Annual Report 2003 - Vatican Observatory

III. Observatory and Staff ActivitiesCelebrationOn 28 February, 60 friends, VaticanObservatory Foundation board members,and colleagues of George V.Coyne, S.J., celebrated his 25th anniversaryas Director of the Vatican Observatorywith a dinner at the CaféTerra Cotta, Tucson. He was recognizedas an inspiring teacher by formerstudents, a dedicated researcher by fellowastronomers, a committed leader ofthe Vatican Observatory Foundation byboard members, a skillful tennis playerby opponents, and a cherished friend toall. The anniversary celebration started Guest of honor George V. Coyne, S.J., acknowledges histhe year before, during the SuperVOSS colleagues, friends, and Vatican Observatory FoundationII meeting 7-13 July, 2002, when board members during a dinner in Tucson 28 February,2003, honoring his 25th anniversary as Director of theCoyne was honored with a trip to aVatican Observatory. (Photo by Christopher Corbally, S.J.)country inn for an outdoor buffet ofhomemade regional specialties and informalspeeches. In conjunction with the anniversary, VOSS ’93 alumna Ayvur Peletierdeveloped a special link on the Vatican Observatory’s website where students, colleagues,and friends could leave a congratulatory message for Coyne.ConferencesThe Governing Board of Euroscience, a European Association for the Promotion of Scienceand Technology, was hosted by Sabino Maffeo, S.J., for a meeting at Castel Gandolfo8-9 February.From 6 to 8 June the Observatory hosted “Weekend Conversations on the Specola Vaticana”at which the following young Jesuits interested in research in astronomy participated:Richard D’Souza, S.J. (Province of Goa), who is studying for a Master’s Degreein astrophysics at the University of Heidelberg; Paul Gabor, S.J. (Province of Bohemia),who has studied quantum mechanics and elementary particle physics and is completinghis theology studies; Gabriele Gionti, S.J. (Province of Italy), who completed his doctoratein 1998 with a thesis in quantum gravity at the International School of Trieste,Italy and who is now pursuing his philosophy studies; and Jean-Baptiste Kikwaya, S.J.(Province of Central Africa), who has already been assigned to the Observatory staff(see Personnel News in the section From the Director).29ANNUAL REPORT 2003