$10 million new gift from philanthropists Paul and Alejandra De La Vega Foster to child-focused STEAM center
El Paso and Juarez regional business leaders Paul and Alejandra De La Vega Foster have donated $10 million to the capital campaign that will support El Paso’s new children’s museum and STEAM center, La Nube.
The Grand Foyer at the new children’s museum will be named after the Fosters, the La Nube officials said.
“Paul and Alejandra really have our community at heart. Time and time again, they have stood up and spoken clearly about what’s important here in El Paso and Ciudad Juárez,” said Eric Pearson, president and CEO of the El Paso Community Foundation. “We are grateful to them for so much, and this gift to La Nube is another reason why.”
“We are pleased to make this donation to La Nube, and it is an honor for us to be named in the Grand Foyer,” Paul Foster said. “As one of the signature projects of the 2012 bond election, we know how important this effort is to the quality of life for all residents of the region, as well as for tourism and economic development. We wanted to do our part to help make sure this science and discovery center is as promised: world class. Just seeing it tonight, I think La Nube’s guests will feel that. This is really an amazing place.”
Alejandra Foster added: “Paul and I are proud to be part of this wonderful venue. It is not only a place of STEAM-focused education, La Nube also represents a place with no borders that says ‘welcome’ to all. Everything in here celebrates El Paso’s ties to our neighbors in Mexico, our dual cultures and language, and especially through the ‘Connected Sky’ with La Rodadora in Juarez. We are excited to help make this possible for everyone in the Borderplex for generations to come.”
“We could not be more grateful to Paul and Alejandra for their incredible support,” said Stephanie Otero, Interim CEO for La Nube. “Their gift will help support essential, critical expenditures associated with bringing this STEAM discovery center to El Paso, including exhibit installations, construction, program development, outreach and more. In recognition of their transformational gift, the Grand Foyer of La Nube will bear the name of the Foster Family, honoring their generosity that will allow us to inspire lifelong learners and the visionaries of tomorrow.”
Ahead of the ribbon-cutting and grand opening of La Nube’s doors, major donors and community partners gathered with the Fosters for a sneak peek event, billed as Los Luminarios de La Nube early August.
La Nube is a public-private partnership of the El Paso Community Foundation, the City of El Paso, and other community leaders.