News Release

IWV Campus

Astronaut Rick Searfoss to Speak at College

November 15, 2007

As an astronaut with three space missions, Colonel Rick Searfoss shares with only a handful of people in history some of the most unique human experiences possible. Colonel Searfoss will share his experiences with students and community members on Friday, November 30 at Cerro Coso Community College. The lecture and presentation will take place at 7 p.m. in the College Lecture Center, courtesy of the Associated Students of Cerro Coso. He will present the program titled "As We Dream" – A Spacefarer's Vision.

Searfoss was the space shuttle mission commander & pilot on three different missions...STS-58, 76 & 90 on the Columbia and Atlantis shuttles. STS-58 and 76 were space flights to the joint Russian-American mission to the Mir Space Station. The STS-90 Neurolab flight on Columbia was the most complex science research space mission ever flown, with unparalleled mission success. Searfoss has over twenty-five years experience as a leader in some of the most demanding team endeavors possible – human space flight, test flying, and tactical military aviation.

Prior to becoming an astronaut Colonel Searfoss was a fighter pilot and test pilot in the U.S. Air Force, with over 5600 hours flying time in 70 different types of aircraft. He was also the number one graduate in his Air Force Academy class and earned a master's degree at the California Institute of Technology. In recent years Searfoss has also held executive level positions in the aerospace industry.

Colonel Searfoss is married with three daughters who help to keep him focused on what's truly important: faith, family and service beyond self. With compelling firsthand examples from richly rewarding professional and personal experiences, Searfoss speaks from the heart to teach, motivate, enlighten, and uplift audiences and fulfill his personal mission: "Sharing the achievement, teamwork, and leadership lessons of human space flight while bringing the wonder of Space to Earth for all to enjoy."

Price of admission is $10.00 for the general public and students with current ASCC "Coyote Card" is only $5.00. Tickets are available at the Cerro Coso Business Office, Red Rock Books and Student Activities Office. Tickets can also be purchased at the door. For more information call the Students Activities Office at 384-6353. Don't miss this meaningful, engaging and energetic presentation.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Joann Handeland, Director of Public Information (760) 384-6230