learning - Monroe County Community College

STUDENTS PARTNER WITH FACULTY, STAFF TO RESTORE
OBSERVATORY DECK
The service project included demolition of the previous deck and the design and
construction of a new deck, along with a ramp to allow access for the disabled.
The observatory was also fitted with electricity.
The observatory deck can now support up to 35 people. Responsibility for installing
the observatory in the early 1980s can be traced to Dr. Roger Spalding, professor of
physics and astronomy. The observatory fell out of use after night astronomy classes
were discontinued, and the telescope was moved indoors.
Through the joint efforts of students, faculty and staff, the long-dormant telescope
observatory deck on the east side of the MCCC campus officially reopened on
April 22, the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.
The Math and Science Society is open to students with interests in astronomy, biology,
chemistry, ecology/environmental science, mathematics, physics and general science.
Following the dedication, guided instruction using the telescope and audio tours
of the night sky were provided, along with light refreshments.
With the help of a $1,500 grant awarded by The Foundation at MCCC in 2009
and a gift of $500 by an anonymous donor, students in MCCC’s Math and Science
Society and their advisor, Lori Bean, associate professor of biology and chemistry,
spearheaded the effort. They worked with other faculty advisors, the Maintenance
Department and students in the Industrial Technology Division to restore the wood
deck surrounding the 8-foot-tall capsule that houses the telescope.