About Last Night: The Fabulous Franklin Institute Gala, Stylish Scientists and Supporters

**Jim Dever,** Bank of America and **Dr. Lynn Dever** were co-chairs of the event, which attended by a record number of guests, and raised over a million dollars.

Last night, the Franklin Institute celebrated its 200^th year, The Franklin Institute Awards pays tribute to our namesake and America’s first citizen scientist, Benjamin Franklin, by honoring the greatest minds in science, engineering, and industry, through their boundless creativity and passion for discovery.

2024 Franklin Institute Awards Laureates
David A. Weitz, Ph.D., Harvard University
Lisa Su, Ph.D., AMD
Gabriela S. Schlau-Cohen, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Paula T. Hammond, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Janet F. Werker, Ph.D., O.C., FRSC, The University of British Columbia
Paul D. N. Hebert, Ph.D., FRSC, O.C., University of Guelph
Robert M. Metcalfe, Ph.D., The University of Texas at Austin
Joanne Chory, Ph.D., The Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Mary C. Boyce, Ph.D., Columbia University

Spring Gala Season is in full bloom, with events happening nearly every night, all for a good cause.

**Beverly Deavens** and Gregory E. Deavens President and Chief Executive Officer of Independence Blue Cross

Since its inception, The Franklin Institute Awards Program has honored the most influential scientists, engineers, and inventors who have significantly advanced science and technology. The roster of more than 2,000 laureates includes luminaries such as Nikola Tesla, Marie and Pierre Curie, Orville Wright, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Jane Goodall, Stephen Hawking, and more recently, vaccine pioneers Kizzmekia Corbett, Drew Weissman, and Katalin Karikó. Notably, 125 of these laureates have also received the Nobel Prize.

**Hugh Stravick,** Senior Vice President, Client & Community Relations · PNC and **Kristin Stravick**

Hugh and I have a special bond, cause I think we’re the only two in Philly with the same name, who see each other regularly; and on occasion we see Hugh Lavery. SVP of Govt Affairs, Jefferson Health.

**Dara Oliver** and **Doug Oliver**, PECO

**Dr. Nina Radcliff**, Board Certified Anesthesiologist Orange is the new black it’s better than that actually in sequins ! and **Anthony Murray**, my fellow bird watching friend.

**Andrea Freundlich, Jerry Wind** and Barbara Eberlein

**Kimberly Doolittle, Esq** and **Lindsay Craig** exploring the more than life size heart inside the museum.

**Dr. Joan O’Shea,** Neurosurgeon and **Amany Mansour Awad,** Founder, Board Member at Chemistry Rx |Founder and CEO at Bloop

**Larry Dubinski** is the President & CEO of The Franklin Institute greets guests as they arrive at the Franklin Institute

“The 200-year legacy of The Franklin Institute Awards stands as a shining example of our dedication to honoring those who have made significant strides in advancing scientific knowledge,” said Larry Dubinski, President and CEO of The Franklin Institute. “In this milestone year, the Awards Program will celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our 2024 laureates and serve as a reminder of The Franklin Institute’s rich history and its ongoing commitment to shaping the future of science and technology.

**Bonnie Grant,** PCMA Greater Philadelphia Chapter, **Laura Swartz,** Chief Executive Officer and President · World Affairs Council of Philadelphia and **Donna Farrell,** senior vice president of Corporate Communications for *Independence* Blue Cross

Dr. Thanuja Hamilton and Nicholas Perugino (r) enjoying the pre awards reception.

**Vishal Patel** and **Kernika Gupta** – Director – Independence Blue Cross

Additional photos from the event can be seen on CBSPhilly, as well as Main Line Today in the June issue, and Philly Style Magazine in the July Issue.

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