FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 11, 2019

CONTACT: Caitie O’Neill
810-237-3443
Marketing@SloanLongway.org

Flint, MI – Sloan Museum is honored to announce the winners of the inaugural Discovery Awards, to be presented at this year’s Night At The Museum gala fundraiser, September 28. Sloan Museum will present awards annually for Outstanding Contributions in Science, History, Education, and Community.

“As we get closer to opening the new Sloan Museum of Discovery, we want to honor members of our community annually in areas that the new museum will focus on, those being Science, History, Education and Community,” Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium Executive Director Todd Slisher said. “This year, 2019, will be the inaugural year of the Discovery Awards, and we look forward to many more years of honoring outstanding contributions from members of our community.”

2019 Discovery Award Winners

Outstanding Contributions in Science: Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha
Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha is founder and director of the Michigan State University and Hurley Children’s Hospital Pediatric Public Health Initiative, an innovative and model public health program in Flint, Michigan. A pediatrician, scientist, activist and author, Dr. Hanna-Attisha has testified twice before the United States Congress, awarded the Freedom of Expression Courage Award by PEN America, and named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World for her role in uncovering the Flint Water Crisis and leading recovery efforts. She is founding donor of the Flint Child Health and Development Fund (flintkids.org).

Outstanding Contributions in History: Kevin Kirbitz
Kevin Kirbitz is a native of Flint who pursued a career in engineering with General Motors while continuing to follow his passion for Flint history. Putting his stamp on the company through more than 35 years of engineering experience in manufacturing, quality, and product development, Kirbitz was instrumental in GM’s purchase, restoration and renovation of Durant-Dort Factory One, and was named the facility’s operations manager in 2016. He continues to be the keeper of the flame in telling the story, both inside and outside of General Motors, of the role played by Flint in the development of the world’s transportation industry.

Outstanding Contributions in Education: Dr. Lisa Hagel
Dr. Lisa Hagel has served as superintendent of the Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD) since 2010. Dr. Hagel served as chair of the GenNET Governing Board, a consortium of all 21 public school districts and GISD that provides state-of-the-art voice, video and data resources for all member districts. Additionally, she is the chairperson of the Michigan State Educational Network Board and has helped to oversee the construction of a statewide fiber optic educational network. Through these leadership positions, Dr. Hagel has been deeply involved in the changing landscape of education in response to federal and state policy changes, as well as cultural needs.

Outstanding Contributions in Community: Jim Ananich
Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich has served in the Michigan Senate since 2013. During his tenure in the legislature, Ananich has been at the forefront of addressing the Flint Water Crisis. He continues to push for answers and champion long-term solutions to the critical infrastructure, health and economic needs the community now faces. His bill to make Flint a promise zone was signed into law in 2017, awarding Flint students the opportunity to attend college or trade school tuition-free. He is a former civics and government teacher at Carman-Ainsworth and Flint Community Schools.

WHAT: Discovery Awards, presented at the Night At The Museum fundraiser gala
WHEN: Saturday, September 28, 6:00-11:00 p.m.
WHERE: Factory One, 303 W. Water St. Flint, MI 48503
TICKETS: $125 per person

Proceeds from Night At The Museum will provide subsidized field trips and outreach activities for under-served area youth. Young people will enjoy cultural experiences, educational classes, and hands-on activities provided by Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium. 

Event-goers can enjoy live music by Soul’d Out and dinner by Cork on Saginaw, as well as silent and live auctions. Cocktail attire is suggested; period dress is welcome.

Guests are invited to step into a 1920s speakeasy atmosphere inside General Motors Factory One. Flint's early industry is lovingly preserved in this unique venue, the site of Flint's booming carriage industry from the 1880s through the 1910s. The factory was converted in 1917 and manufactured automobiles throughout the 1920s.

For more information, call 810-237-7391 or email Development@SloanLongway.org. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at SloanLongway.org/NATM.

About Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium
Sloan Museum and Longway Planetarium inspire youth, families and patrons to discover, explore and value science, technology and history through engaging learning experiences. Sloan Museum is a member organization of the Flint Cultural Center Corporation and is supported in part by the C.S. Mott Foundation, Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Sloan Museum is funded in part by the Genesee County Arts Education and Cultural Enrichment Millage. Your tax dollars are at work. Follow Sloan Museum on Facebook and Instagram @SloanMuseum.