FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (11/06)
Contact: Derrick Head, lecturer in mathematics, at 318-869-5204 or Dr. Juan Rodriguez, Wortham Chair of Engineering, at 318-869-5218, or Kelsey Johnson, Centenary News Service, 318-841-7265

Centenary Alumnus Who Is Space Engineer for NASA Mission to Speak at On Campus Nov. 9

	William Gibson, Centenary Class of 1968

SHREVEPORT, LA – William Gibson, Centenary alumnus and assistant vice president of Space Science and Engineering at the Southwest Research Institute, will be the convocation speaker from 11:10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Nov. 9 in Kilpatrick Auditorium. Gibson will talk about his role as development leader of spacecraft instruments for NASA’s recent “New Horizons” mission to Pluto.

Following the convocation, from 12:30-1:30 p.m., the Math Club and Physics Clubs will host a luncheon for Gibson at the Symphony House on Woodlawn. Gibson will present information about SwRI’s research programs and employment and internship opportunities.

Gibson graduated from Centenary in 1968 with his B.S. in Engineering Science and went on to manage projects to develop scientific instruments and other systems on space shuttles and satellites. In 2003, Gibson received the NASA Public Service Medal, the highest level of award available to a non-NASA employee.

For more information, contact Derrick Head, lecturer in mathematics, at 318-869-5204 or Dr. Juan Rodriguez, Wortham Chair of Engineering, at 318-869-5218.

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Centenary College of Louisiana fosters a rich intellectual and social atmosphere. Students work within a strong community to create personalized, distinctive experiences. Building lives of integrity, our students explore the unfamiliar, invent new approaches to understanding, and connect their work and lives to the world at large. Centenary students enjoy a vibrant college life and achieve superior preparation for futures still unimagined. Centenary traces its founding to 1825 and is affiliated with the United Methodist Church.

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