The George I. Alden Trust granted Lycoming College $150,000 for updated instrumentation in the Detwiler Planetarium including a new projection system, software, and increased computing power. This is the sixth grant awarded to Lycoming by the Alden Trust since 2005, bringing a total of $710,000 in support. During the 2023-24 academic year, the planetarium hosted 36 non-curricular, communityoriented shows with a total attendance of 1,617. Included were programs for high school students, scout troops, the local Chamber of Commerce’s leadership program, and the City’s First Friday program, for which the free planetarium shows consistently resulted in waiting lists. “The planetarium upgrades represent Lycoming’s continuation of strategic institutional investment in the sciences and will allow for ongoing and enhanced opportunities for coursebased pedagogy, student-led applications, and community LYCOMING COLLEGE AWARDED $150,000 GRANT BY GEORGE I. ALDEN TRUST FOR DETWILER PLANETARIUM INSTRUMENTATION ENHANCEMENTS outreach,” said Melissa Morris, Ph.D., assistant professor of astronomy. Beyond its capacity for astronomy education traditional to planetariums, the new instrumentation features multidisciplinary capabilities, with programs for earth science, biology, chemistry, and related sciences already integrated. Additionally, because the system is cloud-connected, it can download open-access prepared shows or offer live “domecasts” from other institutions, including top science centers and planetariums around the world. Further, the system can be tailored for other purposes, both academic and outreach, because any media can be integrated. Other academic disciplines can utilize the projection system for presentations. Administrative offices, such as admissions, can use the planetarium for recruitment events as well. Lycoming College has introduced two innovative majors, including the environmental science major, which has previously only been a minor, and the all-new performing arts management major. The environmental science major is built on the strength of the Clean Water Institute and an already robust biology program. Expected to attract students interested in the rapidly growing green jobs sector, it integrates elements of anthropology, biology, business, chemistry, economics, English, history, philosophy, and political science to understand and address challenges to creating and sustaining a healthy environment. The program prioritizes internships and research experiences to prepare students, from monitoring pollution or assisting in restoration and remediation projects to advocating for environmentally-sound policies. Students have the option to pursue a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree. “Concerns about the environment are increasing, and we need more scientists to address the issues of environmental preservation and management in light of the climate crisis,” said LYCOMING COLLEGE INTRODUCES NEW INNOVATIVE ACADEMIC MAJORS Jeff Newman, Ph.D., professor of biology and coordinator of the program. The performing arts management major is designed for students passionate about the arts and eager to work beyond the stage. In addition to performing arts coursework, students will take comprehensive business, corporate communications, marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship classes and engage in practica and internship experiences. The program is ideal for students interested in both business and the arts and provides theoretical and practical foundations for aspiring arts management professionals. As early as their first year, students will gain hands-on experience managing live performances and arts events to build their resumes and professional networks. “By adding a major in performing arts management, students are expanding the range of skills, experiences, and connections needed to thrive professionally and can enter the performing arts industry with confidence,” said Biliana Stoytcheva-Horissian, Ph.D., professor and chair of the theatre department. 8 LYCOMING COLLEGE 2025 SPRING MAGAZINE
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