Planetarium Night Lights Up Cougar Village for SIUE Student Families
On March 19th the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Student Parent Support Group hosted Planetarium Night. This event welcomed 63 student parents and their families for an evening of fun, learning and shared community at the Commons in Cougar Village.
The SIUE STEM Center’s portable planetarium was the night’s centerpiece, delighting children and adults alike with an incredible views of the stars.
“Watching the children enjoy themselves in the planetarium and seeing parents connect was a joy. This is what it’s all about, building community, creating space for support and connection, and simply having a good time together,” said Lealia Williams, Student Care and Advocacy Coordinator.
The event offered more than stargazing. Families enjoyed crafts, games and constellation treats made with marshmallows and pretzels. “Planetarium Night was such a fun and thoughtful event for our whole family. Everything was planned with care including the food, crafts, and amazing toy and book giveaways,” said student parent Ashley Jones.
Emily Wonnacott-Stanley of the SIUE STEM Center stated, “We firmly believe that anyone interested in the world of STEM should have access. We were so excited to bring our portable planetarium program to Cougar Village and share our love of all things space.”
The event captured the wonder of the space and the strength of the student parent community, with hopes already in motion to make it an annual tradition.
PHOTO: Scenes from the STEM Planetarium Family Night Event
