Planetarium naming honors a love for learning

06/29/2026

A love of science is now forever written in the stars.

SUNY Cortland's newly named Margaret Baerthlein Davis, Ralph L. Davis and Syzman Family Planetarium will honor those who encouraged a career in the sciences for Dr. William C. Baerthlein '76.

The Cortland College Foundation board member, trustee of the Lynne Parks '68 SUNY Cortland Alumni House and former chemistry major has recognized several influential friends and family with namings during the past year. In October, Baerthlein surprised Joe Cooper '76, his friend and former Cortland lab partner, with the dedication of the Joseph H. Cooper '76 Advanced Lab.

The Baerthlein Planetarium name pays tribute to Baerthlein's Aunt Margaret and Uncle Ralph, who encouraged him, and the Syzmans on the maternal side of his family. All had immense influence on his life and emphasized the value of education, he said, especially his aunt who was a teacher for 35 years.

That family legacy can now inspire others, as summed up through part of the planetarium's commemorative plaque:

"Their influence on his journey now extends to future students, who will explore, question and discover new possibilities within these walls."

Baerthlein, a retired U.S. Navy obstetrician/gynecologist and physician administrator whose expertise on methods for delivering babies contributed to the progress of medicine, made the gifts to the Cortland College Foundation on behalf of SUNY Cortland.

They recognize his family and Cooper in perpetuity and support SUNY Cortland scholarships for students enrolled in science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines.

"I'm all for Cortland students," said Baerthlein, who in 2018 was inducted in SUNY Cortland's prestigious Academic Hall of Fame. "They're like family to me and I want to see them do well."

The recent gifts follow Baerthlein's continued support for the Michael J. Bond '75, M.D. Alumni/Undergraduate Research Science Symposium. His motivation is to raise the "visibility of the sciences" at Cortland for all.

Cooper, who enjoyed a successful, 30-year career as a physician assistant in cardiac surgery, was surrounded by friends and family when he was surprised by fellow first-year Clark Hall resident Baerthlein with the naming announcement during a ceremony at this year's Bond Symposium.

"It was an incredible surprise and I'm most grateful," Cooper said. "This was nothing that I had anticipated nor anything that I would think I ever deserved, so I'm most honored."

Cooper credited Baerthlein, a natural extrovert who balanced him as an introvert.

"This would not have happened without him," Cooper said of Baerthlein, who returned the praise to his longtime friend.

Baerthlein recalled advice from famed investor and philanthropist Warren Buffett to surround yourself with people who are better than you are.

"That's true," Baerthlein said. "And Joe is one of those people."

Cooper also expressed gratitude for a career made possible by his preparation and guidance from faculty, including Alexander Spence. The late biological sciences professor had encouraged Cooper to take part before his senior year in a summer work and volunteer independent study at a rural hospital in Missouri.

Baerthlein discovered the same belief in the power of learning from the faculty he met as a student.

"The professors were just so good," Baerthlein said. "They encouraged you and they were there for. Many of them became lifelong friends."

Now he hopes to have a similar positive effect on the careers of future graduates.

"(Cortland) got me set on the right path," Baerthlein said. "If it hadn't been for Cortland, I don't know if I would have made it to medical school."