Biggest Telescope in Florida is in Sight
A $150,000 gift by an anonymous Brevard County donor will enable Florida Tech to construct the state’s largest telescope on top of the recently completed F.W. Olin Physical Sciences Building.

Construction on the 32-inch telescope will begin in 2005 and is expected to take 18 months to complete. Originally planned was a 24-inch-diameter instrument, made possible by a National Science Foundation (NSF)
grant of $347,000. An award condition was that the university match the amount by 30 percent, making the total cost of purchase and installation almost $646,000.

Florida Tech President Anthony J. Catanese said the new telescope is an indicator of Florida Tech’s continuing maturation as a nationally renowned research university.

“Now, with the largest telescope in the state of Florida and our leadership position in the Southern Astronomy Research Association, with resources at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona, Florida Tech is uniquely positioned as a national leader in astronomy and space sciences. As a university founded by scientists in America’s space program, it’s important that our faculty and students continue to focus their attention on the stars.”

“It almost goes without saying that the generosity of this donor has opened new worlds to our students and to the greater Brevard community,” said Dr. Terry Oswalt, associate dean for research in the College of Science.
Oswalt, who also serves as a professor of space sciences, said that the original telescope would have been 24 inches, but the donation makes possible an increase of eight inches in diameter.

“The additional eight inches will allow us to collect nearly twice the amount of light,” said Dr. Matt Wood, professor of space sciences. “The increased size will allow faculty and students access to twice the number of objects in space as a 24-inch telescope.”

Dr. Thomas Fox, senior vice president for advancement at Florida Tech, said the actions of the anonymous donor show how Brevard residents can make a difference in the life of their university.

Fusion in Fabric:
A Kaleidoscope of Design

Melbourne artist and educator, Ruth Funk, previews one of her donations. A designer of exotic clothes and wearable art, Funk has given clothing, framed pieces, international textiles and artifacts to the university to begin a collection. A fund-raiser to benefit new Florida Tech art and design programs takes place at the university's Clemente Center Feb. 19. It includes performances by the Space Coast Ballet and a special appearance by acclaimed designer, Jack Lenor Larsen.

An Important Phone Call
You may have already received a call to support your alma mater. Or maybe your phone will ring between now and the end of April, and the caller will be a student working for the university’s annual Phone-a-thon. The students are calling approximately 11,000 alumni who have not given this year to Florida Tech’s Annual Fund.
The four-month Phone-a-thon is expected to raise more than $40,000 in 2005 to support the Annual Fund. This year’s goal for the fund itself is $450,000.

“The Annual Fund is Florida Tech’s best financial vehicle to cover expenses not associated with a specific area of the university,” said Annual Fund Director Rosalind Weiss.

Because monies donated to the Annual Fund are deemed “unrestricted,” they provide the university the flexibility to respond quickly to unexpected needs that often arise.

The year 2004 was a standout for unexpected needs. Destruction from hurricanes totaled more than $5 million to the campus community. Financial help came from state and national agencies, of course, but costs remain that must be paid by the university. This includes a $500,000 insurance deductible.

Additionally, Annual Fund moneymay be earmarked for special needs. For example, it could make the difference in sending a student or professor to speak at an international conference.

Also enriching the Annual Fund are several other projects including an appeal letter and events involving Galaxy Society members—our major donors. Weiss also assists the Athletics Department with its annual Sporting Affair fund-raiser and coordinates activities related to obtaining matching gifts from corporations.

Web Site Giving Opportunity
Since last fall, alumni and friends may contribute to the university “24-7” through a new online giving site. Visit www.fit.edu, click on “Online Services,” then select “Support Florida Tech.”

“Our alumni have been so generous to us,” said Weiss. “Their contributions are the backbone of our fund-raising efforts.”

The Office of Development expanded its request outreach recently to international and military alumni. “We received quite a good response,” said Weiss. One donation, she recalled, was from the mother of an alumnus in Taiwan. While sending cash through the mail is not recommended, she gratefully accepted the $50 bill enclosed in an envelope.