Cincinnati State student, instructor elected to Astronomical Society board
October 4, 2011
Cincinnati State Writing Center Manager Terry Endres has been elected to his third consecutive term as president of the Cincinnati Astronomical Society.
During the society’s recent annual elections, Nathan Mantia, a Cincinnati State student, was elected to a three-year term as a trustee of the organization.
The Cincinnati Astronomical Society is in the midst of celebrating its 100th year, and is among the oldest astronomy groups in the nation. It is dedicated to public outreach and schedules numerous educational events throughout the year.
“I joined the Society some five or six years ago when we still hosted the Science Olympiad,’’ said Endres, who will serve another one-year term as president of the organization. “I was immediately impressed by their enthusiasm and knowledge and wanted to contribute to their efforts.”
Endres, a Westwood resident, said he views his involvement with the Cincinnati Astronomical Society as an opportunity to get students behind professional-grade telescopes and arranged to teach Cincinnati State’s astronomy classes at CAS headquarters. Scheduled from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays during Early Fall and Spring terms, the courses have maintained consistently good enrollment.
“If the skies are clear, I make time near the end of class to take the students out to the telescopes. They are often astonished by what they can see for themselves,” he said. “They tend to then take more interest in the material we cover. Some students actually stay past 10 p.m. to continue observing. It’s a great educational experience for them.”
Nathan Mantia is one of those students. He is planning a career in astrophysics.
“This is a great place to develop your interest in astronomy,” said Mantia, a Springfield Township resident. “The CAS does a great job with public outreach. Nowhere else can a member use the high-quality equipment this organization has. I love everything about astronomy. Looking toward the stars is amazing; you can find out exactly where you came from and dream of the places you could go all at the same time.”
