May 01, 2006 Laurel, Maryland

A retired NASA mathematician who calculated the paths to get Neil Armstrong to the moon and back will address the Class of 2006 as the keynote speaker at Capitol College's annual commencement on May 13.

Katherine Johnson was a NASA research mathematician and scientist for more than 30 years before retiring in 1986. A pioneer in the space industry, Johnson witnessed and played a critical role in some of the most historic moments in American space flight.

Johnson began working at NASA’s Langley Research Center in 1953 when opportunities for African Americans and women were limited. A gifted mathematician, she joined the tracking team for manned and unmanned missions. Johnson used math and physics to calculate complex spacecraft trajectories, orbits and navigation.

She worked on teams that helped launch America’s rise to power in the space race. She calculated the flight paths of the first manned space flight in 1961 by astronaut Alan Shepard, the first manned orbit of Earth in 1962 by John Glenn, and the landing of the first man on the moon by Armstrong in 1969.

Johnson, a native of White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., graduated from West Virginia State College summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in French and mathematics.

In honor of her pioneering work and accomplishments in space flight, Johnson received numerous awards from NASA in 1971, 1980 and 1985. Other awards include Alumnus of the Year in 1962 from West Virginia State College and Mathematician of the Year from the National Technical Association in 1997. She received an honorary doctorate of law from Farmingdale State University of New York in 1998.

The commencement procession will begin at 9:45 a.m. The on-campus event will take place outside regardless of weather. Students planning to attend the ceremony can pick up their caps and gowns now in the Office of Registration and Records. They will also be available the morning of graduation.

Information for students and their families can be found in a special commencement section of the website through the Office of Registration and Records.

Along with picking up caps and gowns, students can complete a form to announce their graduation to their hometown or local newspaper. Return the completed form to the Office of Marketing and Communications.

On the day of commencement, graduating students should check in between 8 to 8:20 a.m., and must report to the campus auditorium by 8:20.

Other important information about commencement:

• Guests should arrive by 9 a.m. for best parking and seats.
• Parking is available on campus. Further directions will be provided once guests and students arrive.
• No tickets are necessary; students can invite as many guests as they want.
• The ceremony will last approximately two hours. A reception will follow in the Campus Center.
• The campus bookstore will be open until about noon.