GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Columbia’s STS-61C mission Monday with a panel discussion on leadership, ethics and the future of space exploration, hosted by former U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson at Emerson Alumni Hall.
The panel opened with welcome remarks from leaders across the University of Florida campus and NASA including, Judy Russell, former dean of university libraries, Donald W. Landry, M.D., Ph.D., interim president of the University of Florida, Chuck Clemons, vice president of government relations; David P. Norton, Ph.D., vice president for research, Warren Dixon, Ph.D., interim dean, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, Mark Wiese, manager of deep space logistics at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center; and Rachael Seidler, Ph.D., director, UF Astraeus Space Institute.
The event brought together astronauts from the historic 1986 mission, including Commander Robert L. “Hoot” Gibson, Pilot Charles F. Bolden Jr. and Mission Specialist Franklin Chang-Díaz, for a wide-ranging conversation connecting lessons from human spaceflight to ethical decision-making and public leadership. The astronauts were joined on the panel by their wives, including Gibson’s wife, Rhea Seddon, M.D., who is also a former NASA astronaut.
Nelson, who served as payload specialist on STS-61C and as a NASA Administrator from 2021-2025, was also a NASA and moderated the discussion, reflected on how far humanity’s understanding of the universe has come in the decades since the mission.
“What is out there in this universe, we are just beginning to really have an understanding,” Nelson said. “The James Webb Space Telescope is looking out into the universe. It is bringing us unbelievable discoveries.”
Bolden, a former NASA administrator, echoed that sense of optimism while pointing toward future exploration. “There is great hope that we will find signs of life on Mars,” he said, emphasizing the importance of sustained scientific investment and international collaboration.
Rachael Seidler, director of the Astraeus Space Institute, said the anniversary underscored UF’s growing role in space research and interdisciplinary leadership. She noted that the conversation aligned with Astraeus’ mission to connect science, ethics and public service. “Events like this remind us that space exploration is not only about discovery, but about responsibility,” Seidler said. “The decisions made in space and on Earth shape our collective future.”
The event was hosted in partnership with the Astraeus Space Institute and UF Libraries as part of the Nelson Initiative on Ethics and Leadership. Eddie Kenny, senior director of advancement for the George A. Smathers Libraries, said the initiative is designed to help emerging leaders work with complex real-world challenges.
“UF Libraries are proud to support and host the Nelson Initiative on Ethics and Leadership,” Kenny said. “Through thought-provoking conversations and real-world experiences, the initiative underscores how trust, integrity and accountability shape effective leadership. Each event encourages emerging leaders to reflect deeply, act with intention and lead with purpose.”
Following the panel discussion, guests gathered for a post-event reception at the Earl and Christy Powell University House, continuing conversations sparked by the astronauts’ reflections on service, exploration and ethical leadership.