Donor Profiles
Reaching for the Stars—Anonymously

Terry Oswalt, Jim Ortega and Matt Wood in front of the telescope dome.

Sometimes a worthwhile project must capture the interest of several entities to be completed. Back in 2004, the university obtained National Science Foundation (NSF) funding to build a 24-inch telescope atop the newly completed F.W. Olin Physical Sciences Center. Terry Oswalt, head of the astronomy program, thought that was
pretty great.

But, what would be even greater, he envisioned, would be a 32-inch telescope. “This would allow us to collect nearly twice the amount of light. Also, the increased size would allow faculty and students access to double the number of objects in space as a 24-inch telescope.” But this dream would require $150,000 more.

Among those sharing Oswalt’s enthusiasm was Melbourne Beach resident Jim Ortega, who had retired from the University of Virginia to Florida in 1998. Ortega and his wife, Sara, stepped forward with the needed $150,000—anonymously. This made possible what will be, when installed by this summer, the largest research telescope in Florida, to be named the Ortega Telescope.

“I always wanted to be an astronomer,” said Ortega, who earned a Ph.D. in mathematics from Stanford University. “I began my college education as a physics major and I never lost interest.” Since retirement, he has done considerable reading in astronomy and astrophysics and has sat in on a Florida Tech astronomy class.

At Virginia, Ortega had been, among other things, Charles Henderson Professor and chairman of the departments of applied mathematics and computer science. He had been visiting the department of mathematical sciences at Florida Tech since the 1980s and helped it prepare a successful NSF proposal in the early 1990s.

Ortega remained anonymous for more than two years after he made the donation. He and Sara allowed their contribution to be known only after much prodding from the university. “I was planning to go public when the telescope is dedicated, but when Terry asked me to do this story, I decided that now was the time,” he said.

An anonymous gift like the Ortega’s is an example of one way to make a contribution—privately.

“Some people want to remain anonymous forever and this is fine,” said Thomas G. Fox, senior vice president for advancement. “It’s not necessary to be named to help realize a dream.”