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The Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences (APS) is one of the few programs nationwide that combines both astrophysics and planetary science, providing a unified view of space sciences, the Solar System and comparative planetology, stellar and galactic astronomy, and cosmology. We have the largest undergraduate astronomy major in the country. Fiske Planetarium, the largest, highest resolution fulldome on any US campus, creates innovative, immersive, and inclusive experiences to engage and inspire communities by connecting science, technology, and the arts. Your support is vital to helping APS and Fiske excel in our scientific, educational, and outreach missions.

DEPARTMENTAL INITIATIVES

Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences Chair’s Endowed Fund for Excellence
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To provide a flexible funding source for the Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences at CU Boulder to enhance excellence in the department’s most promising priorities.

GRADUATE STUDENT SUPPORT

Astrophysics Graduate Fellowship Fund
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This fund provides fellowships to support graduate education and research training and attract the nation's top graduate students in astrophysics and planetary science. Our CU graduate astrophysics program was recently ranked #8 in the nation by the National Research Council. To capitalize on our national visibility, we have set up a fund to support fellowships for graduate recruitment and retention.

Chance Irick Cooke Graduate Scholarship Fund
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Provides support for fellowships for graduate students in APS in honor of Chance Irick Cooke

Carl Hansen Memorial Fellowship Fund
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Rewards graduate student achievement in coursework and research in honor of Emeritus APS Professor Carl Hansen.

Ray Mace Smith Graduate Scholarship Fund
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Provides support for graduate students in APS in honor of Ray Mace Smith’s outstanding accomplishments and contributions not only to the profession of physics but also to the theological community.

UNDERGRADUATE SUPPORT

Perspectives Endowment For Astrophysical And Planetary Sciences
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Supports a broad range of undergraduate activities in astronomy and planetary science at the ������Ƶ. The fund was originally endowed by a donation from royalties of “The Cosmic Perspective” textbook widely used at CU.

Theodore Snow Undergraduate Scholarship Fund
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Provides scholarships to the best undergraduates in the APS Astronomy Major Program to encourage them in their studies and to enter research in astrophysics. In honor of Emeritus Professor Theodore Snow who contributed to the APS Department for over 30 years as a professor.

Susan E. Wesley Undergraduate Scholarship Fund
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This fund provides scholarships to support the education and research of our very best undergraduate majors. These scholarships are supported by an endowment named in honor of Susan E. Wesley which we hope to grow in size and scope. The CU Astronomy B.A. degree program is now the nation's largest, with over 150 majors and 25 graduates each year, many headed to graduate school or starting careers at national labs and observatories or in K-12 teaching, the aerospace industry, and scientific computing. Our best students supported by these scholarships are working with APS faculty and researchers and often write senior Honors Theses.

Astronomy Learning Enhancement Fund
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This fund primarily supports the use of undergraduate Learning Assistants (LAs) in the APS Department's large-enrollment courses. The LA model at the University of Colorado-Boulder uses the transformation of large-enrollment science courses as a mechanism for achieving four goals: 1) To recruit and prepare talented science majors for careers in teaching, 2) To engage science faculty in the recruitment and preparation of future teachers, 3) To improve the quality of science education for all undergraduates, and 4) To transform departmental cultures to value research-based teaching for ourselves and for our students. Since the inception of the LA Program, the number of certified K12 science teachers graduating from CU has more than doubled.

OUTREACH

Fiske Planetarium Fund
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To provide support for the Fiske Planetarium at the ������Ƶ.

Chaco Canyon Archaeo-Astronomy Film Gift Fund
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To provide support for production and dissemination costs of completing the Chaco Canyon Archaeo-Astronomy film project. Once the project is completed, funds will support the Fiske Planetarium.

OTHER GIVING OPPORTUNITIES

Other Funds Not Specified Here
Don’t see what you are looking for? For a complete list of APS gift funds,

If you wish to find out more about how you can support the Department of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences and Fiske Planetarium, you may get in touch with:

Dave Brain
Chair, Department of Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences
Phone: (303) 735-5606
Email: david.brain@colorado.edu

John Keller
Fiske Planetarium Director
Phone: 303-735-8356
Email: John.M.Keller@Colorado.edu

Jazmin Brooks
Director of Development
Office of Advancement
Phone: 303-541-1480
Email: jazmin.brooks@colorado.edu