Thursday, November 13 • Adler Planetarium
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the visionaries behind one of the most ambitious scientific endeavors of our time.
Gala Info
The inaugural Giant Magellan Gala will bring together leaders in science, philanthropy, and industry to celebrate the 16 Founders behind the observatory and honor Dr. Walter E. Massey for his visionary leadership in building the international consortium that makes it all possible.
The evening marks the launch of our campaign to fund the next chapter of building the Giant Magellan Telescope. We invite you to join us in honoring Dr. Massey and become part of his legacy by shaping the future of exploration for generations to come.
Thursday,
November 13, 2025
Cocktail Reception
6:30 pm
Dinner and Program
7:30 pm
Black Tie Optional
Venue
Adler Planetarium — Chicago, Illinois
Honoree
Walter Massey, Ph.D.
Chair of the Board of Directors
of the GMTO Corporation
Dr. Walter E. Massey’s remarkable career and lasting legacy in science, education, and public service reflect a lifetime of dedication driven by his vision and commitment. His leadership has been key to transforming the Giant Magellan Telescope from an ambitious concept into a powerful global collaboration.
Dr. Massey’s decade-long tenure as Board Chair has been instrumental in growing the international partnership behind the Giant Magellan Telescope to 16 Founding Institutions. Each brings unique expertise essential to building one of the world’s most powerful telescopes. His dynamic personality, strategic vision, and relentless drive provided the leadership needed to meet every challenge. Thanks to his guidance, the Giant Magellan Telescope stands poised to revolutionize our understanding of the Universe.
Celebration of Our
Founders
The Giant Magellan Telescope is made possible by 16 Founders whose vision and leadership are creating one of the most advanced ground-based observatories in history. Join us in celebrating their impact.
Gala Co-Chairs
Sheridan & Perry Lorenz
The Cynthia & George Mitchell Foundation
•
Margot & Tom Pritzker Foundation
Host Committee
BOV members of the UT McDonald Observatory and Department of Astronomy
•
Dianne Blanco
Northwestern, CIERA Board of Visitors
•
Ann M. Drake
Founder and President, Lincoln Road Enterprises
Chair and President, Women's Leadership Center at Williams Bay
•
Bill & Cindy Rainey
The University of Arizona
•
Melissa & Don Reid
Members of the McDonald Observatory and UT Astronomy Board of Visitors
•
Brian P. Schmidt
The Australian National University
•
Randy Stringer
Nord Analytics
•
Samme Thompson
Member of the Advisory Council UChicago’s Physical Sciences Division
•
Mihir Worah
University of Chicago
Sponsors
Diamond
Bank of America
•
Ann M. Drake
Founder and President, Lincoln Road Enterprises
Chair and President, Women's Leadership Center at Williams Bay
•
Margot & Tom Pritzker Foundation
Platinum
The Cynthia & George Mitchell Foundation
•
CIERA Board of Visitors
•
Melissa & Don Reid
Members of the McDonald Observatory and UT Astronomy Board of Visitors
•
Mihir Worah
University of Chicago
•
Northwestern University
Gold
BOV members of the UT McDonald Observatory and Department of Astronomy
•
Greg Brown
Chairman and CEO, Motorola Solutions, Inc.
•
Walter & Shirley Massey
•
Bill & Cindy Rainey
The University of Arizona
•
Brian P. Schmidt
The Australian National University
•
Randy Stringer
Nord Analytics
Join Us
Thursday, November 13 • Adler Planetarium
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