Join community, academic, sorority, government, and military leaders, as the NCWI Dr. Gladys West traveling exhibit departs the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus. The exhibit has attracted thousands, encouraging local students to persevere and use education to change their lives, just like Dr. West, daughter of poor sharecroppers. West became a Navy mathematician whose determination to precisely map the world enabled (GPS) global positioning technology. Because of GPS, a $1.4 trillion private sector impact has been created.
Jane Plitt, NCWI Board Chair, explains, “This is more than a farewell, it’s a celebration of Dr. West’s determination, innovation, and the importance of recognizing her forgotten role in our daily lives, and to inspire youngsters’ interest in STEM.”
The event is free, with light refreshments, but registration is required. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-goodbye-salute-to-the-dr-west-exhibit-tickets-1434828192749
Following this celebratory send-off on July 3, the exhibit will begin its next chapter at the University of Colorado /Denver in August, continuing its national tour to educate and inspire the next generation of innovators.
This special event will feature remarks and appearances by:
-Dr. Lance Colins, Executive Director of the VT Innovation Campus
-Jane Plitt, NCWI Board Chair
-Dr. Carolyn Ogelsby, daughter of Dr. Gladys West, AKA Soros
Colonel Joan Thompson, U.S. Air Force and recent graduate of the Dr. Gladys West Senior Space Program , AKA Soros
Gayle Converse, local historian and civic leader, is leading an earlier tour to the exhibit via the Potomac Yard trail starting at 7 am at the Braddock Metro station.
About NCWI:
The National Center of Women’s Innovations is dedicated to uncovering and celebrating the achievements of innovative women who have changed our world and use that recognition to encourage youngsters to follow in their footsteps . The Dr. West Exhibit has encouraged nearly 80% of local 3rd graders to pursue STEM!