Telescope Donated to Oxnard College Astronomy Program
Family of Late Oxnard Fire Chief Makes Donation
After peeking through the viewfinder of the high-quality telescope purchased by her late husband, Donna Gustafson viewed the half-moon in the chilly winter darkness surrounded by dozens of students in Dr. Gary Goodman’s astronomy class.
“I hope this gift will help you and other astronomy students at Oxnard College as you develop your own passion for this wonderful science,” Mrs. Gustafson told Dr. Goodman’s class.
After several months Mrs. Gustafson was able to fulfill the wishes of her late husband, Henry, who served as the Oxnard City Fire Chief for many years. A longtime community activist, he also served as a Personnel Commissioner for the Oxnard Elementary School District. When Mr. Gustafson passed away last year his wife made arrangements through the Oxnard College Foundation to donate her late husband’s telescope to the astronomy program, said instructor Dr. Gary Goodman. He became friends with the couple when they enrolled in his class a few years ago.
“Henry thought very highly of Gary and we both thoroughly enjoyed his astronomy course,” said Mrs. Gustafson, who works as the executive assistant to Oxnard City Manager Ed Sotelo. A member of the Oxnard College Foundation Board of Directors, Sotelo came to the class to witness the donation. He also shared a love for astronomy with Henry Gustafson, his former fishing buddy.
Mrs. Gustafson said that her husband had purchased a high-quality telescope, lenses, scopes, tripod, motor and other equipment just as his health began to fail. He became so fascinated with astronomy that the Gustafsons would take the telescope on camping trips to Lake Casitas where the dark lake proved less interference from city lights.
“He would have been glad to see that his telescope was so appreciated by the students at Oxnard College,” she smiled.
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