Membership Awards

The Galileo Award recognizes outstanding leadership in our industry, which promotes the values and mission of our organization in the broad planetarium field. To be eligible, the individual has been a member for the past 10 years, and demonstrates exceptional and sustained service to the planetarium profession, extending their impact beyond the borders of GLPA.

The Service Award acknowledges the dedication and commitment of those who went above and beyond to further GLPA’s goals and advance the planetarium profession.  To be eligible for this award, the individual demonstrates exceptional service in multiple areas, or over a significant period of time. 

Examples of service include holding an office or committee chair for 10+ years, hosting an annual conference, or keeping our resource materials current and relevant.

The Honorary Life Member award celebrates the exceptional commitment and contributions of those who dedicated their careers to advancing the planetarium profession, and symbolizes the highest respect and admiration of GLPA.  To be eligible for this award, the individual is retired and has been a member for several years.

Examples of service that may make an individual eligible for this award include serving as a leader in GLPA, engaging with multiple organizations in the industry, and developing new methods that evolve the planetarium community.

The Mentor Award celebrates the recipient’s outstanding contributions to the development and growth of the next generation of planetarium professionals.  To qualify for this award, the individual has been a current or former member of the organization for five consecutive years, and demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing science education. They foster the interests of others in the industry, provide opportunities for hands-on skill development in the planetarium profession, and establish connections for individuals to the broader planetarium community.

GLPA wishes to encourage the growth, development, and evolution of the planetarium profession through the innovation of new technologies, techniques, and educational concepts in the planetarium profession, and to recognize those individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the profession through their original ideas through the Innovation Award.

Candidates must have made an significant, original, innovative contribution to the planetarium profession that has been shared with the planetarium community. Innovations include but are not limited to:

• Introduction of new technologies to the planetarium profession
• Introduction of new educational techniques or models
• Generation of novel resources or tools for the planetarium profession
• Redevelopment or significant change to long-standing planetarium practices
• Development and introduction of innovative new products to the planetarium profession

The Rising Star award celebrates and uplifts young or early career planetarians and astronomy educators, in recognition of remarkable accomplishments in the planetarium profession. The Great Lakes Planetarium Association will consider candidates for the Rising Star award to recognize and encourage their promise of continuing future excellence in the profession.

To be eligible for this award, candidates must be an active member in GLPA for at least one year. Notable contributions may include creation of new professional resources, techniques, or significant contributions to the planetarium field. These contributions need not necessarily benefit GLPA directly, and may reflect impacts at the candidate’s local community or institution. Candidates will have also demonstrated their interest in continuing in the planetarium, science visualization, or astronomy education field.

The Fellow award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of members who made substantial contributions to GLPA.  To be eligible for this award, the individual has been a member for the past 5 years, or 10+ years non-consecutively.

Examples of service that may make an individual eligible for this award include holding a leadership position such as an elected officer or committee chair, developing and promoting standards that improve planetarium inclusion, and actively participating in state and regional meetings.