Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts Announces UPMC as New Naming Sponsor of Science Center Area

Organizations Seek to Shape a Future Where Harrisburg is at the Forefront of Scientific Innovation, Inspiring Next Generation of Healthcare Leaders in the Region

January 17, 2024

HARRISBURG, Pa. – At an event attended by local officials, including Harrisburg Mayor Wanda R.D. Williams, Rep. Patty Kim, and Sen. John DiSanto, Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts, together with UPMC, announced the renaming of its Science Center area to the UPMC Science Center. This strategic 12-year sponsorship marks an exciting collaboration between Whitaker Center and UPMC, a renowned Pennsylvania-based leader in healthcare, and signifies a new era of innovation and scientific exploration in Central Pennsylvania.

“The renaming of our Science Center area as the UPMC Science Center represents an exciting milestone in our journey of serving as the region’s scientific, artistic, cultural and educational hub for the past 25 years,” said Mary Oliveira, president and CEO of Whitaker Center. “Our mission has always been to enhance the region's quality of life and economic vitality while serving all populations in the Capital Region. UPMC’s sponsorship amplifies our mission to offer engaging and innovative experiences for our guests to explore the wonders of science, and serves as a catalyst for discovery and lifelong learning."

The UPMC Science Center spans two floors of the Whitaker Center and includes spacious exhibit areas such as the Gary and Sylvie St. Hilaire KidsPlace, which hosts Little Learners; the 6,000-square-foot Gloria Olewine exhibit area, featuring rotating traveling exhibits throughout the year; Forces of Nature exhibit area; Backstage Studio; Carnival of Health Gallery; and 1,000-square feet of STEM Design Studios.

“UPMC is committed to offering world class healthcare in central Pennsylvania, and that starts with recruiting, training, and inspiring a talented workforce,” said Elizabeth Ritter, president UPMC Harrisburg. “This collaboration with Whitaker Center will allow us to inspire children of all ages about the wonders of science and learning, which we hope in turn will lead to a generation of passionate healthcare professionals and engaged health consumers in the region.”

The UPMC Science Center cultivates a sense of wonder and curiosity in visitors of all ages and backgrounds by providing hands-on learning opportunities, thought-provoking displays, and interactive demonstrations through traveling exhibits, summer camps, school field trips, and other STEAM programming. And the impact extends far beyond the walls of the center, reaching into schools, homes, and beyond, providing accessibility to all members of the community and an inclusive environment for our guests to be inspired and learn.

“Through my years in public service, whether in city government or as school board president, I have seen the importance of giving our children a base education in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math,” said Mayor Williams. “Having the UPMC Science Center at the Whitaker Center in Harrisburg’s backyard is a gift for all our students, and I encourage everyone to use it.”