President Emeritus Walter MAssey '58 Honored At The Inaugural Giant Magellan Gala

On November 13, 2025, nearly 250 leaders in science, education, philanthropy, art, and industry came together beneath the historic dome of Chicago’s Adler Planetarium for the inaugural Giant Magellan Gala.

The evening honored two central forces driving the Giant Magellan Telescope’s success: the legacy of Dr. Walter E. Massey, who recently retired as Chairman of our Board of Directors, and the sixteen Founding Institutions whose early commitment set the observatory in motion. Together, they have brought to life a $2.6 billion endeavor, one of the largest public–private partnerships in science.

Guiding the program was Nobel Laureate and Distinguished Professor of Astronomy at the Australian National University, Dr. Brian Schmidt, who led the evening with warmth, perspective, and humor. In celebrating Dr. Massey’s legacy, the Gala also marked the launch of a new phase to support the next stage of construction — a defining moment for one of the most ambitious scientific endeavors of our time.

Honoring Dr. Massey

Dr. Walter E. Massey’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to scientific discovery, education, and public service. From his pioneering work in physics to his transformative leadership as a university president and national science figure, Dr. Massey has expanded opportunities for innovation and inclusion across generations.

This short film was featured at the Gala to honor the legacy of Dr. Walter Massey and the international consortium behind the Giant Magellan Telescope

As Chairman of the Giant Magellan Telescope Board of Directors from 2016–2025, he guided the project through a decade of remarkable progress. Dr. Massey strengthened partnerships, supported major design and construction milestones, and helped secure nearly $500 million in private and public funding. His leadership advanced a powerful public–private collaboration and positioned the Giant Magellan Telescope for its next era of discovery.

Brief timeline of Walter’s extraordinary career

In recognition of his lifetime of contributions — including his leadership with the Giant Magellan Telescope — an asteroid discovered on his birthday was named in his honor. Asteroid “Waltermassey” now carries his name among the stars. The recognition was initiated by Dr. Buell T. Jannuzi, Director of Steward Observatory and Head of the Department of Astronomy at the University of Arizona.

Walter & Shirley Massey’s sponsored table at the Giant Magellan Gala

As Dr. Massey reminded us in his acceptance speech: “My call to all of us tonight is simple: Stay curious. Keep believing in the value of knowledge and creativity. Keep supporting the people and ideas that move us forward. And keep working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible. The Giant Magellan Telescope embodies all of this.”

Together, our global community is bringing that vision to life.