On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first man to set foot on the surface of the moon, followed closely by Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin. The University conferred an honorary doctorate of science on Aldrin at commencement exercises on May 10, 1970. During the course of his visit, Aldrin gave a talk, shook hands, and signed autographs for admirers in Buckley Center Auditorium. A certain star-struck young future upbeat editor, all of ten years old, snuck to the back of the line after meeting Aldrin and getting his autograph so he could shake hands and ogle his idol once again, hoping said idol wouldn’t notice. He noticed.
For more history from this week see the University Almanac at www.up.edu/almanac.