A $1.2 million gift to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock will bring new life to the university's planetarium, restoring a longtime campus landmark and expanding access to immersive science education for students and the broader Little Rock community.
The gift from Leslye Shellam honors the legacy of her late father, Arkansas business leader L. Dickson Flake, and will name the facility the Shellam Flake Planetarium. Shellam said the naming honors both her father's deep commitment to civic life in Arkansas and her own belief in education as a bridge between the university and the community it serves.
Closed for nearly 20 years, the planetarium will undergo a full renovation, including major technology upgrades, improvements to the roof and flooring, and the installation of a state-of-the-art projection system that eliminates the traditional central projector, creating unobstructed views of the dome. The renovated space will feature modern, home theater-style seating for up to 89 visitors.
Shellam said she hopes the restored planetarium will serve as a point of connection between UA Little Rock and the broader community, creating opportunities for people to learn more...
Source: https://ualr.edu/news/2026/02/11/ua-little-rock-receives-1-2-million-gift-to-restore-planetarium/
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