s strategic plan, as well as assist in the organization’s overall journey to be inclusive and welcoming to all
The Science Center launched a new STEM Like Me blog post series highlighting STEM role models who have made an impact through history. Exploring STEM figures during heritage months for Black and Women’s History, as well as Pride, Asian-American and Pacific Islander, Hispanic, and Native American Heritage months, these profiles of STEM-sational individuals showed how science has space for everyone.
OUR STEM LIKE ME BLOG POSTS AT SLSC.ORG/STEM-LIKE-ME RECEIVED 1,100+ page views
The Science Center’s STL (Science and Technology Learning) for All membership program continued to break down barriers to STEM learning by offering free Science Center memberships to families served by organizations participating in the program. In 2024, the Science Center welcomed two new partner organizations, the Bayer YMCA and Mission: STL’s Beyond School, joining the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and expanding the number of families served by the program to more than 900
In September, the Science Center held its first-ever STL for All Day, welcoming Science Center members from the STL for All membership program for a special day to engage in hands-on STEM activities, screenings of the documentary film Blue Whales in the OMNIMAX® Theater, Esports programming, and museum exploration.
Special thanks to Drury Hotels and Mastercard for their generous support of the STL for All membership program.
The Science Center earned Sensory Inclusive™️ certification from KultureCity®, the nation’s leading nonprofit on sensory accessibility. We were honored to become the first science-based museum in Missouri to earn this certification that demonstrates one of the Science Center’s core values: to be Inclusive and Welcoming to All.
In the summer, the Science Center debuted Sensory Friendly Science Time, a period on Sunday mornings when sensory friendly modifications to the guest experience are made, including reduced loud noises throughout the building, adjusted lighting and sound levels in the OMNIMAX® Theater, sensory friendly demonstrations at the Energy Stage, and more.
“Before attending sensory friendly hours, our biggest struggle was crowds,” say Amanda and Sebastian Foeller, whose young daughter Violet has a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). “Violet tended to become overwhelmed with lots of people around her, and it escalated if there were also loud noises.”
The couple says that when organizations like the Science Center implement sensory friendly hours or programs, they always try to go. “It is encouraging to see places become more welcoming and intentional for families like ours,” they say.
“At Sensory Friendly Science Time, Violet’s favorite part was visiting the fish in the Discovery Room, but she also loved seeing the quieter T. rex and the chickens in GROW.”
Amanda and Sebastian say that seeing their daughter happy, laughing, and unapologetically herself is how they know they’ve had a successful outing. “We appreciate the Science Center giving Violet the opportunity to be curious and learn in an accommodating space.”
Above, from left: Amanda, Violet, and Sebastian Foeller. Below: Violet and Sebastian in the Discovery Room.
Sustainability
The Science Center’s Sustainable Futures Team continued to bring sustainability to the forefront for Science Center guests and team members. This “green team” helped to develop, implement, and grow sustainability practices and education across the organization.
In 2024, we:
Diverted 1,350+ gallons of food waste and compostable materials from the landfill through Trash Talker tables at First Friday and SciFest events;
Made campus improvements that upgraded lighting with energy efficient LED bulbs and fixtures, as well as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems with more efficient controls;
Launched a webpage highlighting the organization’s sustainability efforts and accomplishments at slsc.org/sustainability;
Hosted team building events focused on sustainability themes, including native plants and invasive species; sustainable cooking; and ways to reduce plastic use and waste.
2024 Financials
Statement of Net Position
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and Short-Term Investments
Taxes Receivable from the Zoological
Park and Museum District
Liabilities
$19,616,272
$7,884,533
Lease Receivable $100,260
Other Receivables
$290,376 Prepaid Expenses $420,938
Total Current Assets
Noncurrent Assets
Unrestricted Investments
and Subscriptions
(Current) $413,179
$1,577,009
Liabilities $6,849
$28,312,379
$2,535,952 Restricted Cash and Investments
Lease Receivable
Revenue $67,907 Total Current Liabilities $2,814,944 Noncurrent Liabilities Note Payable $5,250,000
$2,577,962
$268,573 Right to Use Asset (Net)
Total Noncurrent Assets
Capital Assets
Land and Land Improvements
Building and Building Improvements
Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment
Exhibits
Construction in Progress
$1,540,483
$6,922,970
$15,333,458
$69,247,604
$11,597,997
$29,750,589
$59,896
Less: Accumulated Depreciation ($87,828,617)
Total Capital Assets
Total Noncurrent Assets
$38,160,927
$45,083,897
Total Assets $73,396,276
Deferred Outflows of Resources Difference between Expected and Actual Earnings on Pension Investments $50,137
Pension (Change in Assumptions) $28,899
Pension (Difference between Expected and Actual Experience) $94,542
Total Pension Contributions $173,578
Payable $978,882
Pension Liability $4,366,448
Noncurrent Liabilities $10,595,330 Total Liabilities $13,410,274
Deferred Inflows or Resource Deferred Inflow (Leases and Subscription-Based Arrangements) $353,388 Pension (Difference between Expected and Actual Experience) $90,530
Total Deferred Inflows or Resources $443,918 Net Position Net Position Net Investment in Capital Assets $32,309,349
for: Expendable:
Campaigns $2,000,000
$1,086,219
(Nonexpendable) $1,491,743
$22,828,651
Total Net Position $59,715,662
Statement of Revenues, Expenses, and Changes in Net Position
Operating Revenues
Guest Activities
Education Programs
Membership
Other
Total Operating Revenues
Operating Expenses
Program Services
Supporting Services
Membership Benefits and Fundraising
Marketing and Communications
Operations and Building Services
Administration
Depreciation and Amortization
Pension Expense
Other
Total Operating Expenses ($23,578,658)
Total Operating Loss ($18,003,056)
Nonoperating Revenues (Expenses)
Property Taxes and License Fees from the Metropolitan Zoological Park and Museum District
Contributions and Grants
Other Revenue
Investment and Interest Income
Interest Income
Interest Expense
Loss on Disposal of Capital Assets
Total Nonoperating Revenues (Expenses)
Contributions and Additions to Permanent Endowment
Change in Net Position Before Capital Grants and Endowments
Capital Grants and Contributions
Change in Net Position ($1,430,059)
Net Position (Beginning of Year)
Net Position (End of Year)
The auditor’s report and accompanying notes to the financial statements are not included in this report. A complete set of the financial statements is available at slsc.org/reports
Donor Honor Roll
The Science Center is grateful for the generous support of the following Science Center members, donors, and corporate and foundation partners for fueling our work and helping to create immersive STEM experiences, programs, and exhibits that inspire dreamers, builders, and innovators of every age and background.
Crawford Taylor Foundation Matching Gift Challenge
Resulting in a generous outpouring of more than 1,500 gifts, the Crawford Taylor Foundation Matching Gift Challenge was a resounding success! With over $125,000 raised in 2024 and the Crawford Taylor Foundation’s generous $100,000 matching fund gift in the prior year, we raised more than $225,000 in support of our Curiosity Fund. We were honored by the collective generosity of both new and returning donors, and this challenge demonstrated that our mission and investment in our community resonate with so many throughout the St. Louis region.
Thank you to everyone who joined the challenge and to the Crawford Taylor Foundation for their dedicated and generous partnership in support of our mission.
Saint Louis Science Center
EINSTEIN SOCIETY
Einstein Society
President’s Council
$10,000 AND UP
Carol B. Loebπ
Anne and John McDonnellπ
Elizabeth and James McDonnellπ
Margot and Ed Monser
Einstein Society Fellows
$5,000 TO $9,999
Sandra Blasingame
Emily and Colin Frost
Dorothy and Melvyn Lefkowitz
Chrissy Taylor and Lee Broughton
Laurie and Raymond Van De Riet
Einstein Society Patrons
$2,500 TO $4,999
Rosemary and Robert Emnett
Beverly Estes Guyton
Amy and Pat Galvin
Carol Garrπ
Barbara and David Giffordπ
Elizabeth and Tim Hamptonπ
Barbara and Michael Hurst
Christine Jacobs and Hank Webber
Katherine Kreusser
Mary and Bob Krieger
Richard Robbπ
Nancy and Eric Seiler
Sarah Smith and Dick Fleming
Sarah Trulaske
Ellen Uhlemeyer
Linda and Peter Werner
Risa Zwerling Wrighton and Mark Wrighton
Einstein Society Members
$1,000 TO $2,499
Mary Jo Abrahamson
Karen and Kelvin Adams
Carol Robert Armstrong
Martha and David Aronsonπ
Ramon Bahl
Robin and Simon Bailey
Annika and Joe Bartek
Alice and Patrick Behan
Kim Beisman and Alan Silverberg
Barbara and Barry Beracha
Marion Black
David Blasingame
Camilla and Stephen Brauer
Jo and Doug Brockhaus
Deborah and Samuel Bross
Nancy L. Buthπ
Barry Cervantes
Marcy and Richard Cornfeld
Dyann Dierkes
Steven Ensor
Lorraine Feiner* and Steve Feinerπ
Suzanne and Dennis Fetter
Linda and Steve Finertyπ
Virginia and Christopher Gaebe
Nancy and Walter Galvin
Nancee and Andy Glaser
Kathryn and George Gokel
Jenna and Matthew Gorlewicz
Kevin Gunn
Virginia Heagney and James Tobin
Margaret and Michael Heinz
Judith Ho and Richard Schulzπ
Janet Holloway
Margie and Edward Imoπ
Joel and Joanne Iskiwitchπ
Margaret and Martin Israelπ
Bettie Johnson
Cheri and Wayne Jones
Beth and Tim Kastner
Katherine and Robert Kilo
Judy and James Kiske
Carol and Ward Klein
Fran and Roger Koch
David Kocs
Patty and Gary* Krosch
Hannah and Lawrence Langsam
Judith Levyπ
Joan and Michael Malloy
Renee and Bruce Michelson
Jeannette and Alan Nissenbaum
R. E. Nystrom
Anita and John O’Connellπ
Charles Oertli* π
Cynthia and Raymond Peters
Judy and Paul Putzel
Mirella Ravarino
Amy and Charles Roberts
Nancy and Donald Rossπ
Bobby Sanderson and David Weiss
Laura and Mark Sawyier
Sheila and Robert Schuette
Susan and Robert Schulte
Anna and Mark Sears
Mary Louise and Frank Serdy
Peter and Julie Sharamitaro
Kathleen and James Sherby
Judy Sindecuse
Bonnie and William Snyder
Pamela and Steven Solomon
Karen and Jeffrey Stokes
Mary Strauss
Donald Suntrup
Dianne and Grenville Sutcliffeπ
Linda and David Swain
James Tabor
Ada Taylor and Debra Jones
Timothy Tegelerπ
Marilyn and Steven Teitelbaum
Rebecca Thompson and Philip Hammer
Donna and Craig Unruh
Melinda and Ryan Voelkel
Lida and Kenneth Wagner
Ellen and John Wallace
Karen and Richard Weber
Phyllis Weber
Kay and David Werner
Marcia Whitson
Carolynn and Stephen Wolff
Denise Wool
Continued on page 26
* deceased π charter member
Newton Members
Donna and David Baringer
Ann and Anton Eisel
David Ganz
Paula and Michael Gross
Barbra Horn and Peter Weiss
Barbara Luedde and Carl Pruess
Marykay Marchman
Charlotte and Rachel Martin
Veronica McDonnell
Ginny and Danny Orthwein
Marcee and Frank Palazzo
Jane and Bruce Robert
Alice and Robert Sherwood
Nadine Smith and Calvin Thomas
Susan Stangler
Jerome Thomasson
Patrick von Gontard and Charlie Hawes
Jill and Robert Waxler
Mary and Sarah Yousef
Galileo Members
Sandra Ahlum and Lent Johnson
Melanie and David Alpersπ
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Altvater
Melanie and Jeffrey Altvater
Becky and Michael Asbury
Robert Ashton
Arthur Auer
Donald Blumπ
Cynthia and Thomas Bottini
Kevin Burkhart and Kevin O’Bryan
Brianne and Mike Burns
Sara and Stephen Carey
Joseph Cobetto
Lucy and William Conley
Joyce and Raymond Costello
Philip Dahlheimer
Preeti Dalawari and John Vandover
Susan and Fred Delano
Gene Doyel
Linda Dunn and Paul Sheehan
Louise and Steven Epner
Kathleen and David Fischhoff
Katherine and Richard Fitzer
Phillip Flach
Margaret and Frank Flucke
Peter Fuerst
Janice Galeckas and Stephanie Young
Barbara and Bryan Garcia
Timothy Greenwald
Kristin and John Grigsby
Dudley and James Grove
Ann and Brian Guntli
Kathleen and David Hawkinsπ
Philip Heagney and Barbara Prosserπ
Patricia and Barry Hendrickson
Phyllis and Charles Hershey
Angela and Philip Huddleston
Dawn and Bill Huffman
Michelle and John Jackson
Eva and Mark Johnston
Sally Johnston
Norlita Kaul and Natalie Hilterbrand
Margaret and James Kiley
Constance and Terry Klingelhoefer
Gerlinde and Michael Koebel
Nancy and Keith Lissant
Rosalie and Robert Long
Richard McLaughlin
Jo Ann McNaughton-Kade
Mary and Dave Miller
Ellen Murphy and Colleen Ganz
Karen and Anthony Nguy-Robertson
Brian Parker
Elizabeth Parker
Stephanie and Eric Petersen
Amy Ravin and Eric Brown
Shelley and James Ringhofer
Jessica Rodriguex Wellmaker and Ryan Wellmaker
Susan and Peter Rogers
Beth and Donn Rubin
Ann Scott
Leena and Ravindra Shitut
Nancy Sido and Lee Hoffman
Harley Smith
Louise and Warren Sullivan
Tracy and Joseph Thomas
Blair Thompson
Wilda and Kevin Tierney
Yumirle and Michael Turmelle
Sheryl and Kevin Uerling
Janet and Thomas Vogt
Ruth Ann and Breck Washam
Susan and Steven Weitzel
Kristen and Brian Wellinghoff
Kimberly Williams
Lauren Williams and Clark Allen
Gabrielle and Tyrone Wilson
Lea and Jerry Wilson
Louise and Michael Wilsonπ
Susan and Frank Ziegler
Kathleen and Joseph Zihaπ
Curiosity Fund Donors
$100,000 TO $249,999
Lesley Ann Knowles*
$50,000 TO $99,999
Risa Zwerling Wrighton and Mark Wrighton
$10,000 TO $24,999
Kelly and Mark Bulanda
Steph and Michael Heim
Barbara and Andrew Taylorπ
Kerith and Frank Thurman
Judith A. Toombs
$5,000 TO $9,999
Anne and John McDonnellπ
Berkley Shands
Dianne and Grenville Sutcliffeπ
$2,500 TO $4,999
Kimberly and Todd Bastean
Constance and Eugene King
Rachel Presti and Deryck Jeremy Williams
$1,000 TO $2,499
Robbie and Ted Beaty
Sherri and David Brown
Daniel Curtis
Mrs. George B. Desloge
Hazel and Arnold Donald
Kim and Joseph Gorman
Marcella and Michael Grayson
Paula and Michael Gross
Tracy Hart
Maribeth and Ronald Hollon
David Kocs
Carol Kohfeld
Susan and Dan Luedkeπ
Nancy Meyer and Richard Kutta
James L. Schovanez
Kathleen and James Sherby
Mary Strauss
Donna and Craig Unruh
Marcia Whitson
Anonymous (3)
$500 TO $999
Ilona and Rolf Albers
Robert Ashton
Charles Derbak
Beverly Estes Guyton
Michael Gliebe
Carol Gruen
Elizabeth and Richard Hall
Jerome Harris
Judith Ho and Richard Schulzπ
Linda and Michael Honigfort
Mary and Bob Krieger
Daniel T. Ladenberger
Mark Lo
Lesley K. McIntire
Barbara and Victor Meznarsic
Travis M. Neely
Julie and Eric Nichols
Nancy and Robert Spewak
Susie and Jeff Stuerman
Amy and Andrew Trueblood
$250 TO $499
Alastair Anderson
Daylon Brown
Amanda Cimino
Lucy and William Conley
Lynn and Joe Cornelius
Ellen and Henry Dubinskyπ
Alyson and Gregg Garland
Nancy and John Hillhouse
Lesley and Jay Hoffarth
Alice and John Mohr
Lucy and John Morris
Barbara and George Nelsonπ
Kim and Guy Phillips
Judith Runk
Carol A. Schwab
Nancy Sido and Lee Hoffman
Lewis J. Thomas, Jr.π
Rochelle Weiss and Steve Loeb
James Wells
Kay and David Werner
* deceased
π charter member
Corporate and Foundation Partners
VISIONARY
$100,000 TO $249,999
William R. Orthwein, Jr. and Laura Rand Orthwein Foundation
EDUCATOR
$50,000 TO $74,999
The Boeing Company
Case IH NAFTA
Margaret Blanke Grigg Foundation
Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company, LLC
STARGAZER
$25,000 TO $49,999
Carl & Jeanne Deutsch Foundation
ACTIVATOR
$10,000 TO $24,999
American Direct Marketing Resources
AT&T
Burns & McDonnell
Employees Community Fund of Boeing St. Louis
Ensign-Bickford Industries Foundation
Gateway Information Committee
Harlene and Marvin Wool Foundation
Henry A. Jubel Foundation
Illinois Farm Bureau
Mastercard
Nestlé Purina PetCare
Norman J. Stupp Foundation –Commerce Bank, Trustee
OPA Foundation
The Saigh Foundation
Taylor Family Foundation
Toyota U.S.A. Foundation
EXPLORER
$5,000 TO $9,999
Cardinals Care
Edison Family Foundation
HWP Rigging
Laura J. Niles Foundation, Inc.
INVENTOR
$1,000 TO $4,999
The Bellwether Foundation
Blues for Kids
Cannonball Agency
The Chod Family Foundation
Commerce Bancshares Foundation
Empowering Ideas – Building Opportunities
Haimer USA
KMOV-TV
Intoximeters, Inc.
Jarrell Mechanical Contractors
Lockton Companies
Mr. and Mrs. Sanford N. McDonnell Foundation
Safety National
Seiler Instrument and Manufacturing Company, Inc.
Shapiro Metals
Spencer Fane LLP
SSM Health Physical Therapy
Starrag USA, Inc.
St. Louis County Farm Bureau
Stanley and Lucy Lopata Charitable Foundation
Tarlton Corporation
T-Kartor USA
Trane Company
In-Kind Donors
4 Hands Brewing Co.
Bare Wood Spirits
Bean & Bean Cotton Company
Case IH NAFTA
Drury Hotels Company
ESPN Radio
Frank Leta Auto Group
Grow Gear
Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company, LLC
Kirkwood Pop Co.
KSDK
McGinnis Wood Products
Pin-Up Bowl
Saint Louis City SC
The SSA Group
St. Louis Composting
StilL 630 Distillery
Total Wine & More
Matching Gift Companies
Bank of America
Bayer
The Boeing Company
Charities Aid Foundation
Corning, Inc. Foundation
Emerson
Equifax
FM Global
GoDaddy
Johnson & Johnson
The Lay Family Foundation
Macy’s, Inc.
Microsoft Corporation
Pfizer, Inc.
Prudential Financial
Thomson Reuters
U.S. Bancorp
Verizon
VISION OF THE SAINT LOUIS SCIENCE CENTER
We envision an equitable and inclusive society where people are passionate about science and use it to improve lives, transform communities, and empower future generations.
MISSION OF THE SAINT LOUIS SCIENCE CENTER
To inspire everyone to be curious and engaged in science.
