COD welcomes astronaut Mark Kelly Feb. 17
Astronaut, retired Navy captain and best-selling author Mark Kelly shares his experience and lessons learned from his extensive career at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, at the McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage Glen Ellyn campus, 425 Fawell Blvd.
Kelly's presentation is sponsored by the College of DuPage Physics program.
An experienced aviator and retired U.S. Navy captain, Kelly served as a combat pilot in the Gulf War. He began his career with NASA in 1996, flying on four space shuttle missions and commanding both the Space Shuttle Endeavour and Space Shuttle Discovery.
Kelly and his identical twin brother, Scott, have laid the groundwork for the future of space exploration as subjects of an unprecedented NASA study on how space affects the human body.
Kelly earned a bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering and Nautical Science from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, graduating with highest honors, and a master's degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School.
He is a recipient of the Legion of Merit, two Defense Superior Service Medals, two Distinguished Flying Crosses and the NASA Exceptional Service Medal. He currently serves on the Commercial Crew Safety Board at Space X and is co-founder of World View, a full-service commercial space launch provider.
Tickets are $20. Students with a valid ID can purchase tickets for $5. For tickets, call (630) 942-4000 or visit www.atthemac.org. For event information, visit cod.edu/mark-kelly.
Other spring STEMinar offerings include "Taking an Assets-Based Approach to Designing Technology with Resource-Constrained Communities" by DePaul University's Sheena Erete at 7 p.m. Friday, March 15, and "Songs from the Stellar Graveyard: Probing the Cosmos in Gravitational Waves" by Northwestern University's Shane L. Larson at 7 p.m. Friday, April 5.
In addition, the college will host the fourth annual STEMCON Saturday, April 27, in the COD Physical Education Center. The free, interactive, family-based celebration of all things STEM features a broad range of activities and events, including expert speakers, hands-on experiences and interactive exhibits.
The goal of STEM at College of DuPage is to enhance the quality of STEM instructional and outreach programs and to help current and future students prepare for careers in STEM fields.
COD offers a broad range of academic programs designed to provide students with the educational background and training needed to successfully pursue an advanced degree or career in STEM.
College of DuPage is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Serving approximately 25,000 students each term, College of DuPage is the largest public community college in the state of Illinois. The college grants seven associate degrees and offers more than 170 career and technical certificates in more than 50 areas of study.