HOUSTON, TX — Lone Star College-University Park (LSC-University Park) is eagerly anticipating the grand opening of its Visual and Performing Arts Center (VPA), a premier facility encapsulating the essence of cultural and artistic expression. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is set to take place Dec. 6 at 4 p.m., marking a new era of creative arts education within the community.
The opening of the VPA completes Lone Star College-University Park’s triumvirate of cutting-edge facilities, joining the esteemed ranks of the Center for Science & Innovation (CSI) and the Energy & Manufacturing Institute (EMI). Together, these buildings embody the college’s holistic approach to academic excellence.
“The addition of the Visual and Performing Arts Center to the Lone Star College-University Park campus is a testament to the unwavering commitment of Lone Star College to educational excellence and community enrichment,” said Mario K. Castillo, J.D., Lone Star College chancellor. “The arts are a vital aspect of a well-rounded education, and with this new state-of-the-art center, we ensure that our students and community have a place to learn, grow and be inspired.”
The grand opening will feature a ceremonial ribbon cutting, followed by guided tours of the VPA’s impressive facilities. The celebration will also include speeches by State Representative Sam Harless and other distinguished participants. The evening concludes with a student performance of “A Christmas Carol” radio play.
LSC-University Park President Virginia M. Fraire, Ph.D., reflected on this milestone, stating, “The VPA is more than a building; it’s a bridge connecting our students to the global stage and stands as a testament to our belief in equitable access to the arts. It promises to be a cornerstone of cultural enrichment and a platform for students of diverse backgrounds to engage with the world through the universal language of the arts.”
The 30,000-square-foot VPA center is set to welcome students for classes in the Spring of 2024. It includes a 338-seat mainstage theater with an orchestra pit, a 100-seat Black Box Theatre, an art gallery, an art studio, a lobby with LED video walls, and many other state-of-the-art facilities.
For more information on the VPA and upcoming events, visit www.lonestar.edu/UP-VPA. To learn about program offerings or to register for classes at LSC-University Park, visit www.LoneStar.edu/StartUP, call 281-290-2600 or email UPAdvising@LoneStar.edu.
Established in 2012, Lone Star College-University Park has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing and most innovative higher education institutions in the country. The college, led by President Virginia M. Fraire, Ph.D., is devoted to impacting the community’s prosperity and upward mobility through student success. LSC-University Park’s expert and compassionate faculty and staff provide students with holistic and immersive education and training in disciplines and industries that meet current and future workforce needs.
Located on the grounds of the former Compaq Computer Corporation and Hewlett Packard’s world headquarters, LSC-University Park’s facilities include the Center for Science & Innovation, the Energy & Manufacturing Institute, Learning Innovation Lab and the Geology Rock Wall. It is also home to the University of Houston-NW Downtown, Lone Star Corporate College, iSchool and YMCA Children’s Academy.
