Astronaut Scholar Alumna making waves in popular culture FOX TV & Glamour Magazine

Space Rendezvous 2015 was a tremendous success!

UNVEILING THE NEWEST HEROES JOINING THE U.S. ASTRONAUT HALL OF FAME!Mark your calendars for this year’s event May 13 - 14, 2016Page 6

2016

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ASTROGRAM PUBLICATION UPDATEBeginning this year, ASF’s semi-annual Astrogram will become more digitally focused.

We will print one issue of the magazine each year, along with quarterly electronic newsletters. To receive these newsletters, visit AstronautScholarship.org and click the “Sign up now” button

at the bottom of the page to give us your preferred email address.

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Astronaut Scholarship Foundation

CONTACTHave questions, comments or story suggestions?

Please get in touch!

321-449-4876info@astronautscholarship.org

Astronaut Scholarship FoundationMail Code: ASF-1

Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899

CREDITSCONTENT - Rika Rowland &

Griffin Communications Group

LAYOUT & DESIGN - Griffin Communications Group

PHOTOGRAPHY - John Karjanis, Steve Torres

SPECIAL THANKS to Fineline Printing

Letter from the Chairman The start of a new year is always an exciting time here at the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF). We look forward to new challenges as we continue to grow and expand our programs. It also gives us an opportunity to reflect on the achievements from the previous 12 months.

During 2015, we awarded 38 of our prestigious scholarships to well-deserving students – our largest number of scholarships to date – while increasing the number of partnering universities to 31. This milestone reflects multiple years of growth for ASF’s mission. Our newest “Scholars” are pursuing degrees in mathematics, optics, engineering, aerospace and many other scientific fields. In spending time with them, we know they will go on to achieve great things for our country.

ASF also inspired and educated more than 7,000 elementary/high school students and members of the general public about the achievements and value of space exploration. Working with our partnering universities, ASF participated in 15 education events where Scholars had the opportunity to inspire their peers to actively pursue their dreams. We also launched a new program that provides Astronaut Scholars the opportunity to be mentored by Astronauts, leading industry executives and Astronaut Scholar alumni. We believe it is important to continue to inspire and guide these young Americans as they continue their journeys.

I would like to thank each of you for supporting ASF. We would not have achieved the many accomplishments in 2015 without your help. Here’s to continuing our partnership and achieving more successes in 2016.

BOARD OF TRUSTEESCHAIRMAN

Laura Shepard-Churchley Rick Armstrong

Ann Brown Patricia Carpenter

Gene Cernan ■Vincent CiminoNancy Conrad

Suzi CooperWalt Cunningham ■

Richard Garriott Robert Gibson ■

Tom HanksJarret Lafleur ●

Henri Landwirth ♦James Long

James Mault, MDLarry McGlynn Harvey Miller

Dirk Raemdonck Thomas Stafford ■

James Wood

HONORARY MEMBERS LeVar Burton

Bill Dana

BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRMAN

Dan Brandenstein ■VICE CHAIRMAN

Lisa Schott ●SECRETARY/TREASURER

Michael NeukammEX-Facto

Richard Covey ■CHAIRMAN EMERITUS

James Lovell ■John Blaha ■

Larry Bradley ●Curt Brown ■

Robert Crippen ■Charles Duke ■

Senator John Glenn ■ ♦Richard Gordon ■

Fred Gregory ■Joseph Han ●Rick Hauck ■

Jeff Hoffman ■ Edgar Mitchell ■

Charlie Precourt ■ Brewster Shaw ■

Kathryn Thornton ■

Dan BrandensteinChairman, Astronaut Scholarship Foundation

The year 2015 was truly amazing. We received financial support that allowed us to grow and continue recognizing the tremendous dedication put forth by our Astronaut Scholars throughout the nation. A few Astronaut Scholars joined a panel discussion with their American heroes to share the work they were conducting regarding the future of the space program. To see all of this collaboration come together is very special. ASF wouldn’t be where it is today without each and every one of you helping in some way to support the mission.

My team is already planning a fun 2016, with events throughout the year that offer a little something for everyone. We will expand our Innovative Leader Mentor Program, which will provide guidance to more scholars. And, we have grown the number of volunteer opportunities offered.

As part of your New Year’s resolution, explore a way to get involved with our organization. Some easy ways include attending an ASF event, volunteering and visiting our website. Because we have so much going on throughout the year, we plan to share ASF news more frequently with you during 2016 via e-newsletters. So, make sure to sign up to receive these ongoing electronic updates.

I look forward to seeing you in the coming months. Together, we will make an even larger impact this year!

Note from the Executive Director

Tammy M. Knowles-SudlerExecutive Director, Astronaut Scholarship Foundation

Astronaut ■ Scholar ● Founder ♦

Astrogram 2016

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In summer 2015, Tranquility Lodge #2000 (TL2K), a Masonic Lodge in Marble Falls, Texas, signed a five-year commitment to financially support the ASF and its quest to promote STEM education throughout the United States.

Texas Masonry has supported education since 1837, when the Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas was formed. When Grand Master Mirabeau Bonaparte Lamar became the second president of the Republic of Texas, he ordered local Masonic Lodges to make the first floor of their buildings available to their communities for use as a school. The lodges often hired and paid the teachers’ salaries. Since those early days, Masons and Masonic Lodges have continued to support education. During 2015, 544 Texas Masonic Lodges provided more than $2 million in education scholarships to students.

Beyond the educational focus, Texas Masons share an astronaut heritage with the ASF. When Apollo 11 astronaut (and Masonic Brother) Buzz Aldrin stepped onto the Moon’s surface in July 1969, he carried with him the special deputation of Texas Grand Master J. Guy Smith, authorizing Aldrin to claim Masonic Territorial Jurisdiction of the Moon for the Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas.

“One of the reasons Tranquility Lodge #2000 was created was to help promote the health, welfare, education and patriotism of children worldwide,” said Don Comedy, executive director of Texas Masonic Charities Foundation. “TL2K members felt that its goals and purposes, not to mention the Buzz Aldrin connection, were a perfect fit to launch a long-standing partnership with ASF.”

Thank you to everyone who supported the mission of ASF through in-kind donations or purchases

of store merchandise, event tickets, raffles, auction items and astronaut experiences. Visit AstronautScholarship.org for exciting new

opportunities throughout 2016!

Auction winners Jill and Steve Wirth enjoy a private tour of Napa Valley’s Caldwell Vineyards with astronaut Dan Bursch. Left to Right: Bryan Toy, Sharon Yencharis, Vic Luebker, Jill Wirth, Dan Bursch, and Steve Wirth. Photo Credit: Suzanne Beck Bronx

Auction winner Jerry Matulka stands behind astronaut Jerry Carr on the TV set of “Life of the Party,” featuring a cooking and dining experience with Perfect Wife Restaurant and Badia a Coltibuono wine.

2015 astronaut scholars

Dan Brandenstein, chairman Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, with Jillian Yuricich Ohio State, Astronaut Scholar.

The Wreyford Family and Astronaut Charlie Duke sponsor our Texas A&M Astronaut Scholarships William Linz and Kirstin Maulding.

Dan Brandenstein, chairman Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, celebrating with an ASF cookie at Ohio State University.

Astronaut Fred Gregory awards Samuel Clarke at Georgia Institute of Technology.

University of Chicago Scholars, Olivia Stovicek and Trevor Roberts with Astronaut Fred Gregory.

Patrons Larry and Patti McGlynn at MIT with Scholar Ceili Burdhimo, Scholarship sponsored by Jacobs.

In 2015, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation presented the prestigious Astronaut Scholarship to 38 exceptional STEM students throughout the United States. As part of the award ceremonies, ASF also hosted educational seminars with guest astronaut lecturers stressing the importance of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and its positive impact on our global society.

Upcoming Astronaut Scholar Award Ceremonies Tufts University – Friday, April 1

Louisiana State University – Thursday, April 7Details will be updated on the ASF website.

* Universities Providing Matching Scholarships If you are interested in having your university accept this challenge, please contact Nicole Russ at Nicole@astronautscholarship.org.

Brown University Clemson University Florida Insititute of Technology Georgia Institute of TechnologyHarvey Mudd CollegeLouisiana State University *Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyMiami University (Ohio)North Carolina State UniversityNorth Dakota State UniversityOhio State UniversityPennsylvania State University Purdue UniversitySyracuse UniversityTexas A&M Univeristy *Tufts University University of ArizonaUniversity of Central Florida * University of Chicago *University of ColoradoUniversity of Kansas *University of KentuckyUniversity of Michigan University of Minnesota * University of Oklahoma *University of RochesterUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of Texas at AustinUniversity of VirginiaUniversity of WashingtonUniversity of WisconsinWashington University (St. Louis)

Our most recent round of scholarship recipients hail from the following educational institutions:

38 students awarded coveted Astronaut Scholarship

Congratulations to three of our Astronaut Scholars for being among the fifteen individuals selected to receive the 2016-2017 Churchill Scholarship.

Mithi Alexa de los Reyes (North Carolina State University), MPhil, AstronomyTravis Sawyer (University of Arizona), MPhil, PhysicsSammy Shaker (University of Minnesota), MPhil, Materials Science

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scholar news

NASA astronaut featured in Glamour

During 2015, ASF successfully launched a pilot program that connects incoming Astronaut Scholars with astronauts, former scholars and industry leaders. Through the Innovative Leaders Mentor Program, current Astronaut Scholars are coached and advised regarding their education, career paths and transitioning from school into industry. They also receive leads on future jobs and networking paths to guide future life and professional decisions.

“The monetary portion of the prestigious Astronaut Scholarship Award caps at $10,000 per student,” said Tammy Knowles-Sudler, executive director for the ASF. “This program extends the value of that gift beyond any financial measure. It keeps our scholars engaged with their ASF family and sets the stage for them to become mentors for future classes of incoming Astronaut Scholars. We look forward to growing this program for years to come.”

If you are interested in volunteering as a mentor, please contact Nicole Russ at Nicole@astronautscholarship.org.

Glamour magazine recently profiled four of NASA’s female astronauts, including Christina Hammock Koch (far right). Koch was an Astronaut Scholar in 2000 and 2001 from North Carolina State University. After spending a year on a research project at the South Pole, she became an astronaut in 2013. Today, she is in training, vying for the chance to be named one of the elite few who will travel to Mars in approximately 15 years.

Read her story here: www.glamour.com/inspired/2016/01/nasa-women-astronauts-first-trip-to-mars

Astronaut Scholar alumna appears on episode of FOX’s Xploration Outer Space

Congratulations to Astronaut Scholar alumna Jillian Yuricich who recently appeared on the hit FOX show Xploration Outer Space. Yuricich, an ASF Astronaut Scholar in 2014 and 2015, won a Facebook competition to undergo student-astronaut training in Florida at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Her exciting adventure is in episode 15, which aired on Dec. 20, 2015. Yuricich, 22, caught the space bug at age 5. Since then, she has dedicated her life to pursuing her dream of becoming an astronaut on Mars. She attended space camp as a child and is currently majoring in aerospace engineering at Ohio State University. “Pursuing space flight pushes us in science and technology, and that not only benefits the astronauts, but it comes back to benefit the entire world,” Yuricich said. “And to me, that’s one of the greatest win-wins in the history of win-wins.” When Yuricich learned about Xploration Outer Space’s Facebook competition, she knew she had to give it a try. Her video submission garnered more than 10,000 views in 48 hours, and earned her a spot as one of four finalists. She received the good news that she was the grand prize winner during one of her classes via a video message from the show’s host, Emily Calandrelli, who accompanied Yuricich in the adventure. Yuricich and Calandrelli met in Florida in October to undergo scientist-astronaut training, which was hosted by Project PoSSUM, a nonprofit, suborbital research program devoted to the ongoing observation of the upper atmosphere. The women underwent G-force training in a special aircraft, where they endured loops, turns and 30 seconds of upside-down flying to simulate weightlessness. Then, they performed a simulated suborbital space mission to study the mesosphere and perform cloud research. Yuricich was the pilot for the mission. “To have the opportunity to train like an astronaut for a handful of days … I still can’t believe it happened,” Yuricich said. “This was my largest step yet to reaching my goal of becoming an astronaut on Mars. It’s a prize that leaves me speechless.” Watch Yuricich’s appearance on episode 15 of Xploration Outer Space by visiting Hulu at www.hulu.com/grid/xploration-outer-space?video_type=episode

Astronauts Nicole Aunapu Mann, Anne McClain, Jessica Meir, and Christina Hammock Koch, photographed at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Astronaut Scholar Jillian Yuricich (left) with Emily Calandrelli (right) of Xploration Outerspace.

Innovative Leaders Mentor Program

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE ASTRONAUT SCHOLAR ALUMNI for their ongoing support of ASF. In 2015, the Astronaut Scholars raised over $26,000 through their Scholars Give Back campaign. Their commitment to give back goes beyond financial support with their generous gifts of time, expertise, and resources for many of our events and programs. Through the alumni’s life-long commitment to ASF, they are ensuring that future generations of our nation’s brightest young minds will have the same opportunities they have been awarded. To contribute to the Scholars Give Back campaign in honor of an Astronaut Scholar, simply note the scholar’s name when you make your online donation at www.AstronautScholarship.org/donate or by mailing in your donation to ASF, Mailcode ASF-1, Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899.

The beginning of a new year is an exciting time around the ASF because it is when we unveil the newest heroes who will be inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame (AHOF). Based on a formal review process made by the AHOF Induction Selection Committee, we are proud to announce that this year, Brian Duffy and Scott Parazynski, M.D. will join the ranks of 91 other accomplished astronauts from the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab and Space Shuttle Programs. The ASF, along with Delaware North Companies (DNC), will honor these two individuals with a two-day celebration in May at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSCVC).

The festivities kick off on Friday, May 13, when ASF will host a black-tie gala featuring dozens of astronauts and the “who’s who” from the aerospace industry. Held in the KSCVC’s award-winning Apollo/Saturn V Center, guests will enter the event via a Hollywood-style red carpet that lies beneath the breathtaking Saturn V rocket suspended directly above. Later, they will dine with industry titans, scholar alumni and some of the greatest space legends of all time, as they watch Duffy and Parazynski be recognized for their achievements. Duffy and Parazynski will be formally inducted into the AHOF on Saturday, May 14, at a ceremony that fittingly takes place beneath the Atlantis exhibit at KSCVC.

The weekend will also include ASF’s Scholar Technical Conference, where Astronaut Scholars present their current work, research and projects. Last year’s presentation even drew some of the space legends featured at the gala who were fascinated by the work of these talented young minds.

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U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are now available for the May 13th gala. Like every year, it’s a guaranteed sell-out that you don’t want to miss!

For more information, please visit www.AstronautScholarship.org

BRIAN DUFFY AND SCOTT PARAZYNSKI TO BE INDUCTED INTO THE ASTRONAUT HALL OF FAME

Brian Duffy became an astronaut in July 1986 and later served on four Space Shuttle flights – twice as pilot and twice as commander. During his final mission on STS-92 in 2000, he and his crew attached key hardware pieces to the International Space Station, which opened the door for future assembly missions and prepared the station for its first resident crew. He logged a total of 40 days, 17 hours in space.

His other NASA experience includes acting as spacecraft communicator in Mission Control during numerous other Space Shuttle missions. He also served as Assistant Director (Technical) and Deputy Director (Acting) of the NASA-Johnson Space Center in Houston. Upon retiring from the U.S. Air Force and NASA in 2001, he joined Lockheed Martin and spent a decade managing all aspects of KSC’s networks and communications systems that supported the Space Shuttle, International Space Station and Expendable Launch Vehicle programs. He later managed Lockheed Martin’s military space division. Today, he serves as Vice President of JSC/KSC Exploration Systems at Orbital ATK, where he leads a coalition that is developing the systems required for deep space exploration.

A Boston native, Duffy earned his bachelor of science in mathematics from the United States Air Force Academy and a master of science in systems management from the University of Southern California. He is a member of the USAF Academy Association of Graduates, the Air Force Association and the Association of Space Explorers.

Scott Parazynski, M.D. had completed nearly two years of his residency in emergency medicine when NASA selected him for the astronaut corps in 1992. A veteran of five Space Shuttle flights, he has logged more than eight weeks in space, including 47 hours during seven spacewalks. Mission highlights include: a global ozone mapping mission, leading the first joint U.S.-Russian spacewalk while docked to Mir, serving as Senator John Glenn’s crewmate and personal physician and conducting EVA assembly of the Canadian-built space station arm. He is the second astronaut in history to perform four spacewalks in a single Space Shuttle Mission (STS-120).

During his NASA career, Parazynski served in numerous senior leadership roles, including EVA Branch Chief and the Lead Astronaut for Space Shuttle Thermal Protection System Inspection & Repair. Since retiring from NASA in 2009, he has served as a senior executive in the aerospace and medical sectors: Founding Director/Chief Medical Officer of UTMB’s Center for Polar Medical Operations, University Explorer and Professor of Practice at Arizona State University, and recent co-founder of BlueDot Technologies, which aims to leverage disruptive technologies from national and university labs to address the planet’s greatest needs. He is a prolific inventor and product developer.

Parazynski earned a bachelor of science in biology from Stanford University, continuing on to graduate with honors from Stanford Medical School. He served his medical internship at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital of Harvard Medical School.

Scott Parazynski, M.D.STS-66, STS-86, STS-95, STS-100 and STS-120

Brian Duffy (Colonel, USAF, Ret.)STS-45, STS-57, STS-72 and STS-92

U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction

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Thank you to our sponsors for making Space Rendezvous 2015 a tremendous success!

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Recent EVENTS

SPACE RENDEZVOUS 2015

SAVE THE DATE!SPACE RENDEZVOUS 2016

NOVEMBER 3 – 5

Astronauts, collectors and space enthusiasts gathered in November for Space Rendezvous 2015, a three-day “spacetacular” extravaganza which raises funds for scholarships to outstanding college STEM students. Formerly known as the Astronaut Autograph & Memorabilia Show, the newly revamped event featured dynamic educational and lecture opportunities, along with the famous autograph component.

“Space Rendezvous 2015 included educational seminars, updates on current activities in the space industry and one-on-one interactions with space heroes,” said Tammy Knowles-Sudler, ASF’s executive director. “More than 30 veteran NASA astronauts joined us as we raised money to shape the next generation of science and technology leaders.”

Legends from the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab and Space Shuttle Programs took part in Space Rendezvous 2015. One of the highlights was a gala held on Saturday, Nov. 7, in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project. The evening, emceed by astronauts Al Worden and Dick Gordon, relived the origins of the United States’ first international effort with Russia to the International Space Station of today’s space program, featuring a panel discussion by astronauts General Tom Stafford, Jack Lousma, Norm Thagard and U.S. Program Manager Glynn Lunney. Hundreds of guests enjoyed cocktails, dinner, a live auction and an evening program.

The educational seminars were a huge hit among attendees. Leaders from Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Aerojet Rocketdyne and Orbital ATK, as well as Astronaut Scholar Tim Duquette, gave updates on the steps being made today to prepare for human exploration of asteroids and Mars during the OLS/SLS Orion seminar. Astronauts Tom Akers, Steve Hawley, Jeff Hoffman and Kathy Thornton, along with former NASA Administrator Mike Griffin and Astronaut Scholar Larry Bradley shared untold stories and discoveries about the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) during a special 25th anniversary of HST seminar. Finally, astronauts, Astronaut Scholars and space personalities took part in breakout sessions to share ongoing and historical activities.

On Saturday, hundreds of collectors attended the Astronaut Autograph and Memorabilia Show at Kennedy Space Center to take pictures, share stories and collect autographs from the esteemed list of space legends.

“The entire event was a giant learning fest from some of the greatest heroes in the space business,” Knowles-Sudler said. “Everyone involved – from speakers to attendees to all of us who planned it – had a great time and can’t wait for Space Rendezvous 2016.”

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Recent Events

ASF Visionary Circle Founders Vinny and Marianne Cimino hosted a “Meet & Greet” at the Desert Mountain Country Club in Arizona on Dec. 8 featuring famed Apollo 13 astronaut, Captain James Lovell. More than 140 guests gathered for the chance to hear the legendary hero share his personal experience of surviving the near-fatal mission and the important role innovation and critical thinking played in bringing the crew home safely. The evening was also a chance for these guests to be introduced to the ASF and its renowned Astronaut Scholarship Program, as well as meet two current scholar recipients – Travis Sawyer and Benjamin Cromey.

The ASF’s “Meet & Greet” program is part of the ongoing effort to raise awareness of ASF’s mission. Events are hosted by ASF’s family of directors, trustees and supporters who graciously open their homes, businesses or other venues to introduce ASF to their local community. Through the personal stories and life experiences of astronauts and Astronaut Scholars, guests gain a better understanding of the impact the ASF has not only on students, but on the nation’s workforce in fields such as aerospace, energy, and defense and homeland security.

If you are interested in hosting a “Meet & Greet” event contact: Rika Rowland

Director of Corporate and Donor Relations rika@astronautscholarship.org or 321.449.4876.

Cimino Family hosts “Meet & Greet” with Apollo 13’s Captain James Lovell

Captain James Lovell, giving the evenings presentation.

Captain James Lovell and evening host Vinny Cimino.

Left to Right: Astronaut Scholars Travis Sawyer and Ben Cromey, Todd Hansen, Member of the ASF Visionary Circle, and Captain James Lovell.

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SUPPORTERSA Sincere Thank You to Our Generous Supporters

You are an Important Part of Our Foundation’s SuccessUP TO $999

$1,000 - $4,999

John H. AbbottJan AkersRick ArmstrongJennifer AyalaBrian BauerRobert BayleyAlan and Leslie BeanJohn and Brenda BlahaJosh and Jessica BlombergLarry BradleyVance and Bev BrandJohn BriodyAlastair BrowneDavid BrownhillRobert and Rita BroylesColin BurgessMurrie Burk Patricia CarpenterDan CavanaghAndrew ChaikinMichael A. ChangLuc CharlandGloria ChestnutNicholas ChocasMary CleaveMary CohnSuzi CooperTom and Lynne CoudronCharles CrawfordDavid CrawleyWalter and Dot Cunningham Timothy Drake Michael DudinyakJohn Estell John Fabian David Fisher

Anonymous Thomas AkersPatrick BiltgenMike BlackDan and Jane BrandensteinMichael BrieschCharles Brown Gordon and Ann Brown Gene and Jan CernanKevin and Cathy ChiltonFred and Laura ChurchleyEileen CollinsRichard and Kathleen CoveyRobert and Pandora CrippenBob and Gretchen Dudney

Lonia FredlanderMarie FullertonRichard GarriottMarianne Clark GaudinMari Lynn GliddenShannan and Bruce GoforthBuddy and Karen GoodmanDuane GravelineRichard B. Green Fred and Annette GregoryBev GreshamMichael D. GriffinDavid HamonHugh Harris Gina HerlihyPatricia HespZoe HespJames HillhouseTimothy JacksonMargot JacobsGreg JohnsonAndrew Jones Camille Juliano Richard JurekCole KazembaWendel Kent Trent Kingery Dale KleinJarret LafleurWendy LawrenceDiane LesserCraig Lewandowski Russ and Mary LloydJack and Gratia LousmaJerry LouviereGlynn and Marilyn Lunney

Bonnie DunbarCharlie and Dotty DukeChris FergusonRick Hauck & Susan Bruce Harry JacobsThomas and Elizabeth JonesWilliam KalinowskiElizabeth Kemp-PhersonDarlene KoenigGene KranzAndrew and Bobbie LaGraveneseMark LarsonStella LillicropThe Littlefild/Roper FamilyJohn Meredith

Caitlin MackeyBrian MathasonJon and Sharon McBrideMike and Jane McCulleyDon and Janice McMonagleMike and Anne MeiersBruce and Kim MelnickTodd and Nicole MichaelsJeremy MonatJoAnn MorganCharles J. MuellerJames H. Newman Joel Odom Cory OffDee O’HaraRiley Pack Robert Panish Jocelyn Passty William Patton Benjamin PaulsonAmelia Pflaum Brenda PhillipsAllan Proksel Margaret Race David RahmaniWilliam RemsenDiane RennerJennifer RiggleJerry Roberts David Robertson Margaret and Harold Rominger Preston and Lynn RootRebecca RoughtHamp and Rika RowlandRobert Safay Terrence Salvi

Mike and Donna MullaneJonathan PikalekBarry PowerCharlie and Lynne PrecourtDirk RaemdonckKent RomingerWilliam SalkewiczBrewster and Kathy ShawDouglas SheridanRobert SieckSheridan G. SnyderRichard and Donna StrongKim TopleyJohn TylkoPaul and Suzanne Weitz

David M. Scott Winston and Marilyn ScottBetty and David ShleprBelinda ShreckengostLoren and Susan ShriverAnne Buzbee Skewes Robert SollidayRobert and Deborah Springer Kimberly StanekTony and Tammy SudlerJoseph TannerVivian Teets Steve and Kathy Thornton Matt TripiDick and Cody Truly Fiona TurettBarbara WaltersNorma Wendt Ashley Moore-WilliamsHoward WoodruffAl Worden Brian YanagitaniPhilip YarbroughKamela Yuricich Companies & Organizations:Communications Concepts, Inc.DF Eisele Memorial Scholarship FundFenwick Club Letters from LanaMount Evans Home Health Care & HospiceRML Acoustics, LLCRobroy IndustriesSiemens Westinghouse Retirees AssociationSpace HipstersThe NEEMO Team University of Michigan Club of SW Florida

Companies & Organizations:Chubb & Son EmbraerEmerson-Griffin Toring Private FoundationGross Family FoundationISSA Raleigh Chapter - International Systems Security AssociationR & R Auction Company, LLCRocky Mountain Psychotherapy Rotary National Award for Space Achievement, In Honor of Robert CabanaSpace Coast Jet CenterSpace Coast Office of Tourism

* This list consists of gifts not related to special event tickets, auctions, raffles, or merchandise.

One of the factors that makes Astronaut Scholars so unique is their willingness to give their time, talent and financial resources to help make the ASF as strong as possible. And, in some cases, that drive extends to the Scholars’ family members. Meet the Isaacson Family, who recently donated $5,000 to the ASF as part of the Gold “Visionary Circle” honoring former astronaut and ASF Chairman of the Board, Dan Brandenstein.

The ASF named Scott Isaacson an Astronaut Scholar in 2010 while he was enrolled at the University of Minnesota. Over the past five years, Scott’s parents – Greg and Jan – have attended the ASF Scholars/Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony weekend festivities with their son twice and witnessed firsthand the incredible talent of the many fine young men and women who have received scholarships.

“A few words come to mind about these scholars: smart, talented, insightful, driven,” said Greg Isaacson. “Seeing the unique qualities of these individuals led us to support ASF in a meaningful way.”

Isaacson said his son, along with all of the Astronaut Scholars, received many opportunities through the ASF that are not available via other scholarship programs. This includes not only the “great ASF staff,” but also the many former astronauts that generously give of their time and talents to nurture the scholars.

“Supporting the ASF mission and helping fund future ASF scholarships was a natural next step for us,” Isaacson said. “We encourage others to do likewise. These fine young people are the future of our nation, and there is no doubt our nation’s future is bright!”

We encourage all former Astronaut Scholars to consider giving back in some fashion. Donations can be made online at www.AstronautScholarship.org/get-involved/how-to-contribute/.To discuss additional ways to take an even more active role, contact Tammy Knowles-Sudler, Executive Director, at tammy@astronautscholarship.org or Rika Rowland, Director of Corporate and Donor Relations at rika@astronautscholarship.org.

Former Astronaut Scholar’s Family Makes Sizeable Contribution

Our heartfelt thanks to the following Visionary Circle Founders, who chose to honor members of the Mercury 7

with their contribution.

Scott Carpenter Steve & Jill WirthGordon Cooper Daniel & Jennifer de Jong

John Glenn Barry & Liz HoldenGus Grissom Bill & Linda J. Wally Schirra Lawrence & Patricia McGlynnAlan Shepard Marianne & Vincent CiminoDeke Slayton James Long

SUPPORTERS

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Greg, Scott and Jan Isaacson at Kennedy Space Center Rocket Garden.

Joseph FischerGeorge and Lisa Schott

David TenenbaumSteve and Jill Wirth

Companies & Organizations:The Gildea Foundation

The USAA Foundation, Inc.Jane P. Long Fund

Page, Wolfberg, & Wirth, LLC

Companies & Organizations: Tranquility Masonic Lodge #2000

Wreyford Family Foundation

Companies & Organizations: The Boundless Frontier Foundation

David Andrews Curt and Mary Brown

Scott and Amy ClemensTodd HansenGreg Isaacson

James and Marilyn LovellMark Rein

William SteinJohn and Carol Tyler

Vincent and Marianne CiminoDaniel and Jennifer de Jong

Barry and Liz Holden Bill and Linda J.

James Long

Companies & Organizations:Airscan, Inc

JacobsMcGlynn, Clinton, & Hall Insurance Agencies

$10,000 - $19,000

$50,000 - $100,000

$100,000+

$5,000 - $9,999

$20,000 - $49,000

Astronaut Honorees Visionaries

Astronaut Scholarship FoundationMail Code: ASF-1Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899

connect with us on social media

STRENGTHENING AMERICA’S POSITION IN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

HISTORY OF THE FOUNDATIONThirty years ago, the six surviving Mercury 7 astronauts – Scott Carpenter, Gordon Cooper, John Glenn, Walter Schirra, Alan Shepard and Deke Slayton – came together with the goal to use their joint credibility to encourage students to pursue scientific endeavors to keep America on the leading edge of technology. That idea led to the formation of the Mercury 7 Foundation, which later became the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF). Together with Betty Grissom (widow of Mercury 7 Astronaut, Virgil “Gus” Grissom), William Douglas, M.D. (the Project Mercury flight surgeon), and Henri Landwirth (Orlando businessman and friend of the astronauts) the Mercury 7 astronauts provided scholarships for students that excelled in the area of science.

Today, more than 100 astronauts from the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Skylab and Space Shuttle programs have joined in the mission. Through the garnered support of astronauts, industry leaders, educational institutions and patrons, ASF awards merit-based scholarships to the best and brightest university students who excel in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The prestigious Astronaut Scholarship is known nationwide for being among the highest scholarships awarded to undergraduate STEM students. Since its inception, ASF has awarded over $4 million in scholarships to more than 400 of the nation’s top scholars.

MISSIONTo aid the United States in retaining its world leadership in science and technology by providing college scholarships for the very best and brightest students pursuing science, technology, engineering, or math degrees.