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Hall of Fame Astronauts Land at Universities Nationwide to Deliver $10,000 Scholarships
Also see: Campus Tour Photos
Astronaut members of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF) recently completed a journey to nine universities to personally present some of the 2006–2007 scholarship recipients with their $10,000 awards during a public presentation.
"We feel it is important to hand-deliver the scholarships as this is much more than a simple check presentation," said Astronaut Scholarship Foundation Chairman and Apollo 15 Astronaut Al Worden. "This visit marks the beginning of a lifelong investment in these students' successes. What sets the Foundation apart is our involvement with the scholars, even after they graduate."
The Foundation selected 18 students at institutions across the country, for its prestigious scholarship, who exhibited motivation, imagination, and exceptional performance in the science or engineering field of their major. The recipients were then notified by a letter from the astronauts that they had been selected for the Foundation's award and that some will receive their check in person by an astronaut.
Read what the Scholars had to say:
"The story of the Apollo 13 mission has always been inspirational for me" said Oklahoma University student Ryan East. "I would have never imagined having the fantastic opportunity to visit with Mr. Haise over lunch and talk with one of OU's finest graduates as I would with any other friend on campus. When Mr. Haise personally commended my work and presented me with the scholarship, I felt a sense of pride and duty to carry on our passion for advancing manned spaceflight. The presentation was truly a special blessing for me and my family, and I thank Mr. Haise and the ASF for such a great occasion."
"Having Buzz Aldrin personally present the scholarship to me added tremendously to the honor of receiving this award," said Miami University Gregory Newstadt. "I was greatly impressed and inspired by all of his accomplishments. I am deeply appreciative of the award and very honored to be included as an Astronaut Scholar in his life."
"It was amazing to have someone of Astronaut Crippen's importance come and present me with the scholarship. I am impressed with how dedicated Astronaut Crippen and the rest of the ASF are with regards to undergraduate education and research in the sciences," said University of Kentucky student Ryan Fischer. "It wasn't just the presentation, but the lunch and video as well with Astronaut Crippen that made the presentation day one I will never forget!"
"To be selected from among all of these brilliant students was not only a great honor, but a very humbling experience as well: to know that I ranked among the top students in the nation academically was (and still is!) a little surprising!", said University of Colorado student Lee Willcockson. "The presentation ceremony for the Scholarship was especially awe-inspiring: here was Scott Carpenter, among the first human beings to leave the confines of our planet and take those first steps into the vast depths of space, come to my university to honor my academic achievement when I had yet to even earn a bachelor's degree! However these experiences have done nothing but motivate me to take even greater pride in the work I do and push myself to live up to the great expectations my family, friends, professors, and the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation has for me."
"Astronaut Bob Crippen's willingness to personally travel to UCF, give a lecture on the historical aspects of space exploration, and present me with the Astronaut Scholarship check impressed me, especially as I got to know him over his visit," said UCF student Brian Becker. "I am very glad for both Bob Crippen's example of perseverance and the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation's support to continue my education at the graduate level."
"It was really nice to have Dr. Mitchell visit NC State to present the scholarship check," said NC State Student Ryan Field. "Not only did his presence draw a lot of positive attention to our program, but having the opportunity to eat lunch with a legend like Dr. Mitchell reminded me of the reasons why I wanted to become a scientist — to explore the unknown and to make a difference in the lives of others. Dr. Mitchell has done both and our conversations over lunch demonstrated that he has a genuine concern for our society's future and the role of science within it. It was a truly memorable experience and quite an honor for Dr. Mitchell to present the scholarship."
"Having the opportunity to meet Edgar Mitchell really added to the excitement of receiving this award," said Syracuse student Chris Tarolli. "It was great to spend the day with him and talk to him about his time as an astronaut, his work since then, and his hopes for the future, not only on this planet, but beyond as well."
"Knowing all that Commander Hauck has done with his life for our country, his willingness to take the time to personally present this scholarship both inspired and motivated me to live up to the challenge of advancing technology for the betterment of humanity," said Tufts University student Kyle Bradbury. "I cannot express how grateful I am for being able to spend the afternoon learning from his experiences. Thank you, Commander; I only hope that I am able to live up to this honor."
The presentations were as follows:
University of Oklahoma – Apollo 13 Astronaut Fred Haise presented Aerospace Engineering junior, Ryan East, with his scholarship award during a public lecture and ceremony, Wednesday, September 20, 2006 at the University of Oklahoma. Approximately one-hundred students and faculty members attended the presentation. In addition, Haise toured the campus and also taught an Aeronautics class while there.
Texas A&M University – Apollo 15 Astronaut Al Worden presented Math and Physics Senior Justin Wilson, with his scholarship award during a public lecture and ceremony, Thursday, September 22, 2006, with his scholarship award during a public lecture and ceremony at Texas A&M. Two-hundred students and faculty members attended the presentation.
Miami University – Gemini 12 and Apollo 11 Astronaut Buzz Aldrin presented Engineering Physics and Electrical Engineering Senior, Greg Newstadt, with his scholarship award during a public lecture and ceremony, Wednesday, September 27, 2006, 11:30 AM at the Hall Auditorium, Miami University.
University of Kentucky – Space Shuttle Astronaut Robert Crippen presented Biology and Agricultural Biotechnology Senior, Ryan Fischer, with his scholarship award during a public lecture and ceremony, Wednesday, October 11, 2006, at the University of Kentucky.
University of Colorado – Mercury Astronaut Scott Carpenter presented Physics Senior, William Willcockson, with his scholarship award during a public lecture and ceremony on October 12, 2006, 4:00 PM at the DLC Collaboratory, University of Colorado.
University of Central Florida – Space Shuttle Astronaut Robert Crippen presented Computer Engineering Senior, Brian Becker, with his scholarship award during a public lecture and ceremony, Tuesday, October 17, 2006, 4:30 PM at the University of Central Florida.
North Carolina State University – Apollo 14 Astronaut Edgar Mitchell presented Electrical Engineering and Physics Senior, Ryan Field, with his scholarship award during a public lecture and ceremony on Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at North Carolina State University.
Syracuse University – Apollo 14 Astronaut Edgar Mitchell presented Chemistry and Spanish Senior Christopher Tarolli, with his scholarship award during a public lecture and ceremony on October 19, 2006 at Syracuse University.
Tufts University – Space Shuttle Astronaut Rick Hauck presented Electrical Engineering Senior, Kyle Bradbury, with his scholarship award during a public lecture and ceremony on November 3, 2006 at Tufts University.
The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1984 by the six surviving members of Americas original Mercury astronauts. Its goal is to aid the United States in retaining its world leadership in science and technology by providing scholarships for exceptional college students pursuing degrees in these fields. The Foundation funds eighteen $10,000 scholarships annually and has awarded $2.3 million to 211 students nationwide. For more information log on to: www.AstronautScholarship.org.