UNIVERSITY WILL WELCOME GODWIN HOME

Southeast Missouri State University will "welcome home" astronaut Linda Godwin during graduation ceremonies next weekend. The university alumna recently returned from a mission aboard the space shuttle Atlantis.

Godwin, a 1974 graduate, will present brief remarks at commencement exercises at 3 p.m. May 11 at the Show Me Center. Godwin will return to Southeast President Kala Stroup a specially commissioned university banner taken aboard the shuttle in April.

The colorful banner, featuring the Academic Hall dome against a full moon with the shuttle soaring overhead, will be permanently displayed at the university. Godwin will also be on hand for pre-commencement reception for graduates, families and friends from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the Show Me Center.

In addition, she will answer questions at a news conference and ceremony scheduled 9 a.m. May 13 in Rhodes Hall of Science lobby. Then at 9:30 a.m., she will present a seminar on the Gamma Ray Observatory in the Rhodes Hall of Science Auditorium.

During the five-day mission, Godwin helped deploy the $600 million observatory, which will circle the Earth for at least two years in search of gamma rays.

Godwin, 38, graduated from Jackson High School in 1970. Her parents are Mr. and Mrs. James Godwin of Oak Ridge.