Belleville, ON, March 24, 2023 – This week, legendary Canadian astronaut Colonel Chris Hadfield touched down on Loyalist College campus to share out-of-this-world stories and songs with more than 500 students, community members and College staff.
The sold-out community event started at 5:30 p.m. on March 23, with opening remarks from Mark Kirkpatrick, Loyalist College President and CEO.
Colonel Hadfield began the show by recalling stories from his childhood, reflecting on his formative years training as a pilot in Eastern Ontario. He spoke about the poignant experience of seeing Earth from the perspective of space, the joys of floating in zero gravity and his life on the International Space Station. Throughout the evening, Hadfield played excerpts of his own songs and his renowned rendition of David Bowie’s Space Oddity. He concluded the night by answering audience questions and addressing queries about black holes, spacewalks and more.
“Chris Hadfield’s accomplishments as a fighter pilot, engineer, astronaut, author and musician are extraordinary,” said Mark Kirkpatrick. “Throughout his career, Hadfield’s commitment to sharing the wonder of space exploration with the world has never wavered. It was a pleasure to hear more about his early experiences flying in Trenton and Prince Edward County, surrounded by an audience filled with our Bay of Quinte community members. I sincerely thank Colonel Hadfield for joining us on campus for an unforgettable evening that inspired and energized our students to pursue their dreams and ambitions.”
The event was the second instalment in the Loyalist College Speaker Series, an ongoing initiative bringing changemakers and leaders to the Bay of Quinte region. Visit loyalistcollege.com for the latest Loyalist College event updates and information.
About Loyalist College
Loyalist College is located on the territory of the Huron-Wendat, the Anishnaabeg, and the Haudenosaunee people. We acknowledge our shared obligation to respect, honour, and sustain these lands and the natural resources contained within. Ranked one of Canada’s top 50 research colleges, Loyalist College empowers students, faculty, staff, and partners through experiential, industry cluster-based education, training and applied research programs. As Ontario’s Destination College, the College provides job-ready graduates for, and knowledge transfer to, industry and the community. Located on more than 200 acres in the beautiful Bay of Quinte region, the College is perfectly positioned between Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Loyalist College offers more than 70 full-time diploma, certificate and apprenticeship programs in biosciences, building sciences, business, community service, health and wellness, media studies, public safety, and skilled trades. Continuing education options are available through LoyalistFocus.com, including hundreds of online, distance and in-class courses, and through the College’s 100+ university transfer agreements. Loyalist College is a key driver of social and economic health in eastern Ontario. It contributes 3.8 percent of the Gross Regional Product, representing $398.9 million annually to the regional economy – based on a November 2022 report by Emsi. For more information on Loyalist College’s Belleville, Bancroft and Toronto campuses and Port Hope satellite location, visit loyalistcollege.com.
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Contact:
Hannah Brown
Acting Director of Marketing and Communications
613-921-0784
hbrown@loyalistcollege.com