Dr. Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman to go into space and founder and president of an advanced technology company, will deliver the commencement address at Elon University Saturday, May 25.
Jemison’s six-year career as an astronaut was highlighted by her mission aboard the space shuttle Endeavour in September 1992. She also worked as the science mission specialist for a joint Spacelab flight between the United States and Japan, conducting experiments in life sciences and material sciences.
Jemison left NASA in 1993 to form her own company, The Jemison Group, Inc., which attempts to bring science and technology to developing countries throughout the world. Its projects include consulting on the design and implementation of solar thermal electricity generation systems, and the use of satellite-based telecommunications to improve health care in Africa.
Jemison also serves as professor of environmental studies at Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., where she is director of the Jemison Institute for Advancing Technology in Developing Countries. She started The Earth We Share (TEWS), an international science camp where 12- to 16-year-old students work together to solve global problems.
A licensed physician, Jemison worked as a general practitioner in Los Angeles and as a medical officer with the Peace Corps in Africa before joining NASA.
The Rev. John H. Thomas will speak at the Baccalaureate service on Friday, May 24. Thomas is general minister and president of the United Church of Christ. Thomas also served eight years as assistant to former UCC president Paul Sherry, with responsibilities for the denomination’s ecumenical relationships.
The May 25 commencement exercises will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the historic area under the oaks in front of West Residence Hall.