STAC to Host Grand Opening of the SKAE Astronomy Center

St. Thomas Aquinas College will celebrate the grand opening of the state-of-the-art SKAE Astronomy Center on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, beginning at 5:30 PM in the Romano Student Alumni Center on campus. The evening will include remarks from Peter and Leslie Skae, the benefactors whose vision and generosity made the Astronomy Center possible. Serving as keynote speaker will be Dr. Charles Camarda, a 46-year NASA veteran, inventor, author, educator, and STS-114 astronaut who flew the historic return-to-flight mission following the Columbia disaster.

“This transformative project reflects our deep commitment to inspiring curiosity, advancing STEM education, and engaging our students and community in lifelong learning,” said Ken Daly, President of St. Thomas Aquinas College. “We are honored to recognize Peter and Leslie Skae, whose generosity has brought this vision to life, and to welcome Dr. Camarda — a pioneer in aerospace innovation and an inspiring leader — to mark this milestone and spark a passion for discovery among our students and community members.”

From 7:00 – 9:00 PM, guests can take part in small-group tours of the SKAE Astronomy Center, available by advance reservation when registering. During this time, they will also enjoy a reception with family-friendly astronomy activities, Telescopic! — a group exhibition celebrating the beauty, mystery, and wonder of space in the Azarian McCullough Art Gallery — and a book signing with Dr. Camarda for his acclaimed work, Mission Out of Control: An Astronaut’s Odyssey to Fix High-Risk Organizations and Prevent Tragedy.