Gift of land creates lasting legacy
Sandy Cross at the controls of Canada’s most powerful domestic research telescope.When the University of Calgary approached Alexander (Sandy) Rothney Cross in 1970 about the possibility of buying a portion of his farmland to build an astrophysical observatory, he turned them down. Instead, Cross donated 64 hectares of his land near Priddis, Alberta.
Today, what began as two ATCO trailers on a tract of land is a world-class facility and home to Canada’s most powerful domestic research telescope, all thanks to Cross’ gift.
“The Rothney Astrophysical Observatory (RAO) is a cornerstone of physics and astronomy at the U of C,” says Russ Taylor, professor and head of the department of physics and astronomy. “It provides our students with hands-on experiential learning opportunities and connects us with the community through outreach programs and open
houses.”
The observatory shares the name of Cross’ farm, which occupied a portion of the land. But Cross didn’t start out as a farmer. He was chief brewmaster at the Calgary Brewery and Malting Company for more than 40 years, before he married and settled down to farming.
He established Rothney Farm and became recognized as one of the major influences in Canada’s purebred cattle industry. Throughout his lifetime, Cross continued to support the RAO through funding for research, a consortium, a new telescope and creation of a new visitors centre. In 1987, Cross received an honorary doctorate from the University of Calgary.
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April 29, 2009