Col. Husband honored

By Tom Uribes
University Communications

The late Air Force Col. Rick Husband, commander of the Space Shuttle Columbia and an alumnus of Fresno State, was memorialized on campus on April 2, with a plaque in the Engineering East Building.

Col. Steve Lindsey, a NASA astronaut and close friend of Col. Husband, came to Fresno State to represent NASA and the Husband family.  Lindsey will command the crew of STS-121 on mission to resupply the International Space Station --  the first scheduled flight of the revamped space shuttle.  

Participating in the ceremony were Dr. Andrew Hoff, interim dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science, faculty, staff and students and representatives of the Engineering Alumni Chapter. Fresno State's Air Force ROTC Detachment 035 and the 144th Air National Guard Fighter Squadron also honored Col. Husband, who earned his master of science degree in mechanical engineering from Fresno State in 1990. He was awarded the College of Engineering and Computer Science’s Distinguished Alumnus “Top Dog” Award 2002.

Col. Lindsey was a close personal friend of Rick Husband’s and is fulfilling a pact the pair made to assist each other’s family in the event something happened to either of them, said Dr. Peter Smits, Fresno State vice president of Advancement.

The memorial plaque was designed by local artist, Bill Norris, and funded by the College of Engineering and Computer Science Alumni Chapter.  The chapter also established a scholarship fund in honor of Col. Husband that will benefit students from the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Norris, 71, is a retired school teacher – serving Roosevelt High School for many years -- who took up art a few years ago when he enrolled in Fresno State’s 60-plus program for senior citizens. He started the Husband plaque, his first commissioned piece, while taking these classes.

Norris is currently working on a bronze for the late Fresno State track coach, Dutch Warmerdam. He and wife, Marjory, reside in Fresno.

Hoff said Col. Husband is an inspiration for all, but especially the college as it charts its future.

"As the College of Engineering and Computer Science's 2002 Outstanding Alumnus, Col. Rick Husband’s life and legacy serves as an inspiration to our future engineers to reach for their dreams and to purse personal excellence,” Hoff said. “With the College's new focus and revitalization, this remarkable graduate also inspires the college to strive for growth and excellence.  We are proud to honor Col. Husband, a brave American and a loyal Top Dog."