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A couple stands in front of a waterfall surrounded by greenery

Charles and Jolene Lichtenwalner in front of Spearfish Falls in Spearfish Canyon.

Photo courtesy Charles Lichtenwalner

Lichtenwalners give $5,000 to support Deep Talks

Charles and Jolene Lichtenwalner's donation will support and strengthen Sanford Lab's public outreach lecture series

For nearly five years, Charles “Chuck” Lichtenwalner served as the radiation/experiment health and safety manager for the South Dakota Science and Technology Authority (SDSTA). During that time, he and his wife, Jolene, volunteered for and participated in Neutrino Day and attended many other public outreach events, including many Deep Talks.

Lichtenwalner retired in April 2016, and the two moved permanently to New Jersey. But their support for the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) never wavered—they continued to subscribe to the newsletter, send words of encouragement and watch Deep Talks online. Recently, the couple took their support to a new level, making a $5,000 contribution to SURF’s Deep Talks series.

“Chuck and Jolene have been strong supporters of SURF and its mission. Their generous donation will allow us to enhance and expand our Deep Talks series. We are very grateful for their support and generosity,” said Mike Headley, executive director of the SDSTA and laboratory director of SURF.

Deep Talks brings scientific discussions into the public sphere. The series features a host of topics, including nuclear and particle physics, algorithmic art and botany. The program, which includes Nobel Day and Pi Day, takes place the second Thursday of each month from October through May and is held at the Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center in Lead.