Squawk of the town: Academy receives Platinum rating - California ...

More documents

Recommendations

Info

Q & A Insiders Tell the Best Stories Make new friends, but keep the old, as the song goes. Many of the Academy’s most active supporters have been loyal for decades, and are now bringing new generations to come face-to-face with the natural world. Meet longtime Academy loyalists Diane Ososke and Martha Kropf. 22 Winter 2008 Photo: Sharon Beals
“Lifelong learning” could be Diane Ososke’s credo. Like so many members, this retired teacher first experienced the Academy as a child and now loves bringing her grandchildren to visit. Q: You’re a second-generation San Francisco native. How have your experiences at the Academy changed over the years? A: One of my fondest early memories was walking hand-in-hand with my father and entering the Academy by the fountain with the seal sculpture, back in the 1940s. He took my brother and me there often. I loved all the fish, and African Hall, even though it was a bit scary for a little girl. I especially remember the final diorama of the African plain, which featured lighting that would change from day to night. Later I took my own children there, and still later, my grandchildren. Q: For 30 years, you were an elementary school teacher. How did the Academy’s school programs support your teaching? A: I taught in the San Francisco school district, the longest stretch at a wonderful school on Treasure Island. Many of our students had parents in the Navy, but many also came to us from the Tenderloin via school bus. These were largely immigrant families from Vietnam and Cambodia who were just learning English. The Academy offered wonderful field trips and we went many times. The natural world is something that bridges language and culture barriers. Q: Since your retirement, how have you continued to pursue your passion for science and teaching? A: I serve on the Board of Trustees for the Hamlin School, which is placing a greater emphasis on teaching science to young girls. When I attended Hamlin School, the education there was more about teaching us to become ladies, but now it’s really equipping girls to succeed in the world. I also belong to every museum in the City, and go to every exhibit. Q: You’ve been very supportive of the Academy as an annual donor (Friends of the Academy) for many years and as an Eastwood Associate. What encouraged you to expand your support with a generous gift to the Campaign for the New Academy to name a seahorse on the Swamp railing? A: I decided to make the Academy a beneficiary of my retirement plan in honor of my many fond memories of visiting the Academy with my family. I took advantage of the Pension Protection Act to use my IRA to make a tax-free donation to the Campaign for the New Academy. There is good news for others who want to use their IRA for charitable gifts. The act has been extended through 2009, and you can give up to $100,000 from your IRA without tax consequences. For those of us who are 70 ½ and older, it is a great chance to give to the Academy. Martha Kropf Chair, Building and Grounds Committee For more than 30 years, Martha Kropf has served as an Academy docent, a member of the Architectural Selection Committee, and the Chair of the Steering and Building and Grounds Committees. In October, the Academy Fellows honored her with a Distinguished Service Award for her many contributions. What led me to the Academy… I had parents who woke me up to watch lightning storms and took me to natural places. It was an easy extension to take my two young children to the Academy when I moved to San Francisco 35 years ago. Must-have for Academy visits … Curiosity. The Academy shows that “real” can be exciting and fun. As you walk through this place, you hear so many people saying, “Wow!” Be sure to… … observe the wonderful space you’re in. Driving by the old Academy, you couldn’t tell what happened inside. And once inside, you didn’t know you were in Golden Gate Park. The genius of Renzo Piano’s design for the new Academy is that you are constantly aware of the outside—a reflection of the Academy’s mission to protect the environment. To learn more about the Friends of the Academy, Eastwood Associates (our council for members who have included the Academy in their estate plan), and using your IRA for charitable giving, please contact Louise Gregory at (415) 379-5407 or lgregory@calacademy.org. calacademy.org 23
Page 1 and 2: WINTER 2008 from the California Aca
Page 3 and 4: Live contents 4 Specimen Spotlight
Page 5 and 6: Military Macaw With its flashy tail
Page 7 and 8: Perfectly Aligned: Viewing the Sola
Page 9 and 10: From the Field Academy entomologist
Page 11 and 12: 20 of 2008, he revisited 67 collect
Page 13 and 14: Nebria suturalis beetles at altitud
Page 15 and 16: Benjamin Dean Astronomy Lecture Ser
Page 17 and 18: From the Field ALTERED STATE An Aca
Page 19 and 20: What can I do as a citizen who has
Page 21: The Path of the Planets Skywatcher
Page 25 and 26: 2 3 5 4 6 Get closer to science and
Page 27 and 28: Credits New Academy Guild Members w

Squawk of the town: Academy receives Platinum rating - California ...

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?