Cheryl and Richard Pilatzke: Encouraging Our Budding Scientists

Cheryl and Richard Pilatzke

Richard Pilatzke was bitten by the science bug early, at the age of five, when his favorite uncle encouraged Richard's interest in rocks and minerals. Richard excelled in school and eventually became a professional geologist.

"As a scientist, I know how important it is for children to be given the opportunity to learn and develop an early appreciation of our natural world," he said. "All one has to do is look around the Denver Museum of Nature & Science to see hundreds of young children enjoying the wonders of nature."

Cheryl was not initially interested in science. However, as a result of surviving a 9.2 magnitude earthquake in Alaska in 1964, she developed a lifelong curiosity about Earth's mechanics. "I had to go through a natural disaster to awaken my interest in our planet's physical structure," Cheryl said with a laugh.

She majored in geology and, like Richard, became a professional geologist. "I believe that the study of earth science is critical to the study of all other sciences," Cheryl said. "For example, weather patterns, geography, and soil composition affected how early civilizations developed. It is important to have museums where people of all ages, especially children, can learn how earth science affects our developing populations."

Cheryl and Richard are both longtime Museum volunteers in the Earth Sciences Department. By volunteering, both Pilatzkes have successfully found a way to combine their interest in earth science with their desire to encourage a new generation of scientists. This has inspired them to support science education, well beyond their lifetimes, by naming the Museum as a beneficiary in their wills. According to Cheryl "it is important that children have a place to question how things came to be, and to have experiences that classrooms can't provide."

By making legacy gifts to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, Cheryl and Richard plan to continue a tradition of encouraging youngsters to recognize their inner scientist and enjoy learning about the natural world.