Cornell University receives support fund for astronomy graduate students

Graduate students studying astronomy in the College of Arts and Sciences have a new source of support, thanks to the Riccardo Giovanelli Graduate Student Support Fund, an endowment established in memory of eminent astronomer Riccardo Giovanelli, who passed away in Dec. 2022 at the age of 76.

“Graduate students are the future of astronomy, and so this very generous gift will enable Cornell to play an even stronger role in ensuring a healthy future for the field,” said Jonathan Lunine, David C. Duncan Professor in the Physical Sciences and chair of the astronomy department.

Giovanelli, professor emeritus of astronomy (A&S), is remembered by his colleagues for his generous treatment of students, as well as his colleagues, and that kindness helped inspire the fund.

“Riccardo was a friend and I wanted to honor him,” said Chuck Mund, Jr. ’81, who contributed the fund’s lead gift. “I think it’s critical to support science in our giving.”