News Release

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GlaxoSmithKline gift sponsors new space show
at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center

CHAPEL HILL – GlaxoSmithKline has announced a $99,200 gift to Morehead Planetarium and Science Center for the center’s next Star Theater show – “Destination: Space.” The gift is the largest single gift for planetarium show production in the facility’s 57-year history.

“The educational programs at Morehead Planetarium and Science Center are a perfect way to inspire children with an interest in science,” said Mary Linda Andrews, director of community partnerships for GlaxoSmithKline. “GlaxoSmithKline is a global company, and we know that our workforce must be competitive globally, especially in science and mathematics.

“By partnering with Morehead, GlaxoSmithKline creates excellent opportunities to highlight the scientific challenges and career opportunities of the future.”

“Destination: Space” is the fifth collaboration for Glaxo and the Morehead. The pair has previously teamed to produce two Star Theater shows – “Solar System Adventure” and “Magic Tree House: Space Mission” – and a documentary film – “DNA: The Secret of Life”. Last year, the pharmaceutical company sponsored development of the planetarium and science center’s popular “Science LIVE!” chemistry demonstration show.

The gift for “Destination Space” comes through the company’s Community Partnerships program. The funding will support school field trip scholarships and development of science curricula related to the show, as well as technical production costs.

Jeff Hill, Morehead’s interim director, emphasized the importance of the support. “We’re thrilled that GlaxoSmithKline is backing ‘Destination: Space,’ Hill said. “GSK recognizes that not only is the space exploration story an exciting adventure but also a great way to interest students in science, engineering and technology.”

Tremendous emphasis is being placed on travel to the moon and to Mars in the next 20 years, Hill noted. “A child who watches ‘Destination: Space’ may become one of the first people to walk on Mars or to discover another scientific breakthrough.”

“Destination: Space” explores the future of America’s space program and the history of space exploration, with interviews of NASA astronauts past and present and video images from NASA’s most memorable missions.

The public premiere of “Destination: Space” – complete with a gala launch weekend celebration – is scheduled for September.

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Photo URL: http://www.unc.edu/news/pics/obj/art_mars.jpg

Note: Hill can be reached at (919) 843-7995 or jeff_hill@unc.edu

Morehead Planetarium and Science Center contact: Karen Kornegay, (919) 843-7952, karen_kornegay@unc.edu