Garneau touching down at Nipissing this Thursday

Nipissing University is pleased to welcome Canada’s first astronaut, Dr. Marc Garneau, to campus for a special lecture this Thursday, January 24 from 4 – 5 p.m. in the Vittorio Fedeli Business Centre (room F210).Titled Empowering through Knowledge and Innovation, the lecture is co-hosted by Nipissing’s Computer Science and Mathematics department, and Political Science program.
As Canada’s first astronaut, an officer in the Canadian Navy, president of the Canadian Space Agency, and a Member of Parliament, Dr. Garneau’s exceptional life of leadership and accomplishment is an inspiration to all Canadians.
Born in Quebec City, he began his career of public service at age 16, when he attended Royal Military College in Saint-Jean, Quebec.
After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering Physics from the Royal Military College in Kingston, Garneau completed a Doctorate in Electrical Engineering at the Imperial College of Science and Technology. He went on to study at the Canadian Forces Command and Staff College in Toronto.
As a Naval Officer, Garneau served as a Combat Systems Engineer in HMCS Algonquin, and rose to the rank of Captain before retiring from the Navy in 1989.
In 1983 Garneau’s exceptional leadership qualities, physical fitness and academic expertise singled him out for greatness. Moved by his passion for adventure and service, he applied and was selected as one of the original six Canadian astronauts from more than 4,000 applicants.
On October 5, 1984, he made history when he became the first Canadian to fly in space as part of a NASA Shuttle Mission.
He went on to fly in two more shuttle missions logging more than 670 hours in space and earning a spot in the hearts of Canadians forever.
For his accomplishments, he was also made a Companion of the Order of Canada.
Garneau went on to serve as President of the Canadian Space Agency from 2001 to 2005, where he oversaw a staff of 700 and managed an annual budget of $300 million. As President, he developed the Canadian Space Strategy, which defines the mandate and long term goals of the Canadian Space Program.