NASA Astronaut José Hernández Inspires at Midland College's Davidson Distinguished Lecture SeriesSeptember 13, 2024

Midland College recently hosted an inspiring installment of the Davidson Distinguished Lecture Series at the Al G. Langford Chaparral Center, featuring NASA Astronaut José Hernández. A full crowd of community members, including students from local high schools, colleges, and the Midland Independent School District, along with MC faculty and staff, gathered to hear Hernández share his remarkable journey from the fields of California as a migrant farm worker to the vast expanse of outer space as an astronaut.

 

Hernández captivated the audience with his personal story of perseverance, diligence, and the importance of education. Born into a family of Mexican migrant farm workers, Hernández spent much of his youth following the harvest season across California. His childhood dream of becoming an astronaut was once considered out of reach, but through unwavering dedication and the pursuit of education, he broke barriers and eventually joined NASA as a mission specialist on the STS-128 space shuttle mission in 2009.

 

He added, “We are deeply thankful to José Hernández for sharing his extraordinary journey with our community, and to our generous donors who made this unforgettable evening possible.”

 

The Davidson Distinguished Lecture Series, established in 1996 through a gift from the Davidson Family Charitable Foundation, brings renowned speakers to Midland College, enhancing the educational experience for students and the greater community. Hernández’s message of persistence and resilience resonated deeply, inspiring attendees to chase their own dreams and reach for the stars.