During a recent Harrisburg City Council meeting, Mary Olivera, the president and CEO of the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, addressed the council to celebrate the center's 25th anniversary. Reflecting on her personal connection to the center, Olivera shared that she moved back to central Pennsylvania the same weekend the Whitaker Center opened in 1999.

The Whitaker Center has become a vital hub for science, education, and cultural enrichment, serving nearly 10,000 students from 22 counties in the region. Olivera highlighted the center's efforts to recover from the pandemic, noting that the Harrisburg School District sent over 600 students to the center in the past school year for educational programs focused on STEM careers.

In September, the Whitaker Center celebrated its anniversary with a series of community events, including a luncheon for founders, a free admission day, and a block party featuring local entertainment. The week culminated in discussions about the center's future, emphasizing its commitment to inclusivity and diverse programming, including a newly announced season series in the Sonoco Performance Theater.

The council recognized the Whitaker Center's contributions with a proclamation commending its role in providing access to science and the arts over the past 25 years. The center reported significant engagement in 2023, with 140,000 visits and numerous educational activities for local schools and families.

Olivera expressed gratitude for the council's support, particularly regarding a grant application for safety improvements at the center. The meeting concluded with an invitation for public comments, indicating ongoing community engagement and collaboration.