Tennessee Tech hosts live video chat with alumnus, trustee Barry Wilmore from the International Space Station
Students line up behind Tech President Phil Oldham to ask questions of Tech alumnus
and trustee Barry "Butch" Wilmore during a live video chat from the International
Space Station.
For the second time on his historic spaceflight, Tennessee Tech University alumnus,
trustee and NASA astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore participated in a live video chat with his beloved alma mater.
Students, faculty, staff and community members packed into the Multipurpose Room of
the university’s Roaden University Center to ask the famed two-time Tech graduate
questions ranging from “How is the food on the International Space Station?” to “What
would be your advice to current college students with dreams as big as space?”
Tech President Phil Oldham opened the event, held on Election Day, by asking Wilmore
if he was able to vote in space. Wilmore responded by flashing a pair of patriotic
socks and explaining, “I actually voted early a couple weeks ago – so [I] got my ballot
in and made sure that mine got counted.”
Despite challenges that led to an extended mission aboard the ISS, Wilmore shared
that he had “no complaints at all,” adding “when you’re in space, you can’t help but
do well.” Still, he admitted that he is looking forward to what he knows will be a
“special homecoming” when his mission is complete, noting that he is most looking
forward to hugging his wife and daughters.
A standing-room-only crowd of Tech students, faculty, staff and community members
watch the live video chat with Wilmore.
Wilmore also reflected on his experiences as a Tech student, saying “the campus life
was fantastic … it’s a great place to be” and recalled Homer Powell, former professor
of electrical engineering, as the faculty member who most positively impacted his
student experience.
Asked about his biggest challenge in life, Wilmore pointed to his faith, explaining,
“The biggest challenge I think that continues day in and day out is to be worthy of
what the good Lord has given us – has given me – and try to focus on that and honor
him with all that I say and all that I do. That’s honestly what drives me.”
Wilmore additionally took time to give advice to students with their own ambitious
career goals, encouraging them to “take your passion that you have and run with it,
whatever it is.”
Earlier this year, Wilmore participated in a separate question-and-answer session with the children of Tech faculty and staff, during which he jokingly declared it
"Tennessee Tech Day" at the ISS. Before his launch, Wilmore previewed the event in a conversation with reporters, calling Tech “the finest university
in the nation." 
President Phil Oldham, Board of Trustees Chair Trudy Harper and students give Wilmore
a "Wings Up" gesture.
Wilmore holds two degrees and an honorary doctorate from Tech. The Mt. Juliet, Tenn.
native is a member of the university’s Sports Hall of Fame and the recipient of Tech’s
2010 Outstanding Alumni Award for the College of Engineering. His term on the university’s
Board of Trustees extends from 2017 to 2026.
Wilmore and fellow astronaut Suni Williams are expected to remain at the ISS until
early 2025, before returning to Earth aboard a SpaceX spacecraft.
Watch the full video chat here: https://youtu.be/dbC65PtCDXM?si=FNYe3VQgtpf2Dr_R
