Momentum is building for the Northern Virginia Science Center’s 2027 opening. When Holly Rhodes shared her enthusiasm with her husband, Weston, he too became eager to learn more about this exciting resource coming to our region. Soon the whole family became involved and realized they had found the perfect overlap between their desire to give back to the community and their passion for STEM outreach, museums, and education. Today, we are proud to welcome the Rhodes Family to the Launch the Future campaign as Element Partners.
Public and community engagement with science was an important aspect of Holly’s recent work at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. “Science centers are an important place where people engage with science. They’re a huge resource and can inspire a wide range of people,” she explained. As a former educator, Holly also saw a direct connection to the classroom.
The Rhodes are a family that values education and lifelong learning. Keely Rhodes, a professor of music, is especially excited for the hands-on learning the Science Center will offer. “Students learn in many ways, and being able to physicalize something is so important,” she shared. Keely sees the future Science Center as a resource not just for students but for their teachers, too. “Teachers need those soul-filling, idea-sparking experiences. They then pass that renewed passion on to their students.”
Judy Rhodes, a retired educator of 30 years, is passionate about the Element Wall, a huge periodic table with representations of each element that will welcome visitors to the Northern Virginia Science Center. “I’m thinking like a teacher immediately!" she said. “The elements are like an alphabet. They’re exciting, they're dynamic; you can look at them and find your own connections.” The Rhodes Family did just that. They will be represented on element number 45, Rhodium (Rh).
This opportunity to support the Northern Virginia Science Center also honors the legacy of Douglas Rhodes. Douglas not only valued education but also valued making it fun. In the Northern Virginia Science Center, the Rhodes see a way to welcome people from all walks of life into the joys of learning, just as Douglas and Judy did for their children.
The Northern Virginia Science Center will be a gathering place for curious minds of all ages across the region. We are so grateful for the incredible community of supporters who have come together to make this dream a reality, with more joining the cause every day. To learn more about how you can get involved, please email Jenn Brunner at cao@childsci.org.
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