First Black Astronaut A Bradley University Alum

 

Today on the campus of Bradley University a statue was dedicated to Major Robert H. Lawrence, Jr. Class of 1956. In 1967, Major Lawrence was the first African-American, selected for the Air Force's Manned Orbital Laboratory program.


Robert Lawrence came to Bradley from Englewood Technical Preparatory Academy in Chicago. He majored in chemistry, served as Cadet Commander in the Air Force ROTC, belonged to Omega Psi Phi fraternity, and graduated at the age of 16. 


After he graduated from Bradley, Robert became a U.S. Air Force pilot. In 1965, he earned a PhD in physical chemistry from Ohio State University.                                                                                   


Peoria mayor Rita Ali and other dignitaries spoke at the statue dedication.



Here is Dr. Michelle Fry, the Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry surrounded by some of the students who have received a scholarship in honor of Major Lawrence.


Members of the Bradley chapter of Omega Psi Phi and fraternity brothers of Major Lawrence give a tribute to him and how he represented the values of their fraternity.


Will Eppes gives a tribute to his cousin Robert Lawrence. He emphasized that a driving force for Major Lawrence was to be useful to mankind.


The statue, created by chair of the department of art and design Fisher Stolz, assisted by students and others, is a beautiful addition to Bradley's campus. 


We are grateful to Major Robert Lawrence for his service to our nation and for the legacy he leaves at Bradley University and beyond.

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