The Saint Louis Science Center’s Rooftop Terrace on top of Boeing Hall transformed on May 8 into a lively and vibrant gathering space as Einstein Society members came together under a beautiful blue sky for a special reception recognizing the importance of making hands-on STEM learning fun and accessible for all.
The highlight of the evening was the opportunity to meet Dr. Ray Vandiver, the Science Center’s new President and CEO. Dr. Vandiver shared his vision for the role of the Science Center in providing access to science education throughout the St. Louis region. Dr. Vandiver emphasized his own personal story, recounting how visits to the McDonnell Planetarium as a child helped to inspire his own journey in STEM and informal science education.
“St. Louis is a science city,” Dr. Vandiver said, motioning to the cityscape on the horizon. “We are home to innovation in aerospace, transportation, agriculture, biotech, and health sciences.”
The Science Center, Dr. Vandiver explained, is a place to connect with the real science happening around us, but also where science can be approachable and even fun.
Using the example of the Science Center’s “arch blocks” (where guests of just about any age can build a catenary arch much like St. Louis’ iconic 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch), he explained how such a popular activity explores the same physics principles that college students might study.
Dr. Vandiver thanked the members of the Einstein Society for their generous commitment and support for the Science Center’s work, which touched more than 637,000 people in 2024.
Guests enjoyed small bites and beverages (including a signature cocktail) while taking in a panoramic view of the St. Louis skyline and could even see the top of the McDonnell Planetarium peeking up over the trees in Forest Park.
in addition to speaking with David and Joel Knoll of Walter Knoll Florist—who shared insights about the original design and plantings of the Rooftop Terrace’s sustainable garden—attendees engaged with Science Center educators from the GROW Gallery to learn about the science of soy milk production through a hands-on demonstration. Finally, attendees witnessed (from a respectful distance) biology in action as a family of nesting killdeer birds roamed the Rooftop Terrace.
As the sun began to set, the conversations continued around the forward momentum of the Science Center’s impact and an exciting future bright with possibilities to inspire everyone to be curious and engaged in science.
Thank you to our Einstein Society members for joining us for this wonderful evening and for your dedicated support. Learn more about the Einstein Society here.
