McNeese State University - Log Yearbook (Lake Charles, LA)

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Although its small exterior is deceptive, the interior contains instruments which let you Reach for the Stars The McNeese observatory, a source of interest in the last few years, was trans- ferred to the southeast corner of the Bur- ton Coliseum near J. C. Barman Drive. Be- fore the Spring move, the observatory was located on the McNeese farm. The new location should provide better view- ing of astronomical sites since the obser- vatory will be further away from the city’s lights. Dr. David Frantz, professor of physics, is overseer of the observatory. He be- lieves that people of all ages can enjoy astronomy. ‘‘All you need,”’ he says, “‘is a little Knowledge and an open mind and then build on that.’ The McNeese observatory has access to a5.5 inch portable telescope and a 12 inch reflecting telescope. Dr. Frantz is in the process of adding a 6-inch refracting telescope currently being built to be mounted on the base of the observatory. On the second Tuesday of every month, Dr. Frantz hosts a community Dr. David Frantz, assistant professor of physics, adjusts the angle and magnification of the tele- scope in the McNeese observatory. (Photo by S. Levy) open house at the observatory. Anyone interested in astronomical concepts is welcome and encouraged to make use of the observatory and to broaden his knowledge of astronomy. The observatory is open from 7 to 10 p.m., except during summer months, when it is open from sunset until 10 p.m. While appointments are not necessary, clear skies dictate when the observatory is Open since viewing is impossible on overcast nights. In order to further educate the public and publicize the observatory, Dr. Frantz writes a monthly column in the Lake Charles American Press. Future plans include further expansion of the facilities when a planetarium, which is a domed building with special ceiling effects combined with light, giving an illu- sion of a night-time sky. The observatory is a facility that should be looked upon as a special privilege, one not readily available to many universities. Moving crews prepare to load the observatory and move it from the McNeese Farm to property near the Burton Coliseum. (Photo by T. Maricle) Observatory aL,

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In an effort to increase community interaction, Leisure Learning offers a variety of low-cost courses extending entertainment and education For the Sheer Pleasure of It McNeese State University Leisure Learning Office serves the Lake Charles area by furnishing a unique series of non- credit classes to those who want to pur- sue a new skill or hobby or participate in an educational activity just for fun or per- sonal satisfaction. The Leisure Learning courses are of- fered year round to students and commu- nity members for non-credit. The cost for the course is relatively small because the courses are meant to supplement the needs of the participants. The Leisure Learning Office also incor- porates tours to historical sites. A World’s Fair weekend in New Orleans was held in October, while a tour of Galveston’s old neighborhood was scheduled for April 27. Of special interest to the avid traveler was the tour to England and Scotland, which was planned for August 6-19. Two option- al academic courses were scheduled in 178 Academics conjunction with the trip, and could be taken for credit. Dr. Millard T. Jones, asso- ciate professor of history, and Ben Harlow, Director of Community Services, escorted the group. McNeese's Leisure Learning program is the largest of its kind in the state. Most universities offer approximately ten classes, while McNeese offers about 60. Over 2,000 people come to the McNeese Campus to participate in courses each year. Of this number about 200 are McNeese students. Frances Milburn, Coordinator of Com- munity Services (Leisure Learning) com- mented on how course topics are select- ed, ‘‘We use several criteria; trends that are national, regional, and local, availabil- ity of facilities and equipment, seasonal - interests and factors, availability of facul- ty and personnel, and class evaluations and suggestions.’