STRI Earl S. Tupper Center Opens, 1990, Smithsonian Archives - History Div, Glenn Tupper cuts the ribbon to officially open the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute's Earl S. Tupper Center, named in honor of his father, in Panama City, Panama. The inauguration ceremony for the new center featured a speech by the president of the Republic of Panama, Guillermo Endara Galimany, at left. Behind the present are Secretary Adams and STRI Director Ira Rubinoff. STRI Secretary Monica Alvarado, in traditional Panama dress, holds the ribbon, at right..