Aurora University Submits Proposal for Yerkes Observatory

AURORA, Ill. September 26, 2005 - Aurora University submitted a proposal on Friday to purchase Yerkes Observatory and the surrounding acreage and buildings located in Williams Bay, Wis., owned by the University of Chicago.

"Our goal is to maximize the long-term educational use of one of America’s significant scientific icons and to preserve its physical structure and heritage," said Rebecca L. Sherrick, president of Aurora University.

"We are very conscious of the genuine pride that local residents take in Yerkes and the lake community’s dedication to responsible development and careful stewardship of the environment," Sherrick said. "The university’s plan is to balance the preservation and conservation of the land and the facility, while at the same time meeting the needs of Aurora University and the local community."

The proposal submitted by the university calls for purchasing a 79-acre parcel of land, including the Yerkes Observatory and telescope, as well as supporting structures. The observatory and 40 acres of land is located adjacent to the George Williams Campus of Aurora University in Williams Bay. Aurora University’s plan is designed to preserve the historic Yerkes Observatory landscape; provide for continued use of the building as an academic facility and science education outreach center; merge portions of the Yerkes property with adjacent land owned by AU to create a unified educational setting; promote and preserve woodland and natural areas as much as possible; and develop only that land necessary to finance acquisition of the property by AU.

Sherrick said that AU has worked closely with the local community to develop its proposal, while balancing the historical perspectives and creating a network of support within the area to create a plan that will meet the needs of the local community residents and those who have expressed interest in the project.

According to Larry Larkin of the Yerkes 21 Committee, the goals were the preservation of the observatory building, protection of open spaces and conservation of the woodland areas for the benefit of the people. "We believe the best interests of the community and the most likely prospects of success can be achieved by merging our efforts with Aurora University and submitting a combined proposal, which we strongly support," Larkin said. The Yerkes 21 Committee is a not-for-profit organization incorporated by area Geneva Lake citizens early this year.

"The Geneva Lake Conservancy, a land trust and conservation advocacy not-for-profit organization, considers the land conservation planning in Aurora University’s proposal to be responsible and realistic, given that some portions of the site must be monetized to meet the stated requirements of the University of Chicago," said Chuck Ebeling, president of the Conservancy. "Aurora University is working hard and coordinating with the Conservancy to maximize overall preservation of this significant natural and historic property. While an ideal solution would be complete conservation of woodlands, park and lakeshore, Aurora University’s approach is to maximize preservation in these areas and plan environmentally sensitive development where required."

Goals outlined by the University of Chicago in seeking proposals include the following: (a) preserve the Yerkes Observatory building and immediate surrounding land; (b) contribute to the university’s mission of research and teaching; and (c) contribute to the quality of life in the Williams Bay-Lake Geneva area.

AU worked with Vandewalle & Associates of Madison, Wis., to develop the specifics of the plan.

"We share with Aurora University a strategy that takes into account the potential environmental, social and economic impacts of developing the site," said Brian Ellison of Vandewalle & Associates. "As we developed the plan with AU, we were very mindful of the many different viewpoints involved in defining the future of the site, balancing the historical perspectives with those of contemporary stakeholders."

Sherrick said that the university’s plan includes assuming responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the facilities and land. The priority is to maximize the educational use of the observatory as an academic facility and develop a programmatic consortium of outstanding mathematics science organizations to deliver science education outreach programs, as well as offer credit courses and programs. The plan also outlines potential collaborative efforts with the Village of Williams Bay and the Geneva Lake community.

Aurora University has developed a detailed plan for the ongoing operation of the observatory that would make it a Williams Bay and Geneva Lake area regional center for science and math education.

In the future, plans also call for the facility to become a center for astronomy and science education where students, middle school through post-doctorate level, could pursue the study of astronomy, mathematics and other sciences throughout the year. The focus of the facility would also include local, regional and national programs for the development of mathematics and science educators, in recognition of the nation’s education priority to increase preparatory programs for mathematics and science teachers.

Aurora University also plans to develop key collaborative academic partnerships and alliances to deliver science and mathematics programming, blending the university’s expertise with that of organizations such as the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum of Chicago and the internationally acclaimed Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy, located in Aurora, Ill. Other academic institutions from Illinois and Wisconsin would also be collaborative partners with Aurora University.

"We are extremely pleased that key groups within the community support us in our efforts to move this project forward," Sherrick said. "Our vision for the future of Yerkes capitalizes on two programmatic strengths of Aurora University: collaboration and education. We believe that the local community will benefit from these strengths as we continue to contribute to the quality of life in Williams Bay and the Geneva Lake area," Sherrick added. "Our vision for Yerkes is to create a facility that offers a dynamic and useful future as a world-class learning destination that is consistent with its distinguished past."

Members of the community interested in learning more about the university’s proposal are invited to attend a community meeting on Saturday, Oct. 1, at 10 a.m. The meeting will be held in the Carrie Ann Room of the Recreational Wellness Lodge on the George Williams Campus of Aurora University, 350 Constance Blvd., Williams Bay, Wis.

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Notes to Editors/Reporters:

• For a copy of Aurora University’s proposal, visit the Web site at www.aurora.edu/yerkes.
• Aurora University officials are available for interviews.
• Photographs of Yerkes Observatory are available to accompany your story.