Good evening, My name is Chris Mathews, and on behalf of the team at #saveyerkes, I wanted to thank you for what has already shown to be an incredible outpouring of support. In just 24 hours, we have already received over 375 signatures, and that's all thanks to you! While we don't want to overwhelm your inboxes, we do want to take this opportunity to thank you for your support thus far, tell you a little bit about who we are, and why we started the #saveyerkes movement. Our Mission Statement: #saveyerkes seeks a smooth, productive, and mutually beneficial transition of operations at Yerkes Observatory, in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, from the University of Chicago to the Observatory. We look to bring together the university, Yerkes staff, the community, and all stakeholders by promoting positive feedback and stories through the #saveyerkes platform. Concerned with upholding the values of the Observatory and maintaining its link to the surrounding community, we have taken to social media to uphold these principles and values throughout the transition process. As a group of dedicated undergraduate students, alumni, and community members, we all share a passion and devotion to preserving all that Yerkes brings to its community, as well as to every person that steps through its doors. Starting as a platform for stories and experiences the world has shared with Yerkes, our movement is fast becoming a place to take a stand, to tell the University of Chicago that this place matters. Area students benefit from after school programs centered around research, computer science, robotic telescope observation, and STEM learning. During the summer months, students come to learn and enjoy a variety of camps ranging in scope from grades 3-12. In addition to these unique and diverse experiences, star parties give an opportunity for families, amateur astronomers, and enthusiasts alike to utilize the historic Yerkes telescopes, such as the world’s largest refractor. Yet it is not necessary to have a scientific knowledge of our universe, nor live in the local area to truly appreciate what the observatory has to offer. Tours provide an insight into the century-long history of this scientific marvel often called the birthplace of modern astrophysics. The observatory functions as a crossroad between modern research in astrophysics juxtaposed with its historical value as an institution. Because of this, there is much to learn about the past and much to discover about our future. But all of this is only possible with your support. Help us preserve the past, push forward to greater things, and save Yerkes! What Can I Do? You have already helped a great deal by signing our petition, and we appreciate it very much. Want to do more? Share this petition on your prefered social media, then: Find us on Facebook using the #saveyerkes or the Save Yerkes page Tweet us @saveyerkes on Twitter For more information from the University of Chicago, email David Chearo in the Office of the Executive Vice President at dchearo@uchicago.edu or call him at (773)_702.4559. Thank you again for your time and consideration, Sincerely, the #saveyerkes Team