About Us

Press Room

A Living Legacy: Chabot Space & Science Center

OAKLAND (April 25, 2000)--A new facility in Oakland has captured the interest of some of the biggest names in business on both a corporate and personal level. AT&T, Cisco Systems, Microsoft, New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc., Pacific Gas and Electric, and Wells Fargo \have chosen to support this important East Bay project. Edward Penhoet, Vice Chairman of Chiron Corporation, and Garrett Greuner, General Partner of Alta Partners, both members of the CSSC Board of Directors, have made generous personal contributions. They have all become cheerleaders for the new Chabot Space & Science Center.

What is it about CSSC that has rallied such enthusiasm? The $76 million, 86,000 square foot, state-of-the-art entertainment and teaching complex will be one of the premiere planetariums, observatories, and educational facilities for space and science in the United States. Raising $ 67 million, so far, of the $ 76 million construction costs, the current donors' excitement seems to be contagious as the project gets ready for a summer opening.

"It was clear from the beginning that it was going to be a great project," begins Dan Quigley, Director of Corporate Funding for PG&E. "CSSC’s partnerships with the Smithsonian, NASA, Oakland Unified School District and national, regional and local governments made it a real winner. So the decision to fund the new Science Center was easy, everybody wants to be with a winner!"

It is easy to see why PG&E has chosen to support the project when you hear Dan speak enthusiastically about CSSC. "The Planetarium, 3 Observatories, 70 mm Theater, Environmental Gardens, Challenger Learning Center and labs… there is really nothing like this anywhere!" Enthusiasm seems to be a common thread among those who continue to contribute to CSSC. Just ask Julia Ward, Director of Community Outreach at Cisco Systems, whose company has provided goods, services and cash.

"We like to be a part of an organization that will excite everyone here at Cisco Systems. Space, technology, and science are today’s real frontiers. What could be more exciting than being a part of that!" she exclaims. "Plus it’s great to be a part of the team that makes this a reality." Garrett Greuner, founder of Alta Partners, who is an avid supporter, put it well when he said, "there are a lot of really great science museums in the Bay Area, but the new Chabot Space & Science Center will be the only one absolutely dedicated to Space. That’s why it is so exciting for me to be a part of this effort."

"Yes it is going to be incredible," Michael Damer, Director of Community Relations for NUMMI (New United Motor Manufacturing Inc.) concurs whole-heartedly. "How often does a real legacy project come along? One that fifty years from now everyone can feel proud that they were a part of." He continues, "At NUMMI, we are very excited about CSSC because of the science and math teaching emphases in their exhibits and labs. NUMMI is a manufacturing facility which requires people that are well trained in those fields. But our real excitement comes from being a part of the CSSC team and being able to bring this remarkable project to the people of Northern California and the world." Michael pauses and then proudly states, "and on a personal level, my participation is one that I hope children will tell their grandchildren about when they come to the Chabot Space& Science Center to learn about space and gaze at the stars".

Of course, CSSC is looking for more team players.

For contributions contact Martha Bauman, Director of Development Chabot Space & Science Center 510-536-5480, ext.17.

###