Senate honors Hanson Planetarium on 30th anniversary with official citation

The Utah State Senate presented an official citation to Hanson Planetarium on Jan. 27, 1995, applauding three decades of science-education programming and outreach.

Joanne read the citation noting that "Hanson Planetarium has served residents and visitors in Utah with quality science education and cultural enrichment for 30 years" and that the planetarium "annually serves all 40 Utah school districts with special planetarium programs and a science education outreach program." The citation, signed by Senate President Arlene Beatty, lauded the planetarium’s worldwide recognition and encouraged citizens to participate in its thirtieth-anniversary activities.

Fondell Chamberlain, director of the planetarium, thanked the Senate and described the planetarium’s statewide outreach. "My name is Fondell Chamberlain. I'm director of the planetarium. We are proud of the service that we've given to Utah citizens ... We visit every school district every year in an outreach program," Chamberlain said. Chamberlain estimated that programs based on the planetarium's work have been seen by many millions around the country and invited senators to Legislators Family Night next Monday.

Senators greeted the citation and expressed appreciation for the planetarium's educational contributions. The chamber resolved into committee of the whole to receive the group, thanked staff and volunteers for their service, and later dissolved the committee.