The Shepherd University Observatory, in conjunction with the SU Foundation, announces the receipt of 137 astronomy books and a telescope donated by Paula Shephard of Inwood, in memory of her late husband, Kenneth Richard Shephard. The collection and equipment will be stored in the observatory for student and faculty use and research.

A police officer for 15 years, Mr. Shephard was a student in Shepherd’s Regents Bachelor of Arts (R.B.A.) program. According to his wife, he became fascinated by astronomy as a child watching TV shows such as “Star Trek” and “Space:1999.” He also enjoyed collecting sci-fi memorabilia, leading to his significant collection of reference books on the subject.

According to Jason Best, professor of astronomy and physics, and director of the observatory, the collection includes popular science books appropriate for the general public; numerous stellar, planetary and galactic atlases; and texts appropriate for undergraduate and graduate students in astrophysics.

For more information about making donations through the Shepherd University Foundation, please contact Monica Lingenfelter, Shepherd University Foundation, P.O. Box 5000, Shepherdstown, WV, 25443-5000, 304-876-5397, or visit www.shepherd.edu/fndtnweb.

– From staff reports