2026 innovation celebration

Event Details

• Celebrate our honoree, Dr. André O. Hudson, Ph.D.
• Browse and bid on auction items during our cocktail hour
• Network with local businesses, philanthropists, and museum members while you enjoy the RMSC’s exhibits and interactives
• Enjoy a delicious catered meal featuring a variety of dishes to satisfy every palate
• Take a chance and uncork some fun! For just a small donation, pull a mystery bottle of wine valued anywhere from $3 to $150. You might even snag a collectible bottle from the Star Trek wine series—perfect for fans and wine lovers alike!
• Make a direct impact by raising your paddle in support of the RMSC’s mission to create a better world through inspiring curiosity, exploration and engagement across history, science, culture and the natural world.

This exclusive event is black tie optional. Valet parking will be available.

program of events

5–6:30pm

• Beer, wine, and cocktails available throughout the evening
• Passed & stationary hors d’oeuvres
• Silent auction
• Wine pull
• Photo opportunity
• 1st floor – Lobby/Reception: Honey & Vinegar
  • Honey & Vinegar: a duo made up of Brandon Sheffer (guitar, vocals) and Ben Overmeyer (bass, backup vocals). Honey and Vinegar bring their unique brand of acoustic jam. 
    
    You might recognize Brandon and Ben from the other band they perform with locally: MoChester, a larger 4-piece rock-reggae driven band that’s a favorite of Rochester crowds. While the Motown groove provided early inspiration for the group, their current sound has a more mainstream flair.
    
• 2nd floor – Pat Hale Gallery / Silent Auction:  Amy Montrois
  • Amy Montrois:  Performing live acoustic rock, pop, and alternative music for events and venues, in and around Rochester, NY and the Finger Lakes.
    
    Amy is an acoustic guitarist and vocalist from Rochester, NY who plays a mix of cover tunes ranging from pop and country, to alternative rock. Bands covered include Grace Potter, Jason Mraz, Pearl Jam, Miranda Lambert and more.  She loves to experiment with many different genres, and is often complimented for the wide variety of songs in her set list. 

6:15-7:30pm

• Dinner

7:30pm

• Event program begins! Yes, there will be a live science demonstrations. Bring your sunglasses.

2026 gala honoree

Dr. André O. Hudson, Ph.D.

Dr. André O. Hudson is Dean of the College of Science at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), a role he has held since 2023. He previously served as Head of the Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences from 2017 to 2022. Originally from Jamaica, he emigrated to the United States at age 14 and earned his B.S. in Biology from Virginia Union University in 2000. He received his Ph.D. in Plant Biology and Pathology from Rutgers University in 2006, where his research focused on amino acid metabolism and biochemistry. Following a postdoctoral fellowship at Rutgers, he joined the RIT faculty in 2008.

Dr. Hudson’s research program lies at the intersection of biochemistry and microbiology, with a focus on amino acid metabolism, enzyme structure and function, plant-associated bacteria, and antibiotic resistance. His work advances understanding microbial physiology and has important implications for public health.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Hudson has secured more than $6 million in external funding from federal agencies, industry, and foundations. He has authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and six book chapters and has mentored more than 100 undergraduate and graduate students, in addition to 30 high school students. His contributions to science and mentorship have been widely recognized, including his election as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in 2023.

In addition to his academic and research leadership, Dr. Hudson is actively engaged in community and professional service. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC) and participates in several other scientific, educational, and community-focused organizations.

Sponsorship opportunities

Support for the Innovation Celebration will help the RMSC continue to serve as a community-wide resource to create the change agents and future workforce of Rochester.  Sponsors are critical to providing unforgettable experiences that encourage community members of all ages to spark their curiosity and engage in lifelong learning.

For questions about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kendra Lee Adams at 585.697.1939  or ka****@**sc.org.

more ways to support

Silent Auction

Before and during the Innovation Celebration, guests can bid on incredible silent auction items and packages. Everything from exclusive getaways to music lessons & instruments, retail therapy, spa time, wine & spirits–there’s something for everyone! 

The auction will go live online at the week before the gala! Come back and see all the unique items you could win–while also supporting the RMSC!

Check Back Soon!

Event attendance is not required to participate in the auction.

About The Event

Pricing

Tickets will not be mailed. Staff will check guests in via name from an RSVP list.

Can’t Attend?

Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Please consult your tax advisor for guidance. The amount of actual tax-deductible donation will be reflected in your acknowledgment letter mailed after the event.

sponsors

DISCOVERY DRIVER

Inquiry Advocate

catalyst

Betsy & John Carver

COCKTAIL HOUR

ENTERTAINMENT

Stephanie & Douglas Dickman

BAR

Alex & Marnie Molinich

champagne

Nancy & Ram Dhurjaty