Ashburn, VA (April 28, 2010)—GW Alumnus, Frederick D. Gregory, former NASA astronaut and a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, speaks about his experiences in space on Friday, May 14 at 7 p.m. at The George Washington University Virginia Science and Technology Campus.
The first African-American to command a space shuttle, Gregory logged 455 hours in space as pilot for the Orbiter Challenger in 1985, as spacecraft commander aboard Discovery in 1989, and as spacecraft commander aboard Atlantis in 1991. He retired as a Colonel in the United States Air Force after logging 7,000 hours in more than 50 types of aircraft, including 550 combat missions in Vietnam. His 30-year Air Force career included serving as a helicopter pilot and as a fighter pilot.
Gregory holds a Master's degree in Information Systems from The George Washington University and a Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Air Force Academy. His honors include the Air Force and DOD Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, 16 Air Medals, 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses, Legion of Merit, Defense Superior Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, National Intelligence Medal; NASA, 3 Space Flight Medals, 2 Outstanding Leadership Medals, Distinguished Service Medal; National Society of Black Engineers Distinguished National Scientist Award; and the George Washington University Distinguished Alumni Award.
Gregory speaks at the GW Virginia Science and Technology Campus on Friday, May 14, beginning at 7 p.m. in Exploration Hall, 20101 Academic Way, Ashburn, VA 20147. Please reserve a seat by May 12 at this free community event by calling Corporate and Community Relations at 703-726-3650.
The GW Virginia Campus, established in Loudoun County in 1991, is a robust center for innovative research, graduate education, and regional corporate partnerships. As the University's research and technology campus, it hosts a dozen centers of excellence in critical areas such as energy science and technology, transportation safety, and high performance computing. The GW Virginia Campus also combines its research excellence with more than 20 exceptional graduate degree and certificate programs in business, education, and engineering, and unique undergraduate programs in the health sciences.