Wiley Planetarium at DSU awarded grant from Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi
Cleveland, MS (03/18/2025) — Contact: Christy Riddle FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phone: (662) 846-4336
Email: criddle@deltastate.edu
Wiley Planetarium at DSU awarded grant from Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi
CLEVELAND, Miss. - The Roy L. and Clara Belle Wiley Planetarium at Delta State University is proud to announce receipt of a grant from the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi. This generous funding will support the expansion of the planetarium's programming by highlighting the region's rich music heritage and fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of sound among audiences.
The grant will be used to purchase an engaging and educational planetarium film titled "Global Soundscapes," which delves into the fascinating physics of sound. This innovative interactive program will explore how sound is produced, transmitted, and perceived, offering viewers a captivating journey through the world of acoustics. By integrating this film into the Wiley Planetarium's offerings, Delta State University aims to connect audiences with the scientific and cultural aspects of sound, emphasizing its importance in our region's storied music legacy and further exploring how sound permeates our region's natural environment.
"We are thrilled to receive this grant from the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi," said Dr. Maria Weber, Assistant Professor of Physics and Planetarium Director. "This funding enables us to create unique educational experiences that combine global music heritage with the acoustics of surrounding ecosystems, perfectly linking with the Delta's unique music traditions and natural environment. The addition of 'Global Soundscapes' to our programming underscores our commitment to providing innovative, interdisciplinary learning experiences for our community."
The Wiley Planetarium is dedicated to inspiring curiosity and exploration through immersive educational programs in astronomy and related sciences. With the introduction of "Global Soundscapes," the planetarium will broaden its scope, attracting diverse audiences and enriching the cultural and scientific landscape of the region.
The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi's mission is to connect people, resources, and causes to transform communities for the better. By supporting initiatives like this, the foundation underscores its commitment to promoting education and preserving the unique cultural heritage of Northwest Mississippi.
The "Global Soundscapes" program will debut at the Wiley Planetarium in the Spring, and details about showtimes and ticketing will be available soon. "Global Soundscapes" is a co-production of Foxfire Interactive, Purdue University, and Masters Digital with major support from the National Science Foundation. For more information, please visit https://www.deltastate.edu/planetarium/.
About the Wiley Planetarium: Located at Delta State University, the Roy L. and Clara Belle Wiley Planetarium offers a state-of-the-art digital theater that immerses audiences in the wonders of the universe. Through educational programs and community outreach, the planetarium seeks to inspire lifelong learning and a passion for science.
About the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi: CFNM is an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization with offices in Hernando and Clarksdale, Mississippi and was established in 2002 with a generous grant from the Maddox Foundation. The Foundation manages 314 donor-established funds and has disbursed over $48 million in support of more than 1,000 charitable causes and nonprofits. This year, the Community Foundation reached $50 million in total assets! The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi serves Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Leflore, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, and Tunica counties and is governed by a Board of 22 Volunteer Leaders from the region. To follow us on social media, browse our annual report, or learn more about the Community Foundation, visit cfnm.org or come by our office On the Square at 315 Losher Street, Suite 100, Hernando, MS 38632. You can also reach us by calling 662.449.5002 or emailing info@cfnm.org.
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About Delta State University: Delta State University is a four-year public institution whose nearly 2,700 students come from most U.S. states and more than 45 countries. Acknowledging its beginning as a teacher's college, the University sustains excellence in teacher education while continuing to expand offerings in traditional as well as unique fields of study. Programs such as those available through the Delta Music Institute, the Commercial Aviation Department, and the Center for Interdisciplinary Geospatial Information highlight the University's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the students it serves with world-leading, industry-acclaimed programs. Situated in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, Delta State offers top-notch academic programs in business, arts, sciences, nursing, education, and more. DSU Athletics has won 14 national championships, 70 conference championships, and 37 regional titles.
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