USNA News Article
Head of NASA Encourages Students to Study Sciences
Nov 09, 2011
By Jessica Clark, U.S. Naval Academy Public Affairs
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (NNS) -- A NASA administrator and retired Marine Corps general delivered the Naval Academy's Forrestal Lecture Nov. 8 to the Brigade of Midshipmen and visiting university students.
Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Charles Bolden, Jr. addressed the students on the importance of developing a vision and passion for serving others in order to make the world better.
“Nothing gives me more pleasure than doing what I'm doing tonight, that is talking with, listening to and learning form the next generation of American leaders,” he said.
Bolden highlighted the major achievements of the space program over the last 50 years since President John F. Kennedy's famous speech at Rice University in 1962, during which he called for growth in science education in the U.S. and set the goal for American astronauts to land on the moon by the end of the decade.
“We're now embarking on an exciting journey into deep space and developing a space launch system that will be capable of transporting astronauts and cargo to Mars, asteroids and other places well beyond low-Earth orbit,” he said.
Bolden discussed NASA's current and future projects, including collecting more information on planets and asteroids, missions to analyze earth's climate and its changes, and a new Webb space telescope designed to replace the Hubble telescope.
“What I want to emphasize to you tonight is that none of this would be possible without the kind of focus on science, technology, engineering and math that's so much a part of the curriculum at the Naval Academy,” said Bolden.
He described what he called the "new breed" of astronauts which includes experts in the sciences, not just aviators.
“They will play key roles in helping our commercial partners design and build the vehicles in which they will be flying to orbit,” said Bolden. “Their background in STEM disciplines has equipped them with the right skills and the right mindset to pursue NASA's new course.”
Bolden stressed science and technology education as vital to the success of the country and reiterated NASA's commitment to inspiring students to study STEM disciplines and pursue STEM-related careers.
“Whether the future you are creating involves military or civilian service, you will play an enduring role in America's effort to build a more perfect union,” he said. “No matter where you come from, no matter your race, your gender, your cultural perspective or background, you have pledged to dedicate yourself to a common purpose and vision.
“This is our vision: to reach new heights and reveal the unknown so that what we do and learn benefits all humankind,” Bolden added. “No matter what college or university you represent here tonight, you can make a difference if you work diligently to pursue your passion. This is your moment.”
Nominated by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Bolden began his duties as NASA's 12th administrator July 17, 2009. As administrator, he leads the NASA team and manages its resources to advance the agency's missions and goals.
His confirmation marks the beginning of his second stint with the nation's space agency. His 34-year career with the Marine Corps included 14 years as a member of NASA's Astronaut Office. He traveled to orbit four times aboard the space shuttle between 1986 and 1994, commanding two of the missions. His flights included deployment of the Hubble Space Telescope and the first joint U.S.-Russian shuttle mission, which featured a cosmonaut as a member of his crew.
After his final space shuttle flight in 1994, he left the agency to return to active duty. He retired from the Marine Corps in 2003. Bolden's many military decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in May 2006.
