A familiar space for discovery has been reimagined for a new generation of learners at Texas A&M International University.
Thanks to a $250,000 gift from philanthropists Sonia and Guillermo “Memo” Benavides, the university’s Lamar Bruni Vergara Planetarium has been upgraded and now includes the Sonia and Memo Benavides Immersive Theatre, a revitalized space designed to bring science and storytelling to life in new and engaging ways.
“For more than 20 years, the planetarium has welcomed students, families and visitors from across the region, offering a window into the universe and sparking curiosity about the world beyond,” TAMIU said in a statement. “Today, that experience expands well beyond the night sky.”
The renovated theater features a state-of-the-art projection system and updated seating for nearly 90 guests, creating an environment where audiences can journey through distant galaxies, explore ocean depths and even visualize biological processes at the molecular level.
“I look forward to the reopening of the planetarium, and I’m proud of my family having a part in this effort,” said Guillermo “Memo” Benavides. “This wonderful resource will serve many disciplines and our students for many years to come.”
During a recent plaque unveiling ceremony, TAMIU President Dr. Christopher Maynard reflected on the impact of the Benavides family’s generosity and its lasting influence on the university.
“The Benavides family’s generosity strengthens our promise to expand opportunity for every student and every family we serve and ensures that this immersive theatre will inspire discovery for years to come,” Maynard said. “Their support builds on a long history of giving to TAMIU, with nearly $128,000 in lifetime contributions supporting initiatives across the College of Arts and Sciences, from academic conferences to student programs and community engagement efforts.”
The immersive theater represents an evolution in how students experience learning, blending technology, creativity and exploration in a shared space.
With more than 9,000 students calling TAMIU home, the redefined space extends learning beyond the classroom and provides additional opportunities for exploration. The Sonia and Memo Benavides Immersive Theatre will serve as both an academic resource and a community destination.
For more information, please contact Athena Cortez, interim vice president of Institutional Advancement, at athena.cortez@tamiu.edu or call 956-326-2168.