The Edwin Clark Schouweiler Memorial Planetarium is located at the University of Saint Francis (USF), in the Achatz Hall of Science, in Fort Wayne, IN. This planetarium has been described as “Out of this World” and “One of the hidden gems of USF”. The planetarium presents educational programs for many schools in the northeast Indiana area, for students ranging from preschool to college. They also present programs for many other groups in the community, such as the Boy Scouts and local assisted living communities. They even have programs for the community throughout the year, including during the local summer festival, laser-light shows, and even Christmas shows every December. The nearest planetariums that offer programs like these to such a wide audience are at Ball State University and University of Notre Dame.

So, it is very unfortunate that USF has recently decided to close the planetarium at the end of May of this year. Once closed, it is the intention of the university to gut the planetarium, and turn it into a student lounge. We feel that this is a mistake, and that this space would better serve the students and the entire community if it continued to be used as a planetarium. Both Ball State University and University of Notre Dame have recently completed significant upgrades to their planetariums, and have had great success with their students and the community. Unfortunately, these two planetariums are too far away for most schools to visit for field trips. That is why it is imperative that the University of Saint Francis not close its planetarium.

Please, help us show the university that this is a mistake, and that the planetarium should be saved!