Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s Council of Trustees approved the naming of the IUP Science Discovery and Outdoor Learning Center as the Larry F. Sobotka Science Discovery and Outdoor Learning Center.
Sobotka, a 1963 education graduate of IUP, made a $150,000 gift in support of the center. In addition, he has designated IUP and the center to receive a portion of his estate through an irrevocable testamentary pledge valued at upwards of $1 million.
After earning an advanced degree from Towson University, Sobotka, originally of Yardley and now a resident of Florida, worked for many years as a chemistry and physical science teacher at Parkville High School in Parkville, M.D.
Located in the courtyard of IUP’s Stouffer Hall, the center is a 7,150-square-foot outdoor classroom facility where students and educators have access to state-of-the-art facilities and a natural environment for learning. It includes a large pavilion with seating for instructional presentations, projection and presentation equipment, and cabinets for storage of materials.
The center focuses on the wildlife, plants and environmental features of Pennsylvania, including walkways with tracks from different animals common in the commonwealth. It has four areas for outdoor environmental instruction and exploration, designed to help to educate students about natural resource and wildlife habitat and land and water conservation.
