The Monnig Meteorite Collection and Gallery at TCU continues to grow as a world-class resource for education and research, thanks to the generous support of donors like Philip and Ann Mani. The Manis have made several significant contributions to the collection over the past five years, including their most recent gift through their private collection, Radiant Point, Ltd.—a rare meteorite from Texas known as El Sauz.
El Sauz is a witnessed fall, meaning its fiery descent through Earth’s atmosphere was observed and recorded. This particular meteorite fell on Feb. 15, 2023, and Mani discovered a fragment March 4 on the Coates Ranch in Starr County, Texas. By donating this extraordinary specimen, the Manis have furthered the scientific and educational mission of the Monnig Meteorite Collection.
Mani’s relationship with the collection began many years ago when he first met Art Ehlmann, Ph.D., emeritus professor of geology.
“The Monnig Meteorite Collection and Gallery was the most influential element in my education and developing knowledge about meteorites, meteors and planetary sciences, thanks to its first curator, Dr. Art Ehlmann,” Mr. Mani reflected. “Art was always generous with his time and patient when teaching me what he had learned about meteorites. He became my good friend and mentor, and I miss him and our talks.”
After Ehlmann’s tenure, Rhiannon Mayne, Ph.D., took the helm as curator, carrying forward the collection’s legacy of excellence.
“A few short years later, I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Rhiannon Mayne,” said Mr. Mani. “She continued to grow the collection and reach out to the public, teaching about meteorites and conducting meteoritical research through her work and her graduate students. She, too, has become my good friend, and I enjoy our talks and hunting for and researching meteorites.”
The Manis’ contributions to the Monnig Collection extend far beyond El Sauz. Their prior donations include meteorites from Mars, the Moon and the large asteroid 4 Vesta, to name a few. These gifts highlight the diversity and scientific importance of extraterrestrial materials, enhancing the collection’s value as a resource for both public outreach and academic research.
“Today, Ann and I honor the memory of Dr. Ehlmann, the continuing public outreach and scientific research of Dr. Mayne, and we endeavor to further the legacy of TCU’s Monnig Meteorite Collection and Gallery,” said Mr. Mani. “Our donations express our continuing support of the collection and gallery, and for TCU.”
The Monnig Meteorite Collection and Gallery, housed in the Sid W. Richardson Building within TCU’s College of Science & Engineering, is one of the largest university-based meteorite collections in the world. With the support of dedicated donors like the Manis, the collection remains a vital hub for inspiring curiosity, advancing planetary science and connecting the public with the wonders of the cosmos.
