Grad studies workshop salutes McNair

McNair

he legacy of Ronald E. McNair, an African American astronaut who died in the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion 15 years ago, will be commemorated Saturday, January 27, during a day-long program to encourage minority students interested in pursuing graduate studies.

The program, which is free and open to the public, will be held from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the River Campus.

The program includes workshops detailing the process of pursuing a Ph.D., how students of color are recruited and retained, and the introduction of four graduate students who will speak about their experiences.

Along with University faculty members, panelists will include Orlando Taylor, graduate school dean at Howard University in Washington, D.C.; Howard Johnson, graduate school dean at Syracuse University; and Bruce Jacobs, dean of graduate studies at Rochester.

McNair, who received his doctorate from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, became an astronaut in 1978, and flew his first mission in 1984.

After the Challenger disaster, Congress approved funding for the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, designed to increase the number of low-income, first generation, and underrepresented minority college students who pursue and complete the doctoral degree.

The day's activities are co-sponsored by McNair programs at the University, SUNY Albany, SUNY Binghamton, SUNY Brockport, SUNY Fredonia, Syracuse University, University of Buffalo, and Buffalo State College. To confirm attendance, please call x5-7512.

For more information about the University's McNair program, visit the Web site at www.rochester.edu/College/McNair-Program.

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