Join ESU for PAROC's fifth anniversary Science Saturday celebration
Emporia, KS (06/22/2026) — Emporia State University will celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center at a special Science Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 27.
The morning will feature fun, educational and entertaining activities for science enthusiasts of all ages. The event celebrates the growth, partnerships and community support that have helped make PAROC a regional hub for environmental education, community outreach and aquatic research over the past five years. Attendees can explore careers in aquatic science by hearing directly from professionals in the field. Topics include pond and aquatic ecology and will feature hands-on demonstrations and multiple interactive stations.
During the first hour, from 9 to 10 a.m., the PAROC team will provide tours of the facility and surrounding natural areas, show student projects and share exciting updates about PAROC's future.
Emporia Arts Council will be on hand for a chalk art contest, while ESU's Art Program will provide arts and crafts and a recycling mural.
No registration is required, and the public is invited to this free event.
PAROC, named in honor of longtime ESU biology professor Carl Prophet, officially opened in May 2021, making ESU the only university in Kansas with an aquatic research and outreach facility on campus. Offering hands-on learning opportunities to students across the state, the center works to expand public education about the importance of water and aquatic environments. PAROC has become known for its monthly outreach opportunities, including Science Saturday and Science Storytime, and as a go-to site for K-12 field trips. Located next to King Lake, PAROC offers research space, a large classroom and live animal exhibits.
"The PAROC has been a source of inspiration and connection for the campus and community to learn more about and experience the natural world," said Daphne Mayes, STEM Outreach Director. "We are so thankful for the support the past five years and are excited for the future!"
PAROC recently received the 2026 Excellence in Conservation and Environmental Education Award presented by the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education. It also received national attention for hosting the Amateur Radio on the International Space Station program, during which local students spoke with an astronaut using ham radio.
About Emporia State University
Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Library and Information Management and Library and Archives, Science and Mathematics and Visual and Performing Arts, along with The Teachers College.
ESU stands out for its innovative education practices. It ensures accessible education by offering in-state tuition rates to full-time undergraduate students from all lower-48 United States. Additionally, full-time undergraduates benefit from flat-rate tuition - students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours with at least one credit hour on campus pay a flat rate.
For more information on how to build your future at Emporia State University, please visit www.emporia.edu.
Emporia State University
Gwendolynne Larson, ESU director of media relations, (620) 341-5528, glarson1@emporia.eduShare this Story
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