Paul Kingsmith

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Lethbridge College is pleased to announce Colonel Rick Searfoss as keynote speaker for their convocation ceremonies on April 28 and 29.

Colonel Searfoss is one of less than a hundred people who have actually commanded a human space mission.  Prior to becoming an astronaut, Colonel Searfoss was a fighter pilot and test pilot in the U.S. Air Force, with over 6000 hours flying time in 73 types of aircraft. He is currently the Director of Flight Operations for XCOR Aerospace where he flies the world’s only liquid rocket-propelled aircraft and works with the development team on the Lynx suborbital spaceplane, for which he will be the first test pilot.

We’re extremely excited to have someone of this caliber share their message of empowerment with our students,” says Dr. Tracy Edwards, Lethbridge College president and CEO. “Colonel Searfoss is an exemplary example of what can be accomplished with hard work and dedication.”

Sharing his optimistic view of the amazing possibilities in life, Colonel Searfoss will gear his student address to Dreams, Hopes, and Realities. With the combined perspective of having flown in space, a world-class technical education, and ongoing involvement with private entrepreneurial space ventures, Colonel Searfoss offers a visionary and enthusiastic view of the life-changing possibilities ahead of us.

Colonel Searfoss will also host a family friendly community function at the college’s IB Theatres on April 28 at 7 p.m. He’ll speak to the Human Side of Human Space Flight. It will be a great mix of down-to-earth style and out-of-this-world excitement as he shares the astronauts’ tools for effective leadership, teamwork, and innovative results that count. Contact Lana Walsh for more information at 403-320-3496 or email [email protected]

Lethbridge Convocation ceremonies will take place April 28 at 2 p.m. and 29 at 10 a.m. in the Val Matteotti Gymnasium.