The McNair Scholars Program was created in memory of Dr. Ronald E. McNair, a Physicist and NASA Astronaut who demonstrated great resolve in achieving his personal goals in the face of adversity.

He is an inspiration to everyone who has ever dreamed of a better future.

Throughout his life, Dr. McNair persevered thought more hardships than anyone should face, and in his short life span of 35 years, had accomplished more than most people do in their entire lifetime.

Born on October 21st, 1950 in Lake City, South Carolina. Ronald Erwin McNair was the second of three sons born to his parents, Pearl McNair, a school teacher, and Carl McNair, an auto mechanic.

To be continued...

FACTS
Born Oct. 21st, 1950 in Lake City, South Carolina, USA.

The second of 3 sons, Mother was a school teacher, Father an automobile mechanic.

Valedictorian of his high school graduating class.

Awarded a scholarship to attend college at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

Acquired a fifth degree black belt in Karate.

Staff physicist at Hughes Research Laboratories, Malibu California, USA.

Selected for NASA in 1978 as one of 34 astronaut candidates, out of a pool of 10,000 prospects.

Flew onboard the NASA Space Shuttle Challenger, completing one successful mission in 1984.

Died January 28th, 1986, along with 6 other astronauts, in the worst space flight disaster to date, the accidental explosion during liftoff of Challenger Mission 51-L.