wondertorium resignation article
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MEDIA CONTACTS:Ruth Cavins, Executive DirectorOffice: 405.533.3333Email: [email protected]
Lynda Halley, PR & Marketing CoordinatorOffice: 405.533.3333 x106
For Immediate Release Email: [email protected]
WONDERtorium Director Resigning at Year’s End
STILLWATER, OK (Friday, July 25, 2014) – Following nine years of tireless work to conceptualize, create, launch and direct a children’s museum in Stillwater, Ruth Cavins will step down as the Oklahoma WONDERtorium’s Executive Director at the end of 2014.
“Our community owes a huge thanks to Ruth for her dedication and service to the WONDERtorium,” noted William Joyce, WONDERtorium board president. “While we regret seeing her go, we understand and respect Ruth’s decision. Her efforts have proven the WONDERtorium’s value to our community, and we are moving forward focusing on long-term sustainability and expansion.”
Ruth Cavins’ tenure at the museum began in early 2005 as a volunteer. She was hired as the first employee of the then-Stillwater Children’s Museum in 2006. “The first few weeks I sat and worked on the floor of our small office. One of my first tasks was to acquire donations of office furniture and supplies. We began as a ‘Museum Without Walls’ developing and delivering educational outreach programs to elementary classrooms throughout Payne County,” noted Ruth. “We knew it would take much planning and significant financial resources to build a brick and mortar museum. The goal with our ‘Museum Without Walls’ programming was to promote the value of learning through play and build visibility for the museum. Through this process, a successful business history was established. Our hard work paid off in October of 2011 when we opened the Oklahoma WONDERtorium,” she continued. “Finally, a museum WITH walls. Today, we operate a thriving children’s museum with unlimited opportunities to continue its mission to inspire curiosity to learn through play. I’m very proud of what we’ve built and looking forward to what the future holds.”
Now averaging more than 4,000 visitors per month, the Oklahoma WONDERtorium is an award-winning travel destination – honored both locally and statewide. In 2012, the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce honored the WONDERtorium as "2012 Not for Profit Business of the Year." Recently, the museum was recognized by the Oklahoma State University Service-Learning Volunteer Center as "2013-2014 Outstanding Community Partner." In 2013, the museum received the RedBud Award and statewide recognition as "Outstanding New Attraction" presented by the Oklahoma Travel Industry Association. And, for three years' running the Frontier Country Marketing Association has awarded the museum either "Outstanding Attraction" and/or "Outstanding Children's Attraction" accolades.
A search committee has been established to guide the process of selecting a new Executive Director. Ms. Cavins will participate in the search and assist in the transition period as well. Board secretary and search committee chair Christy Lang said, “The WONDERtorium has matured into a valuable attraction for the Stillwater community and beyond, and we will be working hard to identify the right leader to build on the museum’s success. It is an exciting time in the museum’s life to pursue our next steps.”
Speaking on behalf of the museum staff, Debbie Williams, Programs Coordinator, commented, “Ruth has poured her heart and soul into making the museum a reality. She has put in place a strong organizational structure and given us the tools to continue in her absence. We’re excited about how far we’ve come and where the WONDERtorium is going.”
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The Oklahoma WONDERtorium, a children's museum, is located at 308 W. Franklin in Stillwater (just north of the Stillwater High School Football Stadium). Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Closed Monday. Telephone: (405) 533-3333. The Oklahoma WONDERtorium is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more details about the museum, its programs and events, please visit www.okwondertorium.org or facebook.com/okwondertorium.
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