February 2008

Question:

Dear Abbot Pennings,

What is inside the dome on top of the Ray Van Den Heuvel Family Campus Center?

Mike Kelly ’08

Answer:

What a great question, as I have often wondered myself the function of the dome atop the widely used Campus Center.

As it turns out, just 25 years ago there was an 8-inch diameter telescope in what was considered the observatory, and what you term as the “dome.” Unfortunately, and to the dismay of a great many astronomy-lovers, I’m certain, this space can no longer be used for star-gazing due to light pollution from campus and the rest of the city of De Pere. However, I do believe the birds still enjoy the view from high – as indeed they should.

Responses to “Ask the Abbot” questions are penned by St. Norbert College staff in the name of Abbot Bernard Pennings, O.Praem., who founded St. Norbert College in 1898.