Students, professionals and TRiO programs affiliates will converge on the city of Greensboro Jan. 28–30 to commemorate the legacy of North Carolina A&T State University alumnus Dr. Ronald E. McNair.

On Monday, Jan. 28, McNair Scholars and other attendees will gather in the Memorial Student Union for the 27th Annual Commemorative Celebration of McNair’s life. McNair graduated from N.C. A&T with a degree in physics and went on to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he earned a Ph.D. in laser physics.

McNair was selected by NASA for the space shuttle program in 1978, and he became the second African American to fly in space. In 1986, he was selected as mission specialist aboard the ill-fated U.S. Challenger space shuttle. That same year, Congress provided funding for the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program to encourage low-income, first-generation and historically underrepresented ethnic group students to enroll in Ph.D. programs and pursue academic careers.

The celebration will include presentations from McNair Scholars as well as a performance by the Fellowship Gospel Choir and a keynote address from A&T alumnus Franklin Hooker. This event is the first of a two-day symposium that will provide students with professional exposure and networking with working professionals in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Professionals will have an opportunity to view cutting-edge research and presentations in an engaging atmosphere designed to cultivate growth and development.

This is the 11th year for the symposium that includes a poster contest for students, a graduate fair and workshops, among other activities. Keynote speakers include speaker and author George Fraser and A&T’s provost, Dr. Winser Alexander.

To register for the symposium or for additional information, visit the event website.