BGU Awards Honorary Doctoral Degree to France Cordova
BGU Awards Honorary Doctoral Degree to France Cordova
June 1, 2011
BEER-SHEVA, ISRAEL, June 1, 2011 – Ben-Gurion University of the Negev awarded an honorary doctoral degree to former NASA Chief Scientist and Purdue University President France A. Córdova on Monday evening.
Upon conferring the degree, BGU President Prof. Rivka Carmi said, “This award recognizes France A. Córdova’s leadership in fostering academic excellence, pluralism, equality and social justice at Purdue University. Her devotion to educating the next generation of scientists while serving in key academic positions and working indefatigably to raise the quality of education and science teacher-training is deserving of this honor.”
Accepting the degree, Dr. Córdova said, “It is a distinct privilege to receive an honorary degree from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, an institution known for teaching and research excellence in engineering, technology and the sciences. I share the aspirations of BGU’s President Carmi to better the world through research and scientific exploration and am deeply honored to be included in this year’s ceremony.”
Prior to joining Purdue University, Dr. Córdova served as chancellor and distinguished professor of physics and astronomy at the University of California Riverside from 2002 to 2007. Under her guidance, the University became a national model for the academic success of underrepresented students.
She is currently serving a six-year presidential appointment to the National Science Board and is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
As NASA’s chief scientist, from 1993 to 1996, Dr. Córdova served as the primary scientific advisor to the NASA administration and the principal interface between NASA headquarters and the broader scientific community. She was both the first woman, as well as the youngest person to serve as NASA’s chief scientist. For her contributions, she was later awarded NASA’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Medal.
Dr. Córdova’s scientific career contributions are in the fields of observational and experimental astrophysics, multi-spectral research on x-ray and gamma ray sources and space instrumentation.
Dr. Córdova earned her Ph.D. in physics from the California Institute of Technology. She graduated with a B.S. in English cum laude from Stanford University.
ABOUT AMERICANS FOR BEN-GURION UNIVERSITY
By supporting a world-class academic institution that not only nurtures the Negev, but also shares its expertise locally and globally, Americans for Ben-Gurion University engages a community of Americans who are committed to improving the world. David Ben-Gurion envisioned that Israel’s future would be forged in the Negev. The cutting-edge research carried out at Ben-Gurion University drives that vision by sustaining a desert Silicon Valley, with the “Stanford of the Negev” at its center. The Americans for Ben-Gurion University movement supports a 21st century unifying vision for Israel by rallying around BGU’s remarkable work and role as an apolitical beacon of light in the Negev desert.
About Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev embraces the endless potential we have as individuals and as a commonality to adapt and to thrive in changing environments. Inspired by our location in the desert, we aim to discover, to create, and to develop solutions to dynamic challenges, to pose questions that have yet to be asked, and to push beyond the boundaries of the commonly accepted and possible.
We are proud to be a central force for inclusion, diversity and innovation in Israel, and we strive to extend the Negev’s potential and our entrepreneurial spirit throughout the world. For example, the multi-disciplinary School for Sustainability and Climate Change at BGU leverages over 50 years of expertise on living and thriving in the desert into scalable solutions for people everywhere.
BGU at a glance:
20,000 students | 800 senior faculty | 3 campuses | 6 faculties: humanities & social sciences, health sciences, engineering sciences, natural sciences, business & management, and desert research.
For all press inquiries, please contact:
James Fattal, J Cubed Communications
516.289.1496
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