2005 Detroit Science Gala On May 13 at The New Detroit Science Center

Co-Founder of Apple Computer Steve Wozniak will be Keynote Speaker at Annual Event to Support Better Science Education in Michigan

DETROIT, April 14 -- Celebrate science, engineering and technology at the 2005 Annual Detroit Science Gala, featuring Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple Computer who often is credited for "single-handedly designing the first personal computer." The fourth annual black-tie gala will be held Friday, May 13, at 6 p.m. at The New Detroit Science Center.

"Steve Wozniak embodies the possibilities of what science-minded children can become when their families, teachers and communities encourage and inspire inventiveness, curiosity and passion for discovery," said Francois J. Castaing, Chairman of The New Detroit Science Center. "As co-founder of Apple Computer, his inventions have had transformational power in the way business is conducted and life is enjoyed. Today, he continues to create and invent, but also actively helps young people embrace technology, science and engineering -- just as we strive to do at The New Detroit Science Center."

The theme of the 2005 Gala is "Science Education: Futures are Brewing!" and is sponsored by DaimlerChrysler, with additional presenting support from Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corp. During the evening, Congressman Joe Knollenberg will be recognized for supporting better science education for the children of Michigan and will receive the 2005 Science and Technology Leadership award from Castaing.

Castaing is chairing the fourth annual Gala with Dieter Zetsche, President and CEO of DaimlerChrysler serving as honorary chairperson. Co-chairs of the event include Eric R. Ridenour, executive vice president product development for DaimlerChrysler, Thomas G. Stephens, group vice president for General Motors, and Susan M. Cischke, Vice President Environmental and Safety Engineering for Ford Motor Company.

Throughout the evening guests will explore the Science Center, including featured traveling exhibits -- Monster Trucks: An Xtreme Exhibit and Target America: Opening Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause. Devin Scillian of WDIV Channel 4 will serve as emcee for the annual event. Guests will enjoy a seated dinner catered by Opus One, dance to the tunes of Mel Ball & Colours, and view special shows in the Dassault Systemes Planetarium and IMAX(R) Dome Theatre.

The 2005 Detroit Science Gala is again expected to be a sell-out event. Tickets are $250 each and table sponsorship packages are still available. There are three distinct levels of sponsorship -- Gold Sponsor at $25,000, Silver Sponsor at $10,000 and Bronze Sponsor at $5,000. Valet parking will be provided at the Science Center. For more information on sponsorship benefits, or to make a reservation, please contact Charles Friedline at 313-577-8400, ext. 437, or e-mail cfriedline@sciencedetroit.org .

The New Detroit Science Center features 110,000 square feet of scientific exploration, including Michigan's only IMAX(R) Dome Theatre; the Dassault Systemes Planetarium; the Ford Learning Resource Center; the DTE Energy Sparks Theater; the DaimlerChrysler Science Stage; an 8,700 square-foot Science Hall for traveling exhibits; five exhibit laboratories -- General Motors Motion Laboratory, Dow Foundation Life Sciences Laboratory, Waves & Vibrations Laboratory, Jean and Sam Frankel Matter & Energy Laboratory and SBC Children's Gallery; and a Special Events Lobby. It has served more than 1.2 million visitors in its first 3 years. For more information, please call 313-577-8400 or visit the website, http://www.detroitsciencecenter.org/ .