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HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED WITH THE ASTRONAUT
SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION?
I became involved with the Astronaut Scholarship
Foundation (ASF) in 1994 while I was Director of the
Kennedy Space Center. The foundation was started by
the original Mercury Seven Astronauts in 1984 to provide
scholarships to especially bright college students studying
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
subjects. Since its inception, astronauts from the Mercury,
Gemini, Apollo, Skylab and Space Shuttle programs have all
embraced the ASF’s noble mission. Like them, I also believe
it is important to encourage these type of skills in our youth.
Starting in 2001, I served on the Board of Directors, and for a Virgin Galactic
few years I was the Vice Chairman of the Board. While I’m no
longer on the Board, I continue to support the foundation.
ASF partners with industry leaders, universities, and
individual donors to reward the best and brightest
university students pursuing STEM degrees with substantial
scholarships. The prestigious Astronaut Scholarship is
known nationwide for being among the largest merit-based
monetary scholarships awarded to undergraduate juniors
and seniors. ASF forges a life-long relationship with each
Astronaut Scholar and provides them with professional
and personal development and networking with mentors,
astronauts, executives, and industry leaders to help advance
their careers.
WHAT ARE THE SHORT AND LONG-TERM GOALS FOR THE
SCHOLARSHIP FUND?
The mission of the ASF is to aid the United States in
retaining its world leadership position in technology and
innovation, by supporting the best and brightest scholars
in science, technology, engineering and mathematics—
while commemorating the legacy of America’s pioneering THE NEW MINI COOPER COUNTRYMAN
astronauts.
The ASF’s vision is to encourage and facilitate Astronaut
Scholars in embodying the highly-respected characteristics SURPRISINGLY SPACIOUS. UNDENIABLY MINI.
of astronauts, such as intelligence, ambition, self-motivation,
ethical standards, persistence, tenacity, adaptability,
and inspire their passion for science, exploration, and The new MINI Countryman featuring a newly updated design, along with enhancements in technology
innovation. This focus will aid in placing the best American
scholars in positions that will positively change and Blue Origin SpaceX and equipment offerings. Most importantly it retains MINI’s “fun-to-drive” character and expressive
influence society. design that makes it instantly recognizable as MINI. As the largest and most versatile member of
WHAT DO ASPIRING ASTRONAUTS NEED TO SUCCEED IN SUCH A IF YOU COULD TRAVEL ANYWHERE IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM, WHERE the MINI model family, the new MINI Countryman offers individual flair in the hallmark style of the
UNIQUE AND DEMANDING CAREER? WOULD YOU GO? British premium brand.
The requirements for astronauts continue to evolve as space That’s an easy answer: our beautiful spacecraft Planet Earth.
travel changes, so I can only speak for myself: it involved This is the only habitable place in our solar system. It would
tenacity, training, and a whole lot of luck! of course be interesting to visit the Moon and Mars, but you
wouldn’t want to live there for any extended period of time.
FOR THE DRIVE.

Braman Motorcars is a proud benefactor of the ASF, recently donating $5,000 and honoring
Captain Crippen at July’s Casino Royale event. To support Captain Crippen and donate to the
Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, visit www.astronautscholarship.org/donate
BRAMAN MINI PALM BEACH
To Read the Club Braman story of Robert Crippen in our Fall/Winter 2018 edition, visit
ClubBraman.com/Magazine 2901 Okeechobee Blvd. (561) 571-3083
West Palm Beach, FL 33409 BramanMINI.com

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