A number of civic leaders from the Austin area have provided letters of endorsement for the future Austin Planetarium after meeting with Austin Planetarium representatives. Each has agreed to "wholeheartedly support" the Austin Planetarium and the work being done to realize the goal of bringing a planetarium to fruition. These letters represent various perspectives, including those from educational, business, governmental and scientific communities.

Shelly Hohmann
Principal, Caraway Elementary
Round Rock Independent School District

Our school, Kathy Caraway Elementary, in Round Rock ISD, holds a science night every year where we must use a small, mobile planetarium. Although this is certainly better than nothing, we would much rather be able to utilize a real planetarium for our students to visit. I grew up in the Dallas area and have very fond memories of field trips to the Dallas Planetarium. This type of experience is crucial for our Austin-area students as they extend their knowledge about space and astronomy.

David Lambert
Director, W.J. McDonald Observatory
Isabel McCutcheon Harte Centennial Chair

Our experience is that many young people who pursue careers in science, engineering and technology often begin with an interest in astronomy. Communicating the wonders of the universe to our students is the beginning of this process. As Texas raises the bar for passage of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test, an Austin Planetarium will enrich the science curriculum for the Austin area's school children.

Gwendolyn K. Crider
Former Executive Director
Austin Children's Museum

As Executive Director of the Austin Children's Museum, I am committed to supporting quality educational experiences that help children fulfill their inherent abilities to learn. It's really about the 'aha moments', the reactions for children that are part of the never-ending adventure of education. Our children's quest for knowledge deserves the best education Austin can provide. [The Planetarium] will become a learning center and science resource for the kids of Austin, their parents and grandparents.

Dawnna Dukes
State Representative, District 46

As a State Representative who deals with many technologically oriented enterprises and with many educational issues, I understand the need for a well-educated workforce. And as an elected official in a prosperous, growing area, I was surprised and concerned to learn that the city of Austin now ranks 16th in population in the country and is the only one of the top twenty cities that does not have a planetarium.

Gene Hardy
Director, Marian Blakemore Planetarium
Midland, Texas

Astronomy. . .stimulates excitement for all fields of science. It encourages young and old to reach farther than they thought possible. Such a facility spreads a unique knowledge of the marvelous universe and it would allow everyone. . .an experience they will never forget.

Brick Sudderth
Executive Vice President
American Bank of Commerce