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Boston Globe
15-05-2025
- Science
- Boston Globe
Astronaut Sunita Williams receives honorary degree from Merrimack College, recalls dramatic nine-month journey in space
'Sometimes, just stopping for a moment and looking around allows us to see what's happening right in front of us,' Williams, 59, said. '[There are] unbelievable things, if you just stop for a moment and look out the window.' Advertisement In an interview after the ceremony, Williams revealed plans to continue passing on her wisdom. On Friday, she plans to visit her hometown of Needham, dropping by Sunita L. Williams Elementary School—which was named for her in 2019—and in the future she pledged to mentor aspiring astronauts, 'giving back the things that I've learned, and pass it on to the future generations.' Her advice to these new astronauts closely mirrors the guidance she offered the graduates: be able to 'adapt and pivot.' 'I don't think I've had one spacewalk that has gone from A to B as planned. Every time there's been something that's a little bit different, and you just need to know that's part of the job,' she said. Advertisement Williams' speech follows her Boeing Crew Flight Test astronauts Butch Wilmore, left, and Suni Williams posed for a portrait inside the vestibule between the forward port on the International Space Station's Harmony module and Boeing's Starliner spacecraft on June 13, 2024. Uncredited/Associated Press She described in the speech witnessing 'unbelievable' auroras, watching two comets swing around the sun, and carrying out 'groundbreaking' life-science experiments and spacecraft trials. 'We wouldn't have had that opportunity to participate in these things if everything went as planned,' she said. 'We don't always intend to do these daring things and learn so much.' According to Williams, success lies in patience, steadfastness, and the willingness to support—and lean on—one another. NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams spoke with the media following the commencement. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff 'This is just the beginning,' she told the graduates. 'There are many more starting lines you need to find. There are so many more people you need to lend a helping hand to.' 'This is your time, your world to make better,' she said. Merrimack College also awarded Williams an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters—one of five honorary degrees presented at this year's commencement ceremonies. She beamed and gave a thumbs-up as a white stole was draped over her shoulders, officially marking her new distinction. NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams greeted graduates as they passed through a gauntlet of faculty during Merrimack College's School of Arts and Sciences Commencement in North Andover. Craig F. Walker/Globe Staff The award is just part of a long list of accolades for Williams, who has received two Defense Superior Service Medals, a Humanitarian Service Medal, and numerous other Advertisement In fact, even on earth, her passion for running remains undiminished. She told the Globe in the post-ceremony interview, she will run again in the Boston Marathon in 2026. 'I have to be a little bit careful as [my] body adjusts to coming back home,' she said. '… [But] I'm going to make myself do it. Now that I've said it out loud.' Mostly, though, she wants to savor life on Earth. 'I missed it,' Williams said. 'To come back to walk my dogs... take them to the beach, feel the sand in your feet, you know, go hiking in the mountains and you know, smell the pine.' 'I took for granted none of it,' she said. Rita Chandler can be reached at
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Yahoo
Wayne W. Gamble, Warren, Ohio
WARREN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Wayne W. Gamble, 69, of Covington, Georgia formerly of Warren, Ohio, departed this life Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at Piedmont Newton, following a brief illness. He was born June 15, 1955 in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of Willis and Annie Coleman Gamble. Find obituaries from your high school He was a 1973 graduate of South High School and attended Youngstown State University, before becoming an electrician. Wayne was employed for 38 years at Republic Steel, renamed RG Steel, before retiring. He also was a part-time driver for Covington Ford and worked the election polls. He served honorably for 20 years in the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer, obtaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served during Desert Shield/Desert Storm, receiving, the Army Service Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medals, Professional Development Ribbon, Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with one bronze star, Army Commendation medal, expert marksmanship badge rifle and sharpshooter marksmanship badge pistol. He was a member of Monument of Faith C.O.G.I.C., where he worked security. After moving to Georgia, he attended the Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral. He enjoyed attending father & daughter dances with Danika and Aniyah, the Gateway Clipper boat in Pittsburgh, taking his wife to the Poconos and taking her on limousine dates. Wayne also enjoyed going to the gun range, grilling for family and friends, traveling and going on vacation. He was past Master of Rising Sun Lodge #90, 32nd Degree of Bezalel Consistory #15, past Potentate and Deputy of Al Asir Temple #210, Excelsior #39 Royal Arch Masons and Eminent Commander of Golgotha Commandery #36. He leaves to mourn his wife, Karen Logan Gamble of Covington, Geogia; his children, Michael (Julie) Gamble of Delaware, OH, Angel Cash of Austintown, Ohio, Danika Windom of Atlanta, Georgia and Aniyah of Covington, Georgia; Goddaughters, Dr. Erica Booker and Empress Blackwell; aunts, Virginia Coleman, Jennie Coleman, Shirley Green and Daisy Mae Oden; uncle, Simmie Coleman; special friends, Marshall Coney and Eric Hall and a host of relatives and friends. Wayne will be remembered as a gentle giant loved by many. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; siblings, Diane Alexander and Dwight Gamble and grandson, Hylan Cash. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the Monument of Faith C.O.G.I.C. calling hours will be held Friday, April 25, 2025 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. (Masonic Service at 7:00) at the Sterling-McCullough Williams Funeral Chapel. Burial will take place Monday, April 27 at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. Arrangements of comfort were handled by the Sterling-McCullough Williams Funeral Home. To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of Wayne W. Gamble, please click here to visit our Sympathy 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
