Astronauts to Visit CLU Early Childhood Center

(THOUSAND OAKS, CA–December 12, 2005) – Two astronauts will be visiting the Early Childhood Center at California Lutheran University on Monday, Dec. 19, at 10 a.m.

Cmdr. Robert Curbeam and Col. Terrence Wilcutt, both active astronauts stationed in Houston, will visit the Early Childhood Center at CLU to talk to the children about their duties as astronauts. Both astronauts work out of the Houston Space Station as well as the Kennedy Space Center.

Wilcutt, a former high school math teacher, entered the U.S. Marine Corps in 1976. In 1990, he was selected by NASA and became an astronaut in 1991. He is a veteran of five space missions.

Curbeam received his training in aeronautical engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy where he graduated with his master’s degree in 1990. He continued his education, graduating with a degree in aeronautical and astronautical engineering a year later. NASA selected him in 1994. Curbeam, the second African American astronaut for the United States, is a veteran of three space missions and is currently preparing for his fourth.

MEDIA NOTE: For information on covering this event, please contact Elaine Davis, Director of the Early Childhood Center, at (805) 493–3247.