PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 4, 2025
Contact:
Judy Foston Stanford, Foston International Communications, Inc.
Mobile: 713-446-4391
Email: jfoston@fostoninternational.com
Or Donna Blackshear-Reynolds, DREME Publicity Committee Chair
Phone:713-304-3336
Email: donna.blackshear.reynolds@gmail.com
DREME Science Literacy Foundation Honors Dr. Ronald E. McNair and Challenger 51-L Crew with 40th Anniversary Commemoration Supporting STEM and Aviation Scholarships
HOUSTON, TX — Forty years ago, on January 28, 1986, the world stood still as the Space Shuttle Challenger and its seven courageous crew members were lost just seconds after liftoff. In 2026, the Dr. Ronald E. McNair Educational (DREME) Science Literacy Foundation will bring the community together to honor that legacy with a powerful evening of remembrance and inspiration titled “Reflections of Excellence: Inspiring the Future.”
The black-tie commemoration will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Space Center Houston, 1601 E. NASA Pkwy, Houston, Texas. As the official visitor center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Space Center Houston provides the perfect setting to honor a mission—and a vision—that continues to shape America’s commitment to space exploration and STEM education.
A Night of Tribute, Talent, and Transformative Impact
Guests will enjoy a gourmet dinner by Wolfgang Puck Catering, live music by internationally acclaimed jazz saxophonist Kyle Turner and his band, and a curated silent auction. Turner will perform a special piece written for
Dr. McNair, which the astronaut had planned to play in space during the Challenger 51-L mission, making this moment a centerpiece of the evening’s commemoration.
The program will feature distinguished national leaders in aerospace and education, including:
● Charles Bolden, former NASA Administrator, astronaut, and retired U.S. Marine Corps Major General ● Mike Coats, former Director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center and former astronaut ● Vanessa Wyche, Director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center
● Rev. Marcus D. Cosby, Pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church
● Additional notable guests and supporters of the McNair legacy (see attached flier)
Celebrating a Life Dedicated to Brilliance, Courage, and Youth Empowerment
Dr. Ronald E. McNair—physicist, astronaut, martial artist, musician, and trailblazer—embodied intellectual excellence and unshakable perseverance. A graduate of North Carolina A&T State University and MIT, Dr. McNair became the second African American to travel into space and the first person to play the saxophone in orbit.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. McNair devoted himself to inspiring young people to pursue science, innovation, and personal excellence. He challenged students to believe in their potential, often encouraging them with the empowering question: “Why not YOU?”
Supporting the Next Generation of Aviators, Engineers, and STEM Leaders
In honor of Dr. McNair and the Challenger 51-L crew, proceeds from this commemorative event will support STEM education initiatives, including aviation scholarships, helping young people chart careers in flight, engineering, and scientific discovery.
“As we mark this 40-year milestone, we honor not only the sacrifice of my late husband and the Challenger crew, but also the extraordinary legacy of excellence they represent,” said Cheryl McNair, widow of Dr. Ronald E. McNair. “This event illuminates the spirit of service, bravery, and hope that continues to inspire future generations to reach for the stars.”
How to Participate and Support the Mission
There is still time to purchase tickets for this historic event HERE. Individuals unable to attend but wishing to honor the Challenger crew are invited to make a fully tax-deductible donation HERE. Businesses and organizations may also secure ad placements in the official souvenir program book HERE.
Event sponsors include HEB, United Airlines, Space Center Houston, Houston Rig Hands, a Big 3 Basketball team, McNair Law Group, PLLC - Estate and Elder Law, Greenberg Traurig LLP, The Harris Foundation, MIT Alumni Association, TSU Aviation Science Management, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, GOHLKE & Company, PC, Certified Public Accountants and Primerica.
For tickets, donations, sponsorships, or additional information, visit https://dremefoundation.org/ or contact info@dremefoundation.org or 281-971-7806.
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