Neil Armstrong
University of Cincinnati: Notable Figures
Neil Armstrong
On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong not only made headlines, but history, as he became the first man to set foot on the moon. From the moon’s surface, Armstrong sent NASA a transmission that was broadcast worldwide, stating, “That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind." Those words and the monumental space exploration achievement they mark have been famous every since and are sure to be remembered for countless years to come.1
After his legendary moonwalk, Armstrong was hailed as a national hero. With such fame, it is generally expected for a person to constantly do interviews, write many books, and pursue endorsements. Armstrong did none of these things, wanting only to be a normal man, able to continue pursuing what he loved. Armstrong returned to his Ohio roots, and shared his passion for aerospace engineering as a professor at the University of Cincinnati from 1971-1979.2
(Courtesy of Archives and Rare Books Library)
A portrait of Neil Armstrong on the moon, by Stuart Atkinson.
(Courtesy of APOLLO Lunar Surface Journal)
Armstrong stated he received offers from many universities, but he chose UC due to the school’s interdisciplinary approach and the freedom they allow professors.3 While at the University, Armstrong taught “Applied Aircraft Performance” to pre-juniors and created his own course, “Fundamentals of Flight Testing,” for seniors and graduate students.4 Professor of mechanical engineering, Ron Huston, who served as Armstrong’s boss, stated, “He wasn't the paper-pushing type. He liked engineering. But he really liked flying airplanes. He didn't give interviews, but he wasn't a strange person or hard to talk to. He just didn't like being a novelty.”5
Armstrong resigned from the University in 1979 for “personal reasons and other (undisclosed) opportunities.”6 He remained on staff as an adjacent professor and gave an eloquent commencement address at the class of 1982’s graduation. Armstrong closed by asking the graduates, “to note…the attendance today of…[the] audience: your parents, grandparents, relatives, and friends who have inspired you, encouraged you, occasionally chided you, and frequently paid bills for you….In fairness, you should credit them for their accomplishments….They achieved these accomplishments while surviving a great depression and two world wars….They’ve come to applaud you, but I suggest that, if you’re so inclined, this would be a good opportunity to applaud them. Good luck!”7
Neil Armstrong currently resides in upscale Cincinnati suburb of Indian Hill, and is serving on the board of directors for multiple institutions and is active in fund-raising activities.8
1.Mark Carreau. “Hear What Neil Armstrong Really Said on the Moon.” Houston Chronicle, 30 September 2006, http://www.chron.com/news.nation-world/article/Hear-what-Neil-Armstrong-really-said-on-the-moon-1862496.php (accessed October 4, 2011).
2.John Johnston, Saundra Amrhein, and Richelle Thompson. “Neil Armstrong, Reluctant Hero.” The Cincinnati Enquirer, 18 June 1999, http://www.enquirer.com/editions/1999/07/18/loc_neil_armstrong_the.html (accessed October 3, 2011).
3.Robert Webb. "Astronaut Neil Takes UC Post." The Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 August 1971.
4.Esther Parker, News UC Public Information Office, 1 December 1971, Folder: Armstrong, Neil A., VF 3-Bio, Gen 1, Special Collections, Archives and Rare Books Library, University of Cincinnati.
5. Johnston
6.United Press Int'l, Spec. Wash. D.C. Wire, New York, N.Y. Daily, 18 January, 1980, Folder: Armstrong, Neil A., VF 3-Bio, Gen 1, Special Collections, Archives and Rare Books Library, University of Cincinnati.
7.Neil Armstrong, Commencement Address, University of Cincinnati, 13 June, 1982, Folder: Armstrong, Neil A., VF 3-Bio, Gen 1, Special Collections, Archives and Rare Books Library, University of Cincinnati.
8. Johnston
Images
Stuart Atkinson, Portrait of Neil Armstrong, APOLLO Lunar Surface Journal, http://www.hq.nasa.gov/alsj/alsj.funpix.html (accessed October 4, 2011).
Neil Armstrong and Parents, "Neil Armstrong Joins U.C. Faculty." UC Alumnus, October 1971, Folder: Armstrong, Neil A., Bio, Special Collections, Archives and Rare Books Library, University of Cincinnati.
Neil Armstrong teaching aerospace engineering at the University of Cincinnati, UC Magazine, http://magazine.uc.edu/media/gallery/tradition_history.html (accessed October 4, 2011).
Cincinnatian, University of Cincinnati, volume 79, book 1, 1972, Archives and Rare Books Library, University of Cincinnati.
A photograph of Armstrong teaching aerospace engineering at UC.
(Courtesy of UC Magazine)
A photograph of Armstrong in his office, taken for UC’s 1972 yearbook.
(Courtesy of Archives and Rare Books Library)