New Academic Center at Capitol College to House Space Operation Institute (cont'd)

"We recognize that we need help and have partnered with those we've worked with in the past like John Hopkins and the University of Maryland," said Diaz. "And here we have another opportunity right in our own backyard." Diaz spoke of Capitol College's opportunity to assist Goddard in operating satellites while training the potential next generation to work for NASA.

	Displayed for the day were models of Hubble and rover, also a race car.

The theme for this event, 'From NASCAR to NASA', featured the display of scale models of the Hubble Space Telescope, Mars exploration rover and Aqua spacecraft. To represent NASCAR a racecar, owned by Hermie Sadler of Virginia, was also on display.

The racecar represents the history of the campus, which was once the site of the NASCAR-sanctioned Beltsville Speedway. Capitol College purchased the land in 1981 and opened the doors to its new campus in 1983. With today's NASCAR vehicles equipped with insulation first developed by NASA, there is a direct technology transfer between NASCAR and NASA.

When completed, the William McGowan Academic Center will house a mission control room for the Space Operations Institute. SOI, a partnership between Capitol College and NASA was formed in 2002. As part of this initiative, the SOI has assumed control of four satellites and provided laboratory facilities for students. To date, NASA has approved the transfer of four satellites to the SOI: TOMS/EP, UARS, ERBS and TRMM. All are operated in partnership with Honeywell Technology Solutions, Inc.

Dr. William Troxler, president Capitol College.

"You know it was about 20 years ago many had gathered here for the groundbreaking of Capitol College and William McGowan gave the opening address," said Dr. William Troxler, president of Capitol College. Troxler then gave a brief overview of McGowan's life work with MCI, stating that many thought of him as an innovator.

"In his will he created a trust fund from which we were able to build our library and now the William McGowan Academic Center," said Troxler. "It will also house the Space Operations Institute and I want to thank Goddard Space Flight Center and Mr. Al Diaz."

During the ceremony Peter Black of M&T Bank announced a $10,000 donation towards the construction of the new facility. "This is a great day in the history of Capitol College," said Richard Beale, Executive Director of Institutional Relations and master of ceremony for the groundbreaking.

Photos By Chris Gunn/293
	The official ground breaking included (l to r) Ken Dolan, director Space Operations Institute, Dr. Troxler and Mr. Diaz.

The Space Operations Institute affords students the opportunity to gain experience in the real-time operation of NASA Earth science satellites, Troxler has said. The scientific data regarding ozone, the radiation budget, or the Earth, and the chemistry of the earth's upper atmosphere flow from these satellites to researchers all over the world.

Following the ceremony the more than 250 attendees were served refreshments and allowed an opportunity to view the displays and ask questions. Attending guest included members of the Board of Trustees at Capitol College; members of the Executive Council at Capitol College; the Mayor of Laurel; Goddard engineer Madeline Butler; and representing the William McGowan Foundation, Monsignor Andrew McGowan, brother of William McGowan.