Syracuse University'sCollege of Arts and Sciences unveiled its newly renovated Patricia Meyers Druger Astronomy Learning Center at Holden Observatory over the weekend.
A renovation project borne from one man’s desire to honor his wife and her love of astronomy, the new center is said to help communicate the excitement of astronomy to students.
“I always wanted to memorialize my wife,” said Druger. “[And] students are now able to study astronomy in a much more exciting and appropriate setting.”
Holden observatory serves as the second oldest building on the campus of Syracuse University. Prior to the center’s renovation students were learning in an antiquated facility ill-equipped for the hands-on kind of experiences the new center hopes to create.
Marvin Druger, Professor Emeritus of Biology and Science Education, is considered a Syracuse icon. It was his donation, primarily funded through the Pat Project Fund, that made the renovation possible. In donating, Druger also dedicated part of the historic Holden Observatory in memory of his late wife, Patricia Meyers Druger (G’74)—a former College of Arts and Sciences administrator at Syracuse University who passed away January 19, 2014.
Druger explained there is an area in the observatory where not only Patricia’s picture hangs, but also a picture of the two of them together.
“I hope that, for the next 100 years, people will look at her photo on the wall of the observatory and say, ‘Wow, isn’t she beautiful?’ said Druger.
A special dedication ceremony was held at Hendricks Chapel and keynote address by retired NASA astronaut, Dr. Story Musgrave (’58, H’85). Dean of Arts and Sciences, Karin Ruhlandt, Professor and Chair of Physics, A. Alan Middleton, and Marvin Druger shared their sentiments as well.
In reference to the center’s renewal Musgrave said, “[The new center] will put us on the map in terms of exciting astronomy for the kids here… for the college students. So, it will stimulate them to pursue astronomy.”
Following the ceremony, guests were invited to attend a reception in the Heroy Geology LaboratoryAtrium and participate in guided tours of Holden Observatory.
Contributions to the “Pat Project Fund” are certainly welcomed.
For more information, contact Assistant Dean of Advancement Karen Weiss Jones at 315-443-2028 or kmweissj@syr.edu.