Eileen Collins , Awards and Words of Wisdom
As for the personal details of Collins’ life, Eileen showed an interest in space exploration, as well as for being a pilot at a young age. When she became a young adult, she graduated from Elmira Free Academy in 1974 and enrolled in Corning Community College, leaving with an associate degree in science and math. In this article, you will learn more personal details, as well as recognition Collins has received over the years.
Collins then went onto attend and graduate from Syracuse University in 1978. A Masters of Science degree followed in 1986, where she attended Stanford University and studied operations research. In 1987, Collins married another pilot by the name of Pat Youngs. They went on to have two children. She didn’t stop there , she earned a Master of Arts degree in space systems management in 1989 from Webster University.
Besides earning the title of first female shuttle pilot in America, Eileen Collins has received a great deal of awards and other recognition concerning her career in astronomy. From taking home a Defense Superior Service Medal to being inducted in the National Women’s Hall Of Fame, Collins has received a lot of praise for her accomplishments, including the:
· Distinguished Flying Cross
· Defense Meritorious Service Medal
· Meritorious Service Medal (with one oak leaf cluster)
· Air Force Commendation Medal (with one oak leaf cluster)
· Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (received for her service in Grenada , Operation Urgent Fury)
· French Legion of Honor
· Outstanding Leadership Medal and Space Flight Medals (given by NASA)
· Free Spirit Award
National Space Trophy
Additionally, there is a Space Observatory named in her honor (called the Eileen Collins Observatory), which is manned by the State University of New York system (SUNY). The Encyclopedia Britannica recognized Collins as one of the top 300 women in history who have changed the world. In Collins’ honor, the Syracuse Hancock International Airport has named the main entrance boulevard in her name. Other recognition that Collins has received, includes:
· On May 9th, 2006, the New York State Legislature passed a resolution honoring the career of Collins. Bascially, the resolution goes on to state that Collins has reached significant milestones and that she has a ‘pioneering spirit.’ State Senator George Winner and Assemblyman Thomas O’Mara are responsible for sponsoring this honor.
· Collins received an honorary Doctor of Science degree at Elmira College, which was given at the commencement ceremony for the college on June 4th, 2006. Ten days later, she also received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the National University of Ireland.
· The Women’s Board of the Adler Planetarium honored Collins with a Women in Space Science Award in 2006.
· Collins is quite active outside of her NASA days, as she is a member of organizations like the Women Military Aviators, U.S. Space Foundation, the Air Force Association, Order of Daedalians, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and the Ninety-Nines.
Words of Wisdom , Eileen Collins
“It’s just been a wild ride. We’ve finally been able to put the icing on the cake with this mission.”
“I`ve got a $ 2 billion spacecraft on my hands . I don`t think about what `s happening outside”