She鈥檚 sponsoring two in honor of her grandchildren, Sadie and Henry, making the project personal long before the doors open.

鈥淚 can鈥檛 think of a better way to celebrate curiosity and discovery than by supporting a space like the planetarium,鈥� Bain said. 鈥淜nowing Sadie and Henry will have a connection to this experience, and that so many other children will be inspired here, makes this especially meaningful.鈥�

That same opportunity is now available to others.

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is inviting alumni, friends, and community partners to support the return of the planetarium through a new seat sponsorship program.

Following a $1.2 million gift to restore and modernize the Shellam Flake Planetarium, the university is offering a limited opportunity for supporters to sponsor seats inside the facility. Each sponsored seat will include a personalized nameplate displayed for five years.

鈥淭he return of the planetarium to our campus is a transformative moment for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, and our seat sponsorship program offers our community a unique opportunity to be a part of that legacy,鈥� said Dr. Tansel Karabacak, dean of the Donaghey College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. 鈥淲e invite alumni, friends, and partners to lend their support and help inspire the next generation of scientists, educators, and explorers right here in central Arkansas.鈥�

Seat sponsorships are available for $2,500 for a five-year term, with the option to make a one-time gift or a five-year pledge of $500 per year. Sponsors will receive a personalized nameplate on a planetarium seat for the duration of the sponsorship, with the opportunity to renew at the end of the five-year period.

Sponsors may choose to recognize an individual, family, organization, or honor the memory of a loved one. Seat selections will be available on a first-come, first-served basis once commitments are confirmed.

Funds raised through the program will support the planetarium鈥檚 educational mission, including:

• STEM education programs
• K鈥�12 school field trips
• Public planetarium shows
• Equipment maintenance and upgrades
• Student learning experiences

The restored Shellam Flake Planetarium will serve as a multidisciplinary learning space, creating hands-on opportunities for students across campus. The space will feature student artwork in adjacent outdoor areas, involve students in developing the planetarium鈥檚 visual identity, and provide business students opportunities to create and implement marketing plans.

The planetarium is scheduled to open in Fall 2026. To learn more about the planetarium or to purchase a seat, visit ualr.edu/planetarium or call Lloyd Webre at 501-951-1794.

The post Provost Leads Effort in Shellam Flake Planetarium Seat Sponsorship Program appeared first on News.

The centennial celebration will begin July 1, 2026, marking 100 years since the university鈥檚 founding. Events throughout the year-long celebration will reflect on the institution鈥檚 history and explore its future direction.

A university-wide Centennial Committee began meeting in mid-March and will continue to meet monthly, with subcommittees convening regularly to guide key focus areas of the celebration.

鈥淎s we begin planning for our centennial, we have a meaningful opportunity to recognize the people and milestones that have shaped 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock,鈥� said Dr. Carrie Phillips, chair of the Centennial Committee. 鈥淛ust as importantly, this effort is about positioning the university for continued growth and impact in the years ahead.鈥�

Some of the events being planned as part of the centennial celebration include: 

• A celebration marking the successful close of the university鈥檚 Centennial Campaign, which has already garnered significant philanthropic support from thousands of donors 
• A curated history exhibit highlighting key moments and milestones in the university鈥檚 development
• A community-wide service project reflecting 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 commitment to service
• A storytelling initiative showcasing defining moments and voices from across the university鈥檚 history

Subcommittees composed of faculty, staff, alumni, and community members are leading efforts in areas such as community engagement, student experience, alumni engagement, storytelling, historical preservation, academic excellence and innovation, and campaign celebration.

The committee structure brings together faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to guide planning across key areas of the celebration.

Together, these efforts are designed to highlight the university鈥檚 history while engaging the campus and community in shaping what comes next.

Members of the Centennial Planning Committee include: 

• Sydney Ambrus
• Brian Berry
• Derek Boyce
• Ross Bradley
• Kara Brown
• Guy Choate
• Emily Cox
• Ginger Daril
• Becca Davis
• Brandy Dixon
• Alicia Dorn
• Aaron Duvall
• Bobbie Handcock
• Noah Henkell
• John Hill
• Leslie Hutchins
• Amy Johnson
• Tansel Karabacak
• Samantha Koros
• Michelle Malone
• Linda Martin
• Sheila McKinnis
• Meaghan Milliorn
• Emily Mills
• Wendy Mincer
• Michael Moore
• Nate Olson
• Angela Parker
• Xavier Parker
• Jess Porter
• Annsley Pugh
• Muriel Schrepfer
• Kaylee Smith
• Kristi Smith
• Klansee Tozer
• Sandra Vail
• Felisha Weaver
• Lloyd Webre

More details about centennial events and opportunities for involvement will be announced in the coming months.

The post 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Centennial Committee Begins Planning for 100-Year Celebration appeared first on News.