April 28, 2003
WHO: Apollo 17 Astronaut Harrison “Jack” Schmitt, who was the first and
only scientist (geologist) to ever walk on the moon, which occurred during
the sixth and final lunar mission in December 1972. A former U.S. Senator
from New Mexico, Schmitt is now an independent consultant in science,
technology and public policy in Albuquerque.
WHAT: Schmitt will be the keynote speaker during the May meeting of the
South Texas
Geological Society (STGS). Schmitt will speak on the topic, “A Trip to the
Moon and Our Energy Future.” In addition, he will address the Feb.1 loss of
the space shuttle Columbia and the future of the NASA space program.
There will be a dinner and presentation of academic awards to winners of
the recent 47th annual Alamo Regional Science and Engineering Fair, in
addition to top high school science teachers. The event is co-sponsored by
St. Mary’s Department of Earth
Sciences.
WHEN: 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 2
WHERE: University Center, Conference Room A (second floor), St. Mary’s campus.
OF INTEREST: Schmitt played a key role in training Apollo crews to be
geologic observers when they were in lunar orbit and competent geologic field workers when they were on the lunar surface.
Note to Media: For program information, contact Michelle Debus, STGS president, at (210) 219-7708.