NEWS RELEASE
November 18, 1999

Contact: Jennifer Saddler Thomas

Phone: (740) 452-6462

Fax: (740) 453-3758

E-mail: jthomas@y-city.net

"The space program can inspire and motivate young people to learn and grow and get excited about school," says Eileen Collins, astronaut and Space Shuttle Commander. Collins, the first female commander and a role model for all girls and women, will be the keynote speaker at the 11^th Annual International Women in Aviation Conference to be held March 9-11, 2000, at the Memphis Cook Convention Center in Memphis, Tenn.

Collins’ presentation will be held on Friday monring, March 10, at the Memphis Convention Center. She began her career through the Air Force ROTC and learned to fly at the age of 19. After flying and teaching in the Air Force for several years, Collins applied to the Astronaut Program in 1989. In 1994, she flew her first mission as Space Shuttle Pilot and, in 1999, became the first female Commander of the Shuttle.

Collins’ presentation is part of more than 40 hours of educational opportunities available to Conference participants. Other invited speakers include: The Honorable Rodney Slater, Secretary of Transportation; Dr. Kathie Olsen, chief scientist for NASA; Marta Bohn-Meyer, first female SR-71 pilot; Fay Beauchine, vice president for Northwest Airlines; Dave Bronzek, CEO of FedEx; Carol Carmody, former U.S. Representative to ICAO; Patty Wagstaff, airshow performer and Lane Wallace, columnist for FLYING magazine.

Women in Aviation, International (WAI) is a non-profit organization based near Dayton, Ohio, with more than 4,200 members. WAI is dedicated to the encouragement and advancement of women in all aviation career fields and interests. For more information contact Women in Aviation, International headquarters at 3647 S.R. 503 South, West Alexandria, OH 45381; Phone (937) 839-4647;
Fax (937) 839-4645; E-mail wai@infinet.com; Web www.wiai.org.

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