How to Help the Observatory
The mission of the Shepherd University Observatory is to provide opportunities
for education in the astronomical sciences in the following areas: teaching,
through courses in Astronomy, Physical Science, Science Education,
Physics, and Environmental Studies; student and faculty research; and
outreach to K-12 schools and the general public. A significant portion
of the observatory's funding has come from external sources, via grants
and public donations.
- We have established an Observatory Fund with the Shepherd University Foundation to
facilitate contributions to help us equip the observatory now and help keep it
up to date with future instruments, improved digital cameras, and other
equipment and software. These contributions support the outreach efforts of
the Observatory, as well as the teaching and research functions of the Observatory,
and are greatly appreciated.
- The Observatory oversees the Richard L. Stephan Memorial Observatory Endowment.
These funds, provided by the family of Mr. Stephan, will be used to support the teaching,
research, and outreach missions of the Observatory. The University press release can be found
here.
For more information about these funds, including how to make contributions to
the Observatory, please contact Dr. Jason Best at 304-876-5331 or jbest@shepherd.edu, or the Shepherd
University Foundation at 304-876-5391 or SU Foundation: Become a Donor.