Celebrate the SKAE Astronomy Center Grand Opening
Honoring Peter & Leslie Skae and Keynote by NASA Astronaut Dr. Charles Camarda
Romano Student Alumni Center at St. Thomas Aquinas College
Join us for an exciting evening as we celebrate the opening of the SKAE Astronomy Center — made possible through the vision and generosity of Peter and Leslie Skae. The evening will include a warm welcome from President Ken Daly and remarks from Peter and Leslie Skae, followed by a keynote address from Dr. Charles Camarda, NASA Astronaut, inventor, author, and educator. With 46 years at NASA, Dr. Camarda brings an inspiring perspective on innovation, leadership, and discovery.
Registration is now closed. Please email stem@stac.edu if you would like to be added to the waitlist. Thank you!
Information for Registered Guests
Registration for the event will open at 5:00 PM and the program will begin promptly at 5:30 PM in the Romano Student Alumni Center.
When you arrive on campus, parking will be available behind and along the side of the SKAE Astronomy Center in Lot G. Please follow signs for parking. Here is a link to our Campus Map.
Astronomy Center Tour & Telescope Observation Sessions — Waiver Form
Tours of the Astronomy Center are open only to attendees who registered in advance. All participants must complete a waiver form before entering the Center. At Registration, you will receive the waiver form and a colored wristband indicating your reserved time slot.
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Charles Camarda, NASA Astronaut, inventor, author, and educator, will deliver the keynote address. With 46 years at NASA, Dr. Camarda brings an inspiring perspective on innovation, leadership, and discovery. Dr. Camarda will draw from his extraordinary career — including over 22 years as a research engineer, 18 years as an astronaut, and 13 years as a NASA senior executive — to share lessons on innovation, problem-solving, and teamwork under the most high-stakes conditions imaginable. Following the Columbia tragedy, he led the teams that identified its technical cause and developed groundbreaking repair technology that he personally tested in space.
Reception & Activities
From 7:00–9:00 PM, enjoy light refreshments, family-friendly astronomy activities, and opportunities to connect with fellow guests.
Book Signing
Meet Dr. Camarda during a signing of his acclaimed book Mission Out of Control: An Astronaut’s Odyssey to Fix High-Risk Organizations and Prevent Tragedy ($25 per copy).
Astronomy Center Tours
Be among the first to experience the new SKAE Astronomy Center. Guests must register in advance for small-group tours showcasing the Center’s state-of-the-art facilities.
Art Exhibit: Telescopic!
Explore Telescopic! — a group exhibition in the Azarian McCullough Art Gallery celebrating the beauty, mystery, and wonder of space.
This complimentary event is open to the community. Space is limited, and registrations will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis. Those wishing to tour the SKAE Astronomy Center must reserve a timeslot at registration.
For more information, please contact the School of STEM at stem@stac.edu.