The Wiseman Family announces a $1 Million Gift to Catalyze Next Phase of GSC Transformation
Following the Greensboro Science Center’s (GSC) attendance and revenue record-setting year, Eric and Susan Wiseman have announced a private gift of $1 million to transform the already cutting-edge SciQuarium into an even richer and more immersive experience for students, families and tourists.
The Wiseman Family will work closely with GSC innovators to expand and re-imagine the SciQuarium experience by adding new animals, artistic elements and unique science-based artifacts. According to GSC Executive Director, Glenn Dobrogosz, the ultimate goal is to significantly increase SciQuarium biodiversity (fish and invertebrates) and inspire more action and impact to conserve the world’s oceans.
The Wiseman Family gift represents the single largest private donation in the history of the GSC and will launch the Center’s THINK BIG capital campaign that will help to fund the next phases of development in the Center’s 10-year Master Plan. Eric and Susan Wiseman have also agreed to co-chair the campaign that will reinvent the science museum experience and double the size of the Animal Discovery Zoo. A “Disneyesque” children’s zone focused on marine exploration, a high-tech dinosaur realm, Komodo dragons, a tree-top adventure course, mandrills, pygmy hippos and okapi are just a few of the new features and creatures in the GSC vision.
“We are deeply proud and profoundly humbled by Eric and Susan’s passion for the Science Center and support of our vision for the future,” said Dobrogosz. “The first time I met the Wisemans was at a GSC fundraising event in 2009. We shared stories about wildlife adventures with our kids. I am grateful that we can now work together to create wildlife memories for every child in Guilford County and beyond.”
The GSC articulates its mission as “a commitment to excellence in science education, family entertainment, conservation and economic development through tourism.” Recent economic impact numbers from the Governor’s office prove that tourism is a viable and valuable economic vehicle for Guilford County, even without the advantage of mountains or a coastline. Organizations like the GSC serve all citizens and help make the community more visible and vibrant, encouraging increased tourism and economic growth.
About The Greensboro Science Center – A premier family attraction in North Carolina that offers the state’s first accredited inland aquarium, a hands-on science museum, an accredited Animal Discovery Zoological Park and a state-of-the-art OmniSphere Dome Theater. The Center is also NC’s only dually accredited AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) and AAM (American Alliance of Museums) science attraction – an honor only 14 attractions in the nation can claim. The Greensboro Science Center is located at 4301 Lawndale Drive in Greensboro and is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. For more information, visit www.greensboroscience.org
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