Garden honors science legends and future growth
With 2008 marking a century of Research and Development at Corning Incorporated, the company knew it wanted to do something special to honor the scientists who have made profound contributions in shaping Corning’s culture of innovation. Corporate Fellow Dr. Nick Borelli suggested creating a garden in honor of scientists whose contributions led to life-changing innovations.
The legends garden was dedicated in July of 2008 and celebrates nine of Corning Incorporated’s most illustrious scientific leaders, including: Dr. Eugene Sullivan, Dr. S. Donald Stookey, Dr. William H. Armistead, Dr. Martin E Nordberg, Harrison P. Hood, James W. Giffen, Dr. J.T. Littleton, Dr. William Chittenden Taylor and Dr. J. Franklin Hyde. Key inventions made possible by these scientists include the composition for Pyrex®, the vapor deposition process (enabling the first-time production of near flawless glass), Corning Ware®, photo chromatic glass, and the first commercial tubes for color television. The garden serves as a living symbol of how Corning’s current innovation process is both rooted in rich history and continuously growing with the future.
The dedication ceremony included many of the scientists’ descendants, who were able to witness just how significantly their ancestors contributed to the success and outstanding culture at Corning. Kathryn Sullivan of Kent, Conn. said she was amazed at the size and scope of the research facility named for her great-grandfather. "It's just wonderful to learn more about it. It’s given me chills every time I’ve heard his name mentioned," she exclaimed.