Connecticut Science Center Announces Brian and Erika Evanko as Honorary Chairs of the 2026 Annual Gala: I Want My STEM-TV
Hartford, CT - June 29, 2026 — The Connecticut Science Center announced today that Brian and Erika Evanko will serve as Honorary Chairs of the 2026 Annual Gala, I Want My STEM-TV, taking place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Connecticut Convention Center.
The event will bring together business, civic, and community leaders in support of STEM education and workforce development throughout Connecticut.
Brian Evanko, who will become Chief Executive Officer of The Cigna Group on July 1, 2026, currently serves as the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer. He also serves as Vice Chair of the Connecticut Science Center Board of Trustees. Erika Evanko is a former math teacher and actuary whose appreciation for learning and mentorship has guided her professional and volunteer endeavors. Together, Brian and Erika are dedicated advocates for education, community engagement, and creating opportunities for future generations and longtime supporters of the Science Center.
As Honorary Chairs, the Evankos will help champion the Science Center's mission to inspire lifelong learning through interactive and innovative STEM experiences. Their leadership comes at a time when preparing the next generation of problem-solvers, innovators, and workforce leaders is more important than ever.
"We are honored to have Brian and Erika serve as Honorary Chairs of this year's Gala," said Matt Fleury, President and CEO of the Connecticut Science Center. "Their commitment to community impact and helping young people reach their full potential aligns perfectly with the Science Center's mission. We are grateful for their partnership and leadership."
"We are proud to serve as Honorary Chairs for this year's Gala and to support the Connecticut Science Center's work to inspire curiosity, innovation, and lifelong learning," said Brian and Erika Evanko. "The Science Center plays an important role in helping young people explore STEM and develop the skills that will shape Connecticut's future. We look forward to joining the community in celebrating and advancing this important mission."
The annual Gala, themed “I Want My STEM-TV” for 2026, is the Science Center's signature fundraising event, bringing together supporters of STEM for an evening of musically inspired entertainment and celebration. Proceeds support the Science Center's educational programs, exhibits, and community initiatives that expand access to learning for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Tickets, tables, and sponsorship opportunities for the 2026 Gala: I Want My STEM-TV are now available. The Cigna Group is the evening’s Headline Sponsor.
For more information or to purchase tickets, reserve a table, or become a sponsor, visit ctsciencecenter.org/gala or contact Whitney Gray, Director of Institutional Giving, at wgray@ctsciencecenter.org or 860-520-2124.
About the Connecticut Science Center:
Located in downtown Hartford, the LEED Gold-certified Connecticut Science Center inspires curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of science through hands-on experiences for visitors of all ages. Home to more than 165 interactive exhibits, the Science Center explores topics including space, earth sciences, biology, and Connecticut’s legacy of innovation, along with a year-round butterfly habitat, a giant-screen theater, and dynamic learning labs. As a nonprofit organization, the Connecticut Science Center advances science literacy and workforce development across Connecticut and New England through engaging programs for students, families, educators, and professionals. For more information, visit CTScienceCenter.org or call (860) SCIENCE.