America’s first year-round astronaut will visit UF on Monday.
Retired astronaut and U.S. Navy Capt. Scott Kelly will speak and answer student questions at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on Monday at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Kelly is being paid $55,000, said Accent Speakers Bureau Chairman Mike Greenberg.
Kelly, who has worked for NASA for 20 years, will speak about his experience being the first American astronaut to spend a full year in space. Accent originally planned to bring Kelly to campus last year due to high student demand, Greenberg said, but there were scheduling conflicts.
“It’s someone I think can really engage and interact with the Student Body,” he said.
Greenberg said he felt Kelly’s science background would appeal to students.
“There does seem to be a good amount of excitement around speakers that can talk about science and their experience with science,” he said. “We think Captain Kelly will provide the same kind of excitement and engagement.”
Adam Wang, a UF chemical engineering sophomore, said he is excited to hear an astronaut speak.
“My dream has always been to be an astronaut,” the 19-year-old said. “I’ve always really just liked space stuff.”
Tickets will be available at noon Friday at the Phillips Center box office. Students with a valid Gator 1 Card can get up to two tickets for free. Tickets left over will be available to the general public at noon Monday, also at the box office.
