This fund provides money for special opportunities or extraordinary needs in the Astronomy Department. Faculty and students can travel to a conference to present their research. Faculty can take part in a special opportunity to update their skills. Professors need to be aware of the latest developments in their field, so that they can pass this knowledge on to their students. The department can purchase special equipment, test materials, resources, or training modules to help our students attain success and achieve their goals. These activities and others like them enrich our students immeasurably, enhancing the education they receive at UIS—but we could not do any of them without the discretionary money given to this fund.