Registered student organizations (RSOs) in the School of Information Technology will host Scott Tibbitts September 17 in the Bone Student Center. Tibbitts is a nationally recognized speaker and space entrepreneur who inspires his audiences by sharing his story of building a space company from scratch.

Two decades ago Tibbitts created Starsys Research Corporation when he brought NASA an invention made of hardware store parts and suggested it be used on spacecraft. Over the next 20 years Starsys became the small space company to work for and with, building devices for more than 250 spacecraft, including the motor that recently lowered the NASA rover Curiosity to the Martian surface. By evangelizing “fun, family, and excellence,” Starsys created a legendary corporate culture that was responsible for more than 4,000 devices flown in space with an unprecedented 100 percent success rate.

Tibbitts went on to co-found eSpace: The Center of Space Entrepreneurship, the only congressionally funded not-for-profit organization that helps emerging space entrepreneurs realize their dreams.

The talk will be followed by an opportunity for discussion. Refreshments will be served.

When: 7–9 p.m. Tuesday, September 17

Where: Bone Student Center

Cost: Free and open to the public

Sponsors: AITP Club RSO, SEC Club RSO, ACM Club RSO, and Telecommunications Advisory Board

More information/special accommodations: Call (309) 438-8338.