Founding Supporters
The Founding Supporter Campaign concluded on December 31, 2025, recognizing donors who provided critical support during the organization's formative years. Donations of $500 or more received during the campaign qualified supporters for permanent recognition as Founding Supporters of the Library Telescope Programâ„¢.
Founding Supporters!
The Library Telescope Programâ„¢ deeply values every contribution and is grateful for the individuals, organizations, and businesses that helped support our mission during our Founding Supporter Campaign.
Founding Supporters are recognized in the following tiers:
Stargazer
Supporters
$5,000-$9,999
Inspiring curiosity, unlocking the cosmos!
- Yee Family Foundation (DE)
Planetary
Supporters
$2,500-$4,999
Bringing the universe within reach!
- Joseph N. Marcus & Margaret Ann Olsen (MO)
Explorer
Supporters
$1,000-$2,499
Turning curiosity into cosmic revelations
- St. Louis Astronomical Society (MO)
- Diana Nevins (NE)
- Omaha Astronomical Society (NE)
- Marc Stowbridge (NH)
- Donald Ficken (MO)
Observer
Supporters
$500 to $999
Bringing stargazing experiences to life.
- Thomas Bibb (KY)
- Donna Syed (KS)
- Danny Ward
"In-Kind" Founding Supporters
Library Telescope Programâ„¢ appreciates the generous in-kind donors whose contributions have been instrumental in establishing our 501(c)(3).
"In-Kind" Founding Supporters include:
Husch Blackwell - Contributing their time and expertise to make Library Telescope ProgramTM an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) with special appreciation to Amalia Duncan, Attorney, for volunteering her time and expertise.
- Adler Planetarium - Donating the time and expertise of Michelle Nichols, Director of Public Observing at Adler, to service as Vice President of LTP.
- Astronomical Society of the Pacific - Donating services to help LTP launch and Ambassador Training program
- Astronomical League - Donating a free article in their Reflector Magazine which is distributed to amateur astronomers across the USA.
- High Point Scientific - HPS has gone above and beyond developing a customized telescope for LTP, volunteering their time and expertise during our startup.
- Patrick Rohrkaste - Retired CPA, retired partner of UHY Advisors, and nonprofit expert, for serving as Secretary and Treasurer of LTP
- Marc Stowbridge - From the New Hampshire Astronomical Society and considered the "Father" of LTP, for providing his guidance during LTP's launch.
- Operations Team Volunteers serving on LTP operations team including Kaila Schmidt, Mike Modrcin, Mike Sweaney, and Rich Jennings
- And lastly, a special appreciation to LTP Global Task Force Members and amateur astronomers, who have been the core supporters of the LTP since inception.
Thank you!!
Don Ficken, President/Executive Director
Our Goal
The Library Telescope Program™ empowers libraries to spark curiosity, expand access to astronomy, and foster community engagement through hands-on telescope lending – putting the stars within reach for all.