DETROIT—The Michigan Science Center announced today that ITC Holdings Corp., of Novi, donated $500,000 to the organization, supporting its efforts to open the facility and further demonstrating ITC’s commitment to the community.
“We greatly appreciate the support and commitment of ITC,” said Tom Stephens, chairman of the board, Michigan Science Center. “This donation is integral to our efforts to open the Michigan Science Center and accomplish our vital mission of inspiring children and their families to discover, explore and appreciate science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.”
“The Michigan Science Center brings huge value to the region, and ITC is proud to lead the corporate community by fulfilling our commitment with this grant,” said Gregory Ioanidis, president, ITC Michigan. “As the Detroit Science Center, it touched hundreds of thousands of children and parents each year. Now, as the Michigan Science Center, it will expand its influence statewide, encouraging an interest in math and the sciences, enlightening the minds of students throughout the state. It’s important to remember that today’s youth will be tomorrow’s workforce of engineers and technical operators in the electric transmission industry.”
Over the past several months the Michigan Science Center has achieved a number of significant milestones including:
- The acquisition of Citizens Bank’s position for the Detroit Science Center’s land, building and contents by Ron Weiser who will make it available to the Michigan Science Center;
- The approval of its 501(c) (3) not-for-profit status; and,
- Commitments/donations of more than $2.5 million from sources such as The General Motors Foundation, ITC Holdings Corp., The Ford Foundation, Penske Corporation and the Manoogian Fund.
“These milestones are critical to our efforts to open the Michigan Science Center,” said Stephens. “The Board of Directors has been focused on completing all of the steps of the Michigan Science Center Recovery Plan. One of the steps we are currently working on is developing an opening strategy for the facility.”
