SCIENCE!
2016 ANNUAL REPORT308 West Fourth Street, Bloomington, IN • wonderlab.org • (812) 337-1337
TM
Building Curious & Creative
Problem SolversInspired by
the Wonder of
Dear Members, Supporters, Visitors, and Scientists of all Ages,
2016 was a busy year for WonderLab.
We hosted two major science exhibitions, Your Amazing Brain and Run! Jump! Fly! Adventures in Action, that brought new STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) concepts and experiences to the citizens of south-central Indiana. We also launched two new program series, WonderLab After Dark and Family Science Nights, to better serve our growing adult and family audiences. WonderLab was selected by American Towns Media as “Best of 25 Science Museums and Centers in the United States".
To support our young curious and creative problem solvers, we initiated a strategic planning process to re-imagine the museum for the next generation of learners. This “Next Generation of Wonder” Initiative provides a road map for the future, including plans for new and improved gallery space with more interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. Work began on the �rst new Initiative exhibit, the Coral Reef Aquarium, which will be installed in summer 2017.
From the back of the house, WonderLab smoothly transitioned to new executive leadership. Catherine Olmer, Executive Director since the museum's founding in 1998, stepped into a new role as the organization's �rst Chief Financial O�cer. Karen Jepson-Innes, also a founding sta� member, became the new Executive Director on January 1, 2017.
Watch for more changes ahead as we wrap up our planning process and begin to implement ideas big and small. We invite you in, support your curiosity and encourage you to embrace science.
We look forward to seeing you at WonderLab!
Karen Jepson-InnesExecutive Director
The Next Generation of Wonder
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80,284 people experienced hands-on science experiences at WonderLab.
41%of non-member visitors came from outside Monroe County, bringing tourism revenue to Bloomington - 86 of 92 Indiana counties wererepresented.
3,609visitors took advantage of the Access Pass Program for Indiana families with low incomes, attending WonderLab for just $1 per person (attendance up 10% from 2015).
5,501 visitors received free or reduced admission to WonderLab.
11,516 children and chaperones experienced WonderLab through �eld trips or other groups visits.
1,376 children enjoyed free group admission through social service agencies that serve families with low incomes, such as the Boys and Girls Club.
Total = 80,284
School & Other Groups
Non-Members
MembersRental & Parties
2016 Museum Visitors33%
46%
14%
7%
Impact & Accessibility
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In 2016, thanks to generous donor support,
Exhibits & On-Site Programs
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preschool-age children received STEM education and literacy support through the Discovery Time program series.883
968 visitors paticipated in new evening programs: After Dark and Family Science Night.
visitors attended special weekend or holiday blockbuster programs: Jedi Science, Superhero Science, Take Apart: Robot Rodeo, Ninja Warrior, etc. 5,290
visitors experienced live animal presentations, including reindeer, sled dogs, and birds of prey. 635
1,145 visitors attended First Friday Science of Art nights, meeting local artists and making connections between science and the arts.
179 visitors experienced hands-on STEM education through IDEA Labs workshops.
WonderLab hosted two major exhibitions, “Your Amazing Brain!,” which enabled visitors
to explore the incredible workings of the human brain, and “Run! Jump! Fly! Adventures in
Action,” which inspired children to get physically active in a non-competitive environment.
Outreach and Educationpeople were served by 19 WonderLab outreach programs, up 41% from 2014.6,559
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WonderLab Supports STEM Education!Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
- Letter from Satisfied WonderLab Outreach
ParticipantApril 2016
321 children experienced hands-on summer science enrichment at WonderCamp, 21 of whom received full or partial scholarships.
480students were served each semester by WonderLab’s After School EdVentures science enrichment program, held at 6 local Title 1 schools in the Monroe County Community School Corporation.
4,174 children and adults were served by WonderLab’s outreach events atIndiana public schools, public events, libraries, and festivals.
Members, Volunteers & Community
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1,740 individuals and families were WonderLab members as of December 31, 2016.
Nurturing Curiosity & Creativity
Partnerships
783volunteers donated 15,365 hours of their time at WonderLab in 2016. 53% were college students, 25% were adults, 17% were high school students and 5% were middle school students.
community groups, businesses, organizations and individuals contributed their time, talent and expertise to provide hands-on science programs, workshops and demonstrations.
72
Indiana University students served as WonderLab interns or assistants.75
14 research grant partnerships were facilitated with faculty at Indiana University.
2students with disabilities volunteered weekly at WonderLab as part ofMonroe County Community School Corporation’s Work-Study/Community Transition program.
Financial Responsibility
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2016 Operating Revenues Total = $1,118,290
55%
8%
3%
34%
2016 Expenses & Capital ExpendituresTotal = $1,099,746
56%
23%
11%
10%Building, Mortgage, Facilities & Grounds
Visitor Experiences Administration
& Marketing
Development & Special Events
Earned Revenue
Special Events
InvestmentDividends
Donations & Grants
WonderLab Board MembersOFFICERS
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PresidentKaren Howe FernandezAttorney
Secretar yAshley Johnson-WilcoxonPresident, First Appraisal Group
Vice PresidentElizabeth R a�Professor of Biology, Indiana University
TreasurerBrandon O’Lear yExecutive Director, Management Advisor y Ser vices, Indiana University Foundation
MEMBERSMichael BakerPresident, Qual ity Mil l Supply Company (ret ired)
Andy CronVice President, Global Business Leader for Surger y, Cook Medical
Jacob FarmerManager, Identity Management Systems, University Information Technology Ser vices,Indiana University
Bob FlynnManager, Cloud Technology Suppor t , University Information Technology Ser vices,Indiana University
Mark Frank linNor th Region President, German American Bank
Greg HumphreyCFO/Treasurer, Commercial Ser vice
Ashley Johnson-WilcoxonPresident/ Real Estate Appraiser, First Appraisal Group
Bob MannAttorney with CarminParker, P.C. ( ret ired)
Brandon O’Lear yExecutive Director, Management Advisor y Ser vices, Indiana University Foundation
David QuickVistage International, Chair, CEO Peer Advisor y Groups
Ken Rober tsPresident, Rol ls Royce Hel icopter (ret ired)
Timothy Steiner, M.D.Physician, Indiana University Health
John WestManaging Broker/O wner, FC Tucker/Bloomington REALTORS
Allison PolleyDirec tor of Alumni Relat ions and Advancement Indiana University School of Publ ic and Enviornmental A�airs
Luke ZellerPresident, Dist inXion, AZel ler Family Program, and Business Development Director, Premier Health
As of 5/1/17
WonderLab Staff Members
Af ter School EdVentures Lead Teacher
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As of 5/1/17
Chief Financial Direc tor
Executive Direc tor
Catherine Olmer, Ph.D.
Karen Jepson-Innes
Colleen Couper Gif t Store Manager
Melanie Davis Exhibits and Facil it ies Assistant Direc torDiane David Volunteer Coordinator
Mallor y Elver Annual Giving and Stewardship Manager
Jeanne Gunning
Megan Harris
Emmy Brock man
Jennifer Jenk ins
Sam Couch
Michael Lindeau
Ella Heck man
Volunteer Direc tor
Visitor Ser vices Assistant Manager
Education Direc tor
Visitor Ser vices Manager
Animal Exhibits Manager
Exhibits and Facil it ies Direc tor
Galler y Operations Assistant Direc tor
Aleisha Kropf Marketing and Communications Direc tor
Sally Takada Development Direc tor
Staci R adford-Vincent
Danton Rogers
Esther Smail
Mar y Sommer
Mike Voyles
Associate Education Direc tor
Visitor Ser vices Assistant Manager
Membership Ser vices Manager
Business Manager
Galler y Operations Direc torCeleste Wol�nger
Elaine Bonadies
Hadley Gephar t
Mira Ho�man
Tony R itchel
Events and Group Visits Manager
Af ter School EdVentures Assistant Teacher
Af ter School EdVentures Assistant Teacher
Af ter School EdVentures Lead Teacher
Jared Katz Museum Educator
Visitor Reviews
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WonderLab consistently receives great reviews from its visitors.Below are some online comments from 2016.
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January 2016 Fun for a 2-year-old, 6-year-old, parent and grandparent! My son and I took my grandkids to WonderLab and had a great time. Lots to do and lots of variety! My granddaughter especially loved the bed of nails, and the little one loved the water play and balls!
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March 2016 I fell in love with WonderLab. I like it so much I volunteer there at least once a week. There are many hands on experiements and it’s perfect for school groups.
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June 2016 A small town gem! Bloomington is a small college town....that being said, WonderLab is a children's science museum that rivals many in much larger cities. The activities are fun and engaging for all ages. There is an area reserved for smaller children, and the focus of the entire place is "hands on.” The exhibits change slightly from month to month, so return visits are always fun. If you have children under 15, I highly recommend WonderLab for an afternoon's diversion!
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October 2016 Amazing time at WonderLab! My 5 year old daughter had such a great time spending the morning at WonderLab. Lots of hands-on activities for all ages. Well worth the entrance fee. Would love to visit again.
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August 2016 Fun and educational for all ages! Even if you aren't a parent or child, there is plenty to see and do here. Water play for small children, the bubble room, aquarium and reptiles, bee-hive, and much more. Theme exhibits and special programs to keep it fresh. The gift shop is a great place for �nding unique presents.
WonderLab Donors 1/1/16–12/31/16
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Corporate, Foundation, Organization and Government Cash Donors ($100 and above)
Silver ($1,000-$2,499)Association of Science
Building Associates, Inc.
Technology Centers Inc.
City of Bloomington Arts Commission
Function Brewing
Dr. Luke and Shannon EadesExxonMobil FoundationF.C. Tucker/Bloomington REALTORS
German American BankHurlow Wealth Management Group, Inc.
Innovative Financial Solutions, Inc.
Indiana Cut Stone
IU Health Bloomington Hospital Mira Salon and Spa
Old National BankQuality Mill Supply Co., Inc.Salesforce
The Toy Chest
Sterling Real EstateTASUS Corporation
Copper ($500-$999)
Bloomington Thrift Store
Bill C. Brown Associates
Dr. J. Blue Davis
Boeing Employees Credit Union
Bloomington Ford LincolnBlue & Co., LLC
EARN IndianaFirst Appraisal Group, Inc.First Insurance Group, Inc.
Gri�n RealityOlivery Winery
Psi Iota Xi, Zeta Chapter
The Center for Dental Wellness
Friends ($100-$499)American Chemical Society
Glenns Valley Elementary
Southern Indiana Section
Goldin Apprasial GroupOddball FermentablesSt. John AssociatesWorld Wide Automotive Service
Individual Donors (tax-deductible cash donations of $100 & above)
Patron ($5,000-$9,999)
Megan and Gavin Rothrock
Earl and Rhonda CraigJean Creek and Doris Shoultz-Creek
Scott and Ruth Sanders
F. Rudolf Turner
Investor ($1,000-$4,999)Eva and Matt AllenSandra Anderson
In Memory of Hans AndersonMichael and Beverly Baker
Tom and Lennie Busch
Vickie and Joe Davison
Samantha and To� EadsJamie and Jason Feagans
The Fernandez Family
James and Joyce GrandorfMary Horn
Bill Howard
Karen Jepson-Innes and Roger Innes
Kenneth and Mary Ann Johnson Ellen Ketterson
Robert and Suzanne MannLaurie Burns McRobbie and Michael McRobbie
Martha and Patrick MichelsonDeborah and Gerald Miller
In Memory of Daniel W. Miller
Michael Cain and Linda Raymond
Scott and Susan Smart
Palladium ($10,000+) Brabson Library and Educational
Foundation
Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County
Duke Energy FoundationMCCSC (21st Century Community
Learning Center Grant)Raymond FoundationSolution Tree
CFC Properties/Cook
Platinum ($5,000-$9,999)
The George E. Archer Foundation, Inc.
Baxter Internation FoundationRoyal on the Eastside
Partner ($10,000+)Andrew D. BacherRichard BlenzCatherine Olmer
In Memory of Norma Olmer
Beth and Rudolph Ra�
William and Kathleen OliverCatherine Pearce and Derek ForemanCraig and Diane Pikaard Catherine and Leo PilachowskiEd and Noelle SchaekelLouise Schlesinger and Ralph GaeblerJay Sissom and Laura KressEsther SmailTimothy and Jill Steiner Crystal Taylor-Baker and Ernie BakerKevin and Beth TheileNicholas Toth and Kathy SchickElizabeth and Fred von HerrmannMichael Wade and Debra Rush-WadeJohn and Sue WestKatherine and Je�ery YoderMimi Zolan and Je�ery Palmer
Talmage and Elizabeth BosinDavid and Wendy Clemmer
Friend ($500-$999)Mike Baker and Lia Ozolins Baker
Andy and Tina CronAnn and Allan EdmondsRich FrisbieDavid Goodrum and Melissa Carter-GoodrumRoger HangarterJulia Heiman and Johan VerhulstLois HeiserAshley Johnson-Wilcoxon and Stephen Wilcoxon
Gold ($2,500-$4,999)Bloomington Oral SurgeryCommercial Oral Surgery
IU Credit UnionIndiana Arts Commission
IU SPEA Graduate Student AssociationIvy Tech Community College BloomingtonMacy’s Inc.Premier Healthcare FoundationSouthern Indiana Radiological
Associates, Inc.
WonderLab Donors Cont.
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Elizabeth A. JoesphCli� MadisonElizabeth N. Mann Darby McCartyLaura Newton Alison and Ted PolleyJennifer Prusak and Brian Broughman Kenneth and Pamela Roberts Cynthia RowdenKathleen Ruesink Michael RyanUma Sankar-Davis and Keith Davis Eric and Laura ScheperLouis Schwitzer Rosa Serot
In Memory of Professor Brian D. SerotKaren and Bill StuckyLaurie and Anthony SullivanClint and Meghan SwanGeorge and Erika Walker
Von Welch
Supporter ($250-$499)
Mary SmithKim and Mary SommerJe�rey and Janet StakeSusan SullivanSally Takada and Sibbi BernhardssonRobert K. TogasakiNeville VaughanAllen and Nancy White
Contributor ($100-$249)Robert and Jamie AndreeDebera BackhusJohn and Paula BatesCaroline BeebeCatherine J. BeekerAmy Berndtson and William FuquaDoris P. Brineman In memory of Helen GibbonsJohn Brumleve and Teresa CreekMary Burch Ratli� and William Ratli�Dawn T. Calabia In memory of Jennifer PhilipsJames CarterPeter and Lucy CherbasAndrea and Chris CockerhamDavid and Valerie ComptonRuth and Dennis ConwayWayne O. CraigPatricia Cummings and Samuel FrushourDiane and Bruce DavidKelly and Romualdo deSouzaChristine and Tim DevittHeidi DuganDennis and Stacy DunhamKatherine and Brian EdmondsRobert and Janet EllisMallory Elver In honor of Matt FlahertyDebbie FerreeMark and Michelle FranklinSara Friedman and Gardner BovingdonThe Galimore Family: Kathy, Mike, Helen, Jonathan, Solomon, and AbrahamRandy GoodmanJim and Charlotte Gri�nJill GrossmanMary HallettTerry HendersonMarcella Ho�Kelsie HoltBrian and Susan Howe
Edward and Debbie HudelsonMelissa and Rick HullingerChristina and John HurlowCorinne InnesHollis JohnsonDonald and Margaret JonesJe�rey and Barbara KadenJoshua Kamp In honor of the CoopersLaura and Cheng KaoKatherine and Daniel KearnsLaura Knudson and Jason TennessenKate KrollBarry and Denise LessowFrank Lester and Diana LambdinP. A. MackTimothy and Susanne MayerCullen McCartyCharles and Sharon McKeenGreg MeitusRobert Meitus and Carrie NewcomerKeith and Marion MichaelArmin Moczek and Laura MojonnierBruce and Pat MonsonStuart and Ellen MufsonRoger and Ruth NewtonDenise and Harold OgrenCharles and Patricia ParmenterPhyllis and William PerkinsDan and Betsy Pfau In memory of Gladys PfauAmy and Clark PiperKathryn and James Pratt In honor of Oliver James PrattDonna and Paul PurdomAmanda Ra� and Phil CohenRobin ReynoldsJe� Russ In memory of Steve SmailJudith and Anthony San PietroFred and Jennifer SchultzPhyllis SchwitzerDon and Melinda SeaderJennifer and Brady ShowalterCurtis and Judith SimicEllen SimmonsRonald and Sarah StephensonRaymond StoddardTeal and Zac StrabbingDeborah and Amos SullivanJonathan and Wendy Surdam
Franklin and Sandra AcitoKaren and Jason BanachSarah Baumgart and Bill LozowskiDavid and Beth BaxterJohn and Sara BeggsFred and Sandra ChurchillSusan E. CoteJe� and Mary ElverGuy T. EmeryJacob and Molly FarmerBob Flynn and Yvonne WittmanPatricia Foster and Andrew HansonChristopher HarmonDavid and Cheryl JenkinsJennifer and Randy LloydJoy and Richard LuedemannDan and Judith MakiRoxana Nagosky In memory of Norma OlmerBrandon and Helene O'LearyRandy and Jane PittCatherine and Leo Pilachowski In honor of Alison PolleyKelly and David RidgeCatherine and William RufMartha J. Smiley
Charlotte Zietlow
WonderLab Donors Cont.
12 We regret any errors or omissions. Please notify us if any have occured so we may correc t our records.
Jaime SweanySusan and Macklin ThomasStephanie TopolgusDonors to United WayJulie Van Voorhis and Andrei MolotiuMartie VandeventerJames Vaughan and Ann Richard VaughanAlice VoissMartha F. WailesFran and Gene WeinbergDixie Welch and Peter Schwandt Noel Wilkins and Richard MattssonJames Williams III and Diane WilliamsWayne and Vivian WinstonSusan YoungJe� and Kelly ZaleskiAndrew Zelhof and Elizabeth ArriagaJackson Creek Middle School Teachers In memory of Dennis McGreer
In-Kind Donors (Goods & Services)
Palladium ($10,000+) AAJ Arthur Cleaning
Platinum ($5,000-$9,999)MacExperienceMarkey’s Rental & Staging
Quality Mill Supply Co., Inc.Smithville Fiber
Gold ($2,500-$4,999)ETC for the Home
One World Catering
World Arts, Inc.
Silver ($1,000-$2,499)
Bloom MagazineCatherine OlmerGallagher PropertiesIndy's ChildLake Monroe Boat Rental, Inc.NWS Holdings, LLCOliver WineryQua� ON! Brewing Company
Copper ($500-$999)Andrew DavisBloomington Country ClubBu�aLouie'sFramemakersFrench Lick ResortLucky's MarketPeacetree Mountain Tru�esPerfect Parties Tents & EventsPotbelly Sandwich Shop
Friends ($100-$499)Abell Nursery & LandscapeBaked! of BloomingtonBig Red Liquors - LocalBloomington ParentBloomington Playwrights ProjectBobby's Colorado Steak HouseCardinal SpiritsChocolate MooseCook, Inc.Darn Good SoupDowntown Bloomington, Inc.Goods for CooksHilton Garden InnHoosier HeightsIndiGo Birding Nature Tours, LLCIzzy's RentalMays GreenhouseNo Coast ReserveRelishSecretly CanadianSenoj SalonSimon Property GroupThe BluebirdThe Comedy AtticTivoli FashionsTouchstone Yoga & MassageTraveliN Magazine
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AcknowledgmentsDesign by Grace Kelly andLexi Newman
Online reviews courtesy of
Photos courtesy of WonderLab sta� and volunteers
308 W. Fourth St.Bloomington, IN 47404
(812) 337-1337wonderlab.org
“
”-Trip Advisor Review
July 2016
This is an amazing place for children to play and learn at the same time.....This place has it all, from kinetics, to bubbles, to bugs and animals, to sports!
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