CHANTILLY, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–June 28, 2005–Eta Kappa Nu (HKN), the honor society for electrical and computer engineers, has recognized former astronaut Owen K. Garriott as an Eminent Member.

HKN bestowed the Eminent Member distinction, the society’s highest honor, at a Saturday, June 18, 2005, dinner in Chantilly, Va. Acclaimed inventor Bernard M. Gordon was also recognized as an Eminent Member at the same ceremony.

Garriott was one of the original six astronaut-scientists chosen by NASA in 1965. On his first space flight in 1973 aboard Skylab, Garriott set an endurance record by spending 60 days in space. On a 1983 mission, he spent 10 days aboard Spacelab-1.

In addition to his achievements in space, Garriott held several posts at the Johnson Space Center, including responsibility for all research in the physical sciences. He also worked as a project scientist at the Space Station Project Office.

After leaving NASA in 1986, he consulted for various aerospace companies and served as a member of several NASA and National Research Council Committees.

Garriott also had a distinguished education career. He was a professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Stanford University, where he performed research, led graduate studies, and authored or co-authored more than 45 scientific papers, chapters, and one book.

Most recently, he was an adjunct professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama at Huntsville.

The Enid, Okla., native is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and received his M.S. and Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Stanford University. He is also a recipient of the National Science Foundation Fellowship and the NASA Distinguished Service Medal.

Eta Kappa Nu established the Eminent Member honor in 1950 to be conferred upon its members “whose technical achievements and contributions to society through leadership in the field of electrical or computer engineering have resulted in significant benefits to humankind.”

About Eta Kappa Nu

In 2002, Eta Kappa Nu (www.hkn.org) celebrated its 100th anniversary as an honor society dedicated to recognizing academic achievement and distinguished personal accomplishment among electrical and computer engineers. Eta Kappa Nu presents annual awards to outstanding young engineers, students, chapters, and distinguished members. The society also publishes a member magazine, The Bridge. Eta Kappa Nu is managed by the International Engineering Consortium.

Contact:

Eta Kappa Nu

Kathy Ricker, 312-559-4625

kathy@hkn.org