Sammons Financial Group member companies' employees attended the ribbon-cutting at the Galileo Scholastic Academy of Math & Science to celebrate the completion of its new science laboratories. 

This project was started by Friends of Galileo, a group led by parents of students, with the support of Sammons Financial Group, Chicago Public Schools, a private family, and Galileo’s 2017 Reach for the Stars fundraiser.

As a public elementary school in Chicago, Galileo lacked science classrooms. Students had to perform experiments in outmoded classrooms using outdated equipment. The school’s administration saw the need to put up new labs for its students, and Friends of Galileo took the lead in transforming a classroom into two adjacent science laboratories furnished with up-to-date science equipment.

“At Sammons Financial Group, our decision to support the building of new Galileo science labs was clear,” Steve Palmitier, president of Sammons Financial Group’s Life Division, said. “It was a transformational opportunity that would help shape the learning experience for Galileo’s students for years to come.”

Sammons Financial Group initially donated $60,000 for the project in 2017 as construction of the new labs was starting and subsequently gave an additional $14,863 for lab furniture this year. 

“The new labs would not have been possible without the cooperation of Galileo and Chicago Public Schools along with the generosity of our donors,” Mike Hrzic, a Galileo parent and member of Friends of Galileo, said. “Everyone worked together to complete our three-year initiative in just one year,” he added.

Immediately after the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Galileo’s students began familiarizing themselves with the new rooms and equipment. 

“Our students were thrilled to start conducting science experiments in the labs," Galileo Principal Meredith Bawden said. "Students now have the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning experiences in the new labs, which will prepare them for high school and future careers.”