HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — University of Connecticut alumnus Rick Mastracchio delivered this year’s graduation address to the school of engineering from 260 miles above the earth. Mastracchio, 54, a NASA astronaut is still orbiting the globe on the International Space Station.
He recorded his address standing between two space suits with UConn’s flag floating in the background.
“I could not be there with you on this big day, but being in space I was trying to figure out how to make this speech different than all the other commencement addresses that are given each year,” he said. “And then I realized — I’m in a weightless environment. So maybe, I should give the speech in a different orientation.”
During his speech, Mastroacchio floated upside down to the delight of graduates.
“I probably have the best job on and off the planet,” he said.
Mastracchio earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and computer engineering from UConn in 1982.
The Waterbury native returns to earth from his eight-month mission and fourth trip into space on May 13.
See his commencement address below.
