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November/December 2009

LCC Receives 400-piece Mineral Collection

Lansing Community College has received a donation of a 400-piece mineral collection valued at more than $40,000 from the family of Gilbert J. Thill, of Milwaukee. Mr. Thill's youngest son, Ron, is a chemistry professor at the college.

"This gift is a significant addition to the LCC Science Department," said Tom Deits, Science Department Chair. "With this acquisition, not only will professors have quality specimens to show their classes, but students, visitors and the general public will have an opportunity to view this amazing collection on display.  We're very grateful to Ron Thill for donating this family treasure to Lansing Community College."

Gilbert J. Thill, a Milwaukee printer, became interested in rock collecting in the 1940s and continued to his death in 1969. His hobby involved his entire family, including wife Catherine and sons Kenneth and Ronald. The Thills joined the Wisconsin Geological Society where Gilbert served in various leadership positions. Over the years, Thill acquired a large fossil and mineral collection from the Midwestern states.  Vacations were spent trading pieces for those from other parts of the country. He purchased very little. During his lifetime, he donated many mineral and fossil specimens to colleges and museums in the U.S., Canada, and England.  After his death, the collection was boxed and stored for more than 30 years before it was unpacked and appraised in 2006.

The collection is on display in the Academic Resource Center, 4th floor, A&S Building as well as the LCC Physics Lab. The exhibits will be rotated periodically to assure maximum exposure.