Nov 27, 2006 - Claremont, Calif. - Recent Harvey Mudd College graduate Robert Panish '06 (pictured with astronaut Buzz Aldrin at right) spoke at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida at a November event commemorating the 40th anniversary of the space flight of Gemini 12. Representing students who have received scholarships from the Astronaut Scholars Foundation (which sponsored the event), Panish expressed gratitude for the opportunities the organization had allowed.

"The last year and a half that I have been involved with the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation has given me unique experiences that I could not have found anywhere else," he said. "Last May I was able to attend the Astronaut Hall of Fame Inauguration Weekend and meet dozens of astronauts who were anxious to learn about my activities and to share some of their wisdom."

"I also met other Astronaut Scholars who share a passion for space and technology," added Panish, who is currently pursuing a master's degree in astronautical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). "Perhaps, some of us will be responsible for creating the next phases of human space exploration."

Panish, who works in MIT's Space Systems Lab, said the most exhilarating opportunity he had experienced was being at this particular event surrounded by his childhood heroes. "It is inspiring to meet the people whose actions encouraged me to pursue my passion for science and engineering," he told the crowd, which included former astronauts Buzz Aldrin (Gemini 12, Apollo 11), Jim Lovell (Gemini 7, Gemini 12, Apollo 8, Apollo 13) and Al Worden (Apollo 15). "This is an amazing organization and I am honored to be part of it."