FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Retired NASA astronaut Guy Bluford, the first African American to travel into space, will speak at the University of Arkansas at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 10, in the Arkansas Union Theatre.
On August 30, 1983, as a member of the space shuttle Challenger, Bluford made history as he completed his first NASA mission to space.
Bluford will share his ideas and expertise on topics including career opportunities and minorities in science and engineering.
Before beginning his career with NASA, Bluford was a decorated Air Force pilot. He began training as an astronaut in 1978, but had no intentions of becoming the first African American in space. He was chosen to join the new space shuttle team along with 34 other participants. In addition to being on three other Space Shuttle flights, Bluford 688 hours in space by the time he retired.
Since retiring, Bluford has taken on leadership roles for Federal Data Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, and Aerospace Technologies Group.
The event is free to currently-enrolled University of Arkansas students who pay the Student Activities fee. Students must show identification for entrance. Admission for the general public and non-fee-paying students is contingent upon seating availability and will be on a first-come, first-served basis after fee-paying students are admitted. For accommodations due to disability, please contact the Office of Student Activities, osa@uark.edu or call 479-575-5255.
The talk is sponsored by University Programs Cultures and Concepts committee, Black Student Association, S.P.A.C.E. Hogs, and Air Force ROTC. For more information on this event, contact Tiffany Belfiore, University Programs Cultures and Concepts chair, at upc3@uark.edu or 479-575-5255 or Amanda Pickett at ap366@uark.edu.
-Courtesy of Arkansas Newswire