Astronaut and UR alumnus Leland Melvin to share his experience in outer space, encourage youth to "Reach for the Stars"
April 1, 2008
NASA astronaut and University of Richmond graduate Leland Melvin will present "Reaching for the Stars" at the Robins Center on April 13 at 2 p.m. The event is in conjunction with the inauguration of university President Edward L. Ayers and Reunion Weekend.
During the multimedia interactive presentation, Melvin will talk about his experiences as an astronaut and his recent space shuttle flight to the International Space Station. A space suit model, Mars rover, astronaut food tray and other items used during space travel will be on display. A brief question-and-answer session will follow, and autographed lithographs of Melvin will be distributed. The event is free and open to the public.
Additional speakers will include: William Myers, chair of the university's chemistry department and Melvin's former professor; Donner Grigsby, NASA Langley research engineer; and James Wright, director of the university's Math and Science Investigators program for Richmond city public school students.
Last month, Melvin and six other members of the space shuttle Atlantis crew completed a 13-day, 5.3 million mile mission to expand the size and research capabilities of the International Space Station. Melvin operated the shuttle's robotic arm.
As co-manager of NASA's Educator Astronaut Program, Melvin travels across the country speaking to students and teachers to encourage career interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.