Take a walk down Magellan's Memory Lane with these stories and photos from events we've participated in, opportunities we've had, people we have had the pleasure to meet.
Music critic and co-host of WBEZ public radio's Sound Opinions Jim DeRogatis was the presenter at the April 13, 2018 Magellan Corporation Lunch & Learn.
Sound Opinions is a radio talk show and podcast co-hosted by Jim, based in Chicago, focusing on the discussion of musical genres, history, artists and albums. Jim is an American music critic who has written articles for magazines including Spin, Guitar World, and Modern Drummer; for 15 years he was the pop music critic for the Chicago Sun-Times. Jim's passion for music doesn't stop at writing and talking about it, he also plays drums in a punk rock band called Vortis.
Jim told stories as his career in radio, particularly as a music critic, and spoke of today's music scene.
Brendan Bananszak, Executive Producer of Sound Opinions, joined Jim for a lively presentation.
The Women’s Board of the Field Museum hosted the extraordinary Dr. Jane Goodall, April 3, 2018 to celebrate women in science with a day of programs centered on careers in STEM and an evening reception for Jane's 84th birthday.
It was an honor for Magellan employees and friends to attend this once in a lifetime opportunity to meet Dr. Goodall and listen to brilliant stories of her life and work.
During the evening reception, a monument narrative sculpture by renowned portraitist, Marla Friedman, titled "The Red Palm Nut," was unveiled. The sculpture depicts the moment when Dr. Goodall (then a 26-year-old field researcher) extended her hand to offer a red palm nut to David Greybeard, the first wild chimpanzee to allow Dr. Goodall to come close.
Following the reception at the Field Museum was a private viewing of "Jane" a National Geographic exclusive documentary about Jane Goodall, featuring restored footage from the National Geographic Archives that has not been seen in 50 years.
Otis Wilson and Chet Coppock visited Magellan to talk about their new book, "If These Walls Could Talk: Chicago Bears: Stories from the Chicago Bears Sideline, Locker Room, and Press Box" on February 23, 2018.
Otis is a former linebacker in the NFL, having played for the Chicago Bears and the LA Raiders. He was on the beloved 1985 Bears winning Super Bowl team, the team that brought us "The Super Bowl Shuffle."
Chet was a longtime Chicago TV sportscaster and big-personality pioneering radio host, as well as author of five books. He passed away in April 2019.
During the book talk, Otis & Chet shared some great stories about the Chicago Bears & their experiences in the professional sports world.
They made for quite a collaboration, and attendees greatly enjoyed the presentation.
On November 6, 2017, DePaul’s Theater School hosted Lights Up!, its annual student scholarship fundraiser, which provides assistance to a diverse body of students as they pursue training at one of the leading conservatories of the nation; funds help ensure that talented students receive the resources and support they need to continue training.
The evening’s event included a dinner reception, behind the scenes tour of the theater, performance, and appearance by actor and DePaul Theater School alumnus, John C. Reilly. Known for both his comedic and dramatic roles, John C. Reilly has starred in such favorites as Step Brothers, Talladega Nights, and many more. Supporting roles include Gangs of New York, Boogie Nights, to name just a couple.
Attendees of the event included Sam Paolillo, son of Magellan employees Frank Paolillo and the late Debbie Goldwater.
Magellan proudly underwrote the Deborah Ann Goldwater Scholarship, a yearly fund to The Theater School at DePaul, to honor the memory of our dear friend and co-worker, Debbie.
"I Can't Believe They Wendt There": A Roast of actor / comedian George Wendt, most famously known for his role of bar-hugging, beer-guzzling Norm on television sitcom Cheers, was proudly held at Second City Chicago on Saturday, September 9, 2017. Proudly sponsored by Magellan Corporation, the star-studded evening benefited Gilda’s Club Chicago and The Second City Alumni Fund.
Roastmaster comedian Jason Sudeikis, along with roasters Bob Odenkirk, Betty Thomas, David Koechner, Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, Joel Murray, David Rasche, Tim Kazurinsky, Chris Rock, Robert Smigel, Julia Sweeny, Keegan-Michael Key, Jeff Tweedy and more, offered blistering and hilarious send-ups of George Wendt – all in the spirit of love, we’re promised! – and provided an evening of spectacular entertainment.
The event raised a whopping $200,000+ for Gilda’s Club and the Alumni Fund. Gilda's Club offers "free cancer support for the whole family, the whole time;" Magellan is a longtime partner of this extraordinary organization, and SVP of Sales at Magellan, Heather Morris, serves on their Board.
Dr. Shane Larson, Research Associate Professor of Physics at Northwestern University and astronomer at the Adler Planetarium, visited Magellan on August 9, 2017 and conducted a lunch and learn program about the upcoming Total Solar Eclipse for employees and guests of Magellan, including members of the WNBA’s Chicago Sky basketball team.
The Great American Eclipse occurred just weeks later on August 21, 2017. Those along the narrow "path of totality" were able to witness one of nature's greatest phenomena, when our planet passes between the sun and moon, and its shadow blocks out the full moon.
The eclipse was spanned the contiguous United States from the Pacific to the Atlantic Coasts. It was also visible as a partial solar eclipse from as far north as Nunavut in northern Canada to as far south as northern South America.
Our staff and guests greatly enjoyed the presentation by Dr. Larson; another successful Lunch & Learn!
The 10th Annual Blackhawks Convention, proudly sponsored by Magellan Corporation for the 5th consecutive year, was held July 21-23, 2017 at the Hilton Chicago.
Illustrating the commitment of the Blackhawks' mega-fans, the convention is a sold out event each year, drawing a whopping 10,000 guests from across the country.
The thousands of attendees are eager to meet their on-ice heroes, as well as team coaches and executives. Q&A panel discussions on all things hockey are offered throughout the weekend, as are opportunities for fans to have their Hawks swag autographed, participate in clinics, play interactive games and much more. It is a dream come true for many who make this weekend an annual event.
Guests of Magellan Corporation didn't have to contend with crowds, but instead were treated to a private banquet with Blackhawks players, coaches, alumni and staff. During this once in a lifetime opportunity, guests were able to mingle with the players, take pictures and get autographs in a more intimate setting.
Chuck Swirsky, radio sports show host and beloved play-by-play voice of the Chicago Bulls, visited Magellan on July 19, 2017.
Employees and guests enjoyed a great Lunch & Learn with Chuck, a familiar face to the Magellan team, as he shared anecdotes about his distinguished career, and the importance of leadership and team building. Chuck's association with Chicago sports started in 1979 with his WCFL AM 1000 talk show. He was named the Chicago Bulls public address announcer and served in that capacity from 1980 - 1983. He joined WGN radio in 1981. He has hosted various sports talk shows and called play-by-play, and has worked occasionally in television.
On September 7, 2016, just a year before his visit to Magellan, Swirsky was inducted into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame.
Proudly sponsored by Magellan Corporation, The Old Town School of Folk Music, 2017 Blue Jean Gala was held on June 23, 2017 featuring a wonderful performance by Los Lobos.
Before the concert, guests of Magellan enjoyed live music from OTSFM teaching artists and dined at many of the Zagat-rated restaurants around Lincoln Square. After the concert, guests met the band. Los Lobos is an American rock band from LA, whose music is an eclectic fusion of rock and roll, Tex-Mex, zydeco, country, folk, R&B, and blues. They shot to international stardom in 1987 with their hit cover of Ritchie Valens' "La Bamba," which topped the charts in the US. In 2015, they were nominated for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The Old Town School of Folk Music is a revered Chicago institution since 1957, teaching and celebrating music and cultural expressions rooted in the traditions of diverse American and global communities.
Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event that raises critical awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Last year, a group of 920 enthusiastic North Shore residents marched along Gallery Park in the hope of finding a cure.
One of those residents was Karen Weiss, whose family has been impacted by Alzheimer’s disease.
Karen is married to Magellan Executive Vice President Keith Weiss. Her inspiration to work on the Walk came from her loving father, who passed away in 2014 after suffering from Alzheimer's. She turned her grief into action on in 2015 founded the North Shore Walk to End Alzheimer's.
Magellan proudly supports the admirable efforts of the Weiss family.
On June 17, 2017, Chicago White Sox Charities hosted the Field of Greens golf outing at Harborside International Golf Course in Chicago. Magellan Corporation employees and guests golfed alongside players and alum including Paul Konerko, Carlton Fisk, Bo Jackson and Harold Baines.
Some of the notables who attended the event, in addition to above, were Sox alumni Bo Jackson and Ron Kittle; broadcasters Ed Farmer, Hawk Harrelson, Darrin Jackson and Steve Stone; and Sox coaches Daryl Boston, Joe McEwing and Mark Parent. The event included a raffle, auction, a great day of duffing and food and drink. Proceeds benefited pediatric cancer treatment and research programs at Comer Children's Hospital and Lurie Children's Hospital.
Magellan Corporation was delighted to participate both as players and, most meaningfully, sponsors. We have been proud supporters of White Sox Charities, as well as ticket holders and sponsors of the Sox. Click here to view video.
Magellan Corporation donated a table for 10 at the 2017 Bears Care Gala to the USO of Illinois. The USO's mission is to strengthen America’s military members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation.
The 22nd annual Gala, named "Brian's Song ... So That Others May Live to Sing", was held at Soldier Field and honored the memory of legendary Chicago Bear Brian Piccolo, who battled but succumbed to cancer.
Bears Care, through the Galas, has raised and invested more than $13.5 million for critical research and treatment programs focused on finding a cure for breast and ovarian cancer and improving therapies for those currently battling the disease.
The guests of the Gala enjoyed cocktails, dinner, and dancing among many Chicago Bear's players, coaches, and staff.