Guion S. Bluford, Jr., shared his experience as the first African-American in space during the Black History Month Celebration hosted by UH-Clear Lake's Alumni Association Feb. 27.

Bluford served in the U.S. Air Force for 29 years. His service ranged from tactical fighter pilot flying 144 combat missions, 65 of which were over North Vietnam, to NASA mission specialist and payload commander for the Space Shuttle Program.

"When you prosper in life, people assume you do it by yourself," Bluford said. "We should be thankful for others that depend on you. I had my parents' help to encourage me to go to college. I feel blessed for parents, teachers, graduates and undergraduates students and fellow workers who depended on me to do what I do best."

Bluford graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor's degree in science in aerospace engineering.

He continued his studies and received a master's of science in aerospace engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1974. He earned a doctorate in aerospace engineering with a minor in laser physics in 1978. He graduated in 1987 from UH-Clear Lake with a master's in business administration.

"If you keep hanging in there, you will achieve it," Bluford said. "Staying in school is worth the effort. It's important to take advantage of school activities. I was busy in school leadership and organizations. It gave me the practical experience without getting paid."

"Hearing Dr. Bluford and the other panelists speak made me proud to share the university with such accomplished individuals," said Dusti Moran, communication major and moderator of the Black History Month panel event which took place earlier in the day.

Bluford's first shuttle mission was on the TS-8 (Challenger), which launched Aug. 30, 1983. STS-8 was the first shuttle to be launched and landed at night. He completed his fourth and final flight in 1992 and left NASA in 1993, logging more than 688 hours in space.

"I recommend these requirements to college students who are interested in becoming an astronaut: a strong technical operational background, a competitive process in test piloting, a masters or Ph.D. degree, good physical shape and a strong desire to contribute to the space program," Bluford said.

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