Retired astronaut Nicole Stott gives powerful SPC Day address
9/12/2023
By Foundation Staff
St. Petersburg College commemorated its rich history at the second annual SPC Day on the Clearwater Campus on Sept. 12, 2023. SPC Day marks the first day classes were held at the college on Sept. 12, 1927.
Nicole Stott, SPC alumna, engineer and retired astronaut, gave the keynote address to a packed auditorium of students, faculty, staff and alumni and recounted how her time at St. Petersburg Junior College truly launched a remarkable career.
“SPC started me on a lifetime of exploration – and I’ve been able to explore our planetary home from the most remarkable of places as a space shuttle astronaut,” she said. “One of the lessons I learned from my time in SPC is that problem-solving requires both technical knowledge and creativity. At NASA, we knew that creativity was the key to finding solutions.”
Stott’s comments came during the Sept. 12 event recognizing the 96th anniversary of St. Petersburg College. The program also featured a performance by local saxophonist Harold Simmons, a welcome address from the Clearwater Campus Provost Dr. Tashika Griffith, and remarks from Foundation Executive Director Jesse Turtle and SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams. Clearwater Mayor Brian J. Aungst, Sr. was on hand to deliver a proclamation declaring Sept. 12, 2023, SPC Day in the City of Clearwater.
Stott shared her personal journey, blending her spaceflight experiences with the foundational education she received at SPC.
“For the all the complexities involved in space exploration, once we get there, we see some very simple truths. First, we are all people of earth, with just one planet to share. Second, there is but a thin, blue blanket of atmosphere protecting us and all we hold dear.”
Stott said she is grateful for the faculty and staff who work each day to make student dreams a reality and declared that she too is committed to the cause of lifting students out of poverty. She looks back fondly on her days as a student, and understands now, some 40 years later, how profoundly impactful her time was at SPC.
“SPC is where I discovered I belong," Stott said. “My time at St. Petersburg College was more than just an education. It was a pivotal jumping point that launched my career. The lessons I learned here laid the groundwork for my journey into space. SPC isn’t just a college. It’s a launchpad for dreams, propelling students to reach beyond the stars.”
Stott participated in two spaceflights and the historic final flight of the Space Shuttle Discovery, and was also the first person to paint a watercolor in space. She advocates for the fusion of arts and sciences through her nonprofit, the Space for Art Foundation, which facilitates space-inspired art therapy programs for children.
SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams echoed Stott’s sentiments about the value of education, emphasizing the college’s commitment to delivering quality programs. Over the past two years, we’ve proudly witnessed 1,600 of our alumni transition into high-wage positions, underscoring our commitment to not just academic excellence, but to real-world workforce preparation,” said Dr. Williams.
“A degree from SPC shouldn’t just hang on the wall. It’s a tool, a catalyst for practical employment and better lives.” Learn more about SPC’s 200+ programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees and short-term training opportunities, on the college’s website.
