Lake Superior Center dba Great Lakes Aquarium was established in 1998 as an educational showcase of the economic, recreational, biological and aesthetic importance of freshwater resources – with a particular focus on Lake Superior. The Aquarium exists to provide opportunities for community members and visitors to the region to engage with water and wildlife. The audience it serves ranges in age from young children to older adults who identify as members and non-members, staff and volunteers. Groups of people visit the Aquarium as friends, family, schools, professional organizations, clubs and for special events.
Great Lakes Aquarium is a community gathering space that supports a positive personal attachment to the Lakes Superior region, through hands-on discovery, engagement and programming with live animals, and the presentation of information and ideas related to conservation actions. In addition, the Aquarium provides a unique setting to strengthen relationships through shared memory making, enhance social and inquiry skills, and expand world views.
Mission
To engage and inspire, encouraging stewardship of wildlife and water.
Vision
Leading freshwater conservation by connecting all people to Lake Superior
and the world’s waters
CORE VALUES | WE ARE…
Engaging. We recognize the essential role of being accessible and connecting with Aquarium visitors from all backgrounds. The passion of our staff shines through our work and brings people back to experience the Aquarium time and again.
Sustainable. We are careful stewards of the Aquarium’s resources, including both those we need to continue and grow our operations and the natural world around us. We recognize the Aquarium’s interconnectedness with our waters and wildlife and seek to model ethical practices in all our work.
Inclusive. We seek to create an environment where everyone who engages with the Aquarium feels welcome and respected. We pursue proactive efforts to increase our reach, particularly with those who have not historically experienced everything the Aquarium has to offer.
Educational. We strive to give all who engage with the Aquarium opportunities to gain new insights into the world around them. We collaborate across boundaries to explore our environments and share messages that embody our mission and vision.
Great Lakes Aquarium Board of Directors
Lake Superior Center dba Great Lakes Aquarium is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation governed by a Board of Directors and managed by an Executive Director and management team.
Officers
Dr. Heather Muster, Chair
Physician – St. Luke’s Hospital
Jeff Borling, Vice-Chair
Economic Development Lead, Great River Energy
Mark Britton, Secretary
Compliance Director, United Health Group
Todd Fedora, Treasurer
President, US Bank Northeastern Minnesota
Molly Goldfine
Owner, Rock Buddies and Writer
Sheryl Williams
Early Childhood Program Coordinator – ISD 709
Doug Jensen
Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator, Minnesota Sea Grant
Rosie Loeffler-Kemp
Duluth School Board Member – ISD 709
Sandy Hoff
President, F.I. Salter Real Estate
Azrin Awal
Duluth City Councilor
Ex-Officio
Terese Tomanek
Duluth City Councilor
Noah Schuchman
Chief Administrative Officer, City of Duluth