Gazing Upward
Inspired by a Lifelong Passion for Astronomy, Alumna Makes a Planned Gift to Encourage Other Female Astronomers
Anne Marie Adkins, B.A. ’75, established a planned gift to support graduate fellows in astronomy.
Anne Marie Adkins, B.A. ’75, a member of McDonald Observatory’s Board of Visitors, first peered through her Aunt Carol’s telescope at the age of six. Her love for the night skies took hold. That love would inspire her years later to establish a planned gift to support graduate fellows in astronomy at The University of Texas at Austin.
“It is so important for kids to get an inclination toward science at an early age, and my aunt as well as my parents fostered that in me,” she said.
As a UT student, Anne embraced the great variety of opportunities. She excelled in a range of courses and earned her degree in government. After launching a successful career as an organizational development and management consultant, Anne had the resources to pursue her lifelong interest in stargazing.
A Gift for Graduate Fellows
“I became a scope-toting amateur astronomer,” said Anne, who traveled the world to attend star parties.
“Soon I realized that there weren’t enough women in astronomy,” she explained. “That was crazy to me. It reminded me of Beatrice Tinsley.” Dr. Tinsley, the famous astronomer who earned her Ph.D. at UT, is one of Anne’s heroes.
“As I began thinking about leaving a legacy gift to UT, I wanted it to support the Beatrice M. Tinsley Graduate Fellowship in Astronomy. My hope is that it will encourage more women into the field.
“Graduate students are key to attracting world-class faculty, so my gift will help elevate education and research one graduate student at a time,” Anne said.
Today Anne can see the domes of McDonald Observatory from her home. She enjoys taking her newest telescope out to Big Bend-area parks to educate the public on the importance of dark skies.
“I consider myself very lucky to still be standing here, gazing upward,” she said.
Make an Investment in Future Astronomers
Learn more about how you can support cutting-edge astronomical research, teaching, and public education and outreach by making a planned gift to the McDonald Observatory. Contact the Gift and Estate Planning Team for no-obligation help at 512-475-9632 or giftplan@austin.utexas.edu.