NASA Astronaut Who Defied the Odds to Speak at MCC

Feb. 25, 2025

Former NASA astronaut Dr. José M. Hernández, the inspiration behind the critically acclaimed 2023 film, “A Million Miles Away” on Amazon Prime, will speak at McLennan Community College’s (MCC) Distinguished Lecture Series (DLS). The event will be held at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 10 at the Conference Center at MCC. This free event offers a rare opportunity to hear Hernández share his extraordinary journey—from working as a migrant farmworker in California to becoming a NASA astronaut. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. and the event will conclude with a book signing at 8:15 p.m. Advance registration is required as seating is limited.

Hernández’ will share insights from his life experiences and discuss the determination that propelled him to achieve his dreams against the odds. The former astronaut grew up in Stockton, California; his family is originally from Mexico. There, he worked as a migrant farmworker with his family, harvesting crops throughout California before going to college and becoming an engineer and later an astronaut. Despite facing multiple rejections from NASA, Hernández remained steadfast—being selected as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery after 11 attempts. He is the author of several books, including an autobiography, “Reaching for the Stars” and a children’s adaptation, “The Boy Who Touched the Stars”.

“We know students face challenges, and we hope that José Hernández’s journey will inspire them to pursue their dreams and never give up, no matter the obstacles, Dr. Johnette McKown, MCC President said.

Hernández now works as a consultant within the aerospace engineering consulting company he founded, Tierra Luna Engineering, LLC. He also serves as a University of California Regent, president and chief. Hernández worked at NASA Johnson Space Center from 2001 to 2011, serving as an astronaut, legislative analyst, branch chief and materials research engineer. Prior to NASA, he contributed to the X-ray laser project at Lawrence Livermore National Library and co-developed the first full-field digital mammography system for early breast cancer detection. Hernández holds a Master’s of Science in Signals and Systems Engineering from University of California, a Bachelor’s of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of the Pacific and has been honored with nine Doctorate Degrees, honoris causa.

Thanks to the MCC Foundation, the lecture is free, but seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Tickets are available at https://Mclennan-DLS.eventbrite.com. The McLennan DLS is designed to enrich the cultural experience for MCC students and the community by offering opportunities to hear from experts in politics, science, literature and popular culture.