Apollo 13 Heroes Visit Campus
In November, the George A. Andrews Distinguished Speaker Series presented “Failure Is Not an Option,” a talk by Apollo 13 astronauts James A. Lovell (center) and Fred W. Haise (left) and former NASA Mission Flight Control Director Gene Kranz (right). Speaking in a fireside chat style to a packed Cox Auditorium—with a completely full Wanamaker Hall audience watching a simulcast—the men provided an unforgettable glimpse into space exploration, history, humility, and courage.
Astronauts Land in the Classrooms
Earlier that day, the Apollo 13 team took their message into classrooms, addressing the impact of the space program in various disciplines.
Seated in the 21st Century classroom before a photo of himself reading a newspaper account of the Apollo 13 landing, Lovell spoke to a mass communication class about the impact of the space program on society. Referring to the image on the screen, he explained that, while he and the other astronauts were certain their predicament had made the news, they were unprepared for the worldwide coverage they’d received. “By Apollo 13, the general public had pretty much lost interest in the space program,” Lovell told the class. “[But] shortly after being pulled from the ocean and resting safely aboard the Iwo Jima aircraft carrier near American Samoa, [I was] handed a newspaper with the huge headline, ‘Astronauts Safe!’ It was then that I realized the world had been watching us.”
Discussing the impact of design on the space program with astronomy and 3-D art students, Haise shared insight from his 17-year career in the aerospace industry (after his involvement in the space program), explaining aspects of complex and lengthy design processes and ever-evolving technology. “It was an honor to meet with a true American hero from our country’s early space program,” says visiting astronomy professor Dave Robertson. “We owe an immeasurable debt of gratitude to these early pioneers of space who were willing to place themselves in essentially a glorified sardine can to push back the veil of human ignorance.”
Speaking to a Business Analytics class, Kranz commented, “Character is the foundation of your life, so don’t allow it to be compromised. Character is about integrity, trust, and wholeness.” Describing how he chronicled his own life by journaling about each person who had helped shape his experience, Kranz encouraged students to do the same. “I began the journal with my mother, who worked extremely hard to support our family after my father died,” he said. “Many others made the list—teachers, leaders in the space program, [a] former flight instructor, my wife of 58 years, and our six children. You can create a similar journal—and don’t wait to thank people who have helped you in your life journey.”
Student Engagement and Moon Pie
Students and faculty enjoyed a remarkable level of engagement with the three men during their campus visit. Between classes and their evening presentation, the team dined with a group of students, enjoying moon pie for dessert.
Without a doubt, the team’s visit made a lasting impression. Sophomore Clarice Bruch says, “The resourcefulness and courage expressed by the Apollo 13 team is something I hope to emulate in my life. Their visit was definitely a highlight of my semester!” Freshman Andy Christianson agrees: “Their work with NASA redefined what humanity thought it could do and has been a source of hope, courage, and strength for my generation. . . . It was very inspiring to meet them.”