A Farewell Message From Adler’s President & CEO, Michelle Larson

Dear Friends,

I’m writing to thank you personally for being a part of the Adler community—and to share some personal news of my own—after more than 12 years, I will be leaving the Adler and taking on a new role as president of Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY.

I love the Adler. We’ve been through a lot together! When my family and I relocated to Chicagoland in 2013 to begin this chapter of our lives, I had no idea what incredible accomplishments, challenges, opportunities, and connections lay ahead. I’m so grateful to have shared this time with you.

Maybe you were one of the 60,000 people who joined us for our solar eclipse block party in 2017—or one of the millions of people who enjoyed a new program, exhibit, or award-winning sky show in the past decade. Maybe you found us through an interactive online research project or one of the groundbreaking digital programs we launched when the world was sheltering in place during the pandemic and needed to look up together. Maybe you stopped by on a Wednesday night because you heard admission was free for Illinois residents and enjoyed the community you discovered here.

In this time of transition, I want you to know that our Adler community is in great hands. The expertise, passion, skill, and dedication of our staff is the reason the Adler enjoys the public profile and the cultural clout expected of our 95-year old landmark institution.

It’s not only hard work and talent that make this team special—it’s also the culture I have had the honor of stewarding during my tenure here, a culture we nurture every day. The back rooms (and Slack channels) of the Adler are magical places where a question from a guest can quickly turn into an inquisitive cross-departmental conversation about what would happen to popcorn kernels in space. What our staff gives to you, the Adler community, they also give to each other: respect, support, curiosity, connection, and joy.

I’m really, really proud of what we have built together. All of us. And with your support, Team Adler will keep building, keep inspiring, and keep connecting all of us to our universe and each other for generations to come.

I will miss the Adler and the people of Chicago. But I also know that in our little corner of the universe, none of us are ever very far apart—we do share the same sky. Whenever and wherever you look up, I will be looking up with you, always.

Eyes to the skies friends.

– Michelle B. Larson, PhD, President and CEO