NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren returned to his alma mater after a six-month stint on the International Space Station. The College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences used this unique opportunity to show how they "launch" careers and to reinforce their longstanding connection to NASA. Careful planning made great use of the famous alumnus over the allotted two days: Lindgren spoke to large and small groups, visited students, gave media interviews, met with his former professors, toured the lab studying his and other astronauts' blood, walked around campus, and gave a multimedia presentation to more than 500 people. Judges noted the creative and effective use of social media as well as budgetary and staff resources - all with only two months to organize an official NASA astronaut visit.
