Astronomer Stephen Hawking honored at gala
event. The lifetime accomplishments of the
renowned British astronomer were feted at
a gala evening at the Lincoln Center in New
York City with Dr. Hawking and other celebrities
in attendance. Cellist Yo-Yo Ma, poet Elizabeth
Alexander, jazz pianist Eldar Djangirov and
New York City Ballet dancer Tiler Peck all
performed at the event. The brilliant scientist
is known not only for his professional accomplishments
but also for his extraordinary ability in
overcoming neuro-muscular dystrophy, a progressive
disease which over the decades has left him
nearly paralyzed. Besides his achievements
in the world of theoretical physics, Dr. Hawking
has sought to make physics and astronomy comprehensible
to lay people through books that have become
highly popular bestsellers such as “A Brief
Period in Time” and “The Universe in a
Nutshell.” Accepting the honor at the event
that also launched this year's World Science
Festival, Dr. Hawking offered thanks for the
recognition, saying humbly, “As scientists,
we step on the shoulders of science, building
on the work that has come before us — aiming
to inspire a new generation of young scientists
to continue once we are gone. I am proud to
have played a small role in this great story.”
Our heartfelt congratulations, Dr. Stephen
Hawking, as well as our humble thanks for
a lifetime of service to humanity through
your love of seeking answers to the unknown.
May our Earth continue to be graced with your
gifted contributions for many years to come�
