An Out-of-this-World Chat with Charlie Duke

Apollo Astronaut. Christian Leader. Moonwalker.

Part of the Free Enterprise Speaker Series

That performance was truly “Out-of-this-World”

We hope you could join us at WCU Bardo Art’s Center Wednesday, September 11, 2019.

If you are unable to attend in person, you can watch the livestream of the event here.

Please note: the video is on facebook.com, another viewing source is coming soon. Please check back.

About the Event

The Center for the Study of Free Enterprise, is excited to host An out-of-this-world chat with Charlie Duke: Apollo Astronaut, Christian Leader & Moonwalker.

Charles Moss “Charlie” Duke Jr. is an American former astronaut, retired U.S. Air Force officer and test pilot. As Lunar Module Pilot for Apollo 16 in 1972, he became the tenth and youngest person to walk on the Moon.

The latest installment of the Free Enterprise Speaker Series, this one-night only event will take place in the Bardo Arts Center on Western Carolina University’s campus.

When: 

September 11th, 2019 at 5:30 pm, doors open at 4:30 pm

Where:

Bardo Arts Center at Western Carolina University

The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.
Tickets can be picked up at Bardo Arts Center Will Call beginning at 4:30 pm 9/11/19 

 

Register Now Closed

Due to overwhelming demand, registration for this event is now closed. A limited number of tickets has been reserved for on-site registrants on the day of the event. In the event that seating in the main venue is closed, accommodations will be made for overflow viewing.

You can watch a livestream of the event here

Please contact CSFE@wcu.edu if you have any questions.

About Charlie Duke

Early life and education

Duke received a Bachelor of Science degree in Naval Sciences from the United States Naval Academy in 1957, and a Master of Science degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1964.

Military service

Duke was commissioned upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1957. Entering the U.S. Air Force, he went to Spence Air Force Base in Georgia for primary flight training, then to Webb Air Force Base in Texas for basic flying training, where he graduated with distinction in 1958 as a member of Pilot Training Class 59-B. After completion of more training, Duke served three years as a fighter interceptor pilot with the 526th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron at Ramstein Air Base in West Germany.

NASA 

In April 1966, Duke was one of 19 men selected for NASA’s fifth group of astronauts. In 1969, he was a member of the astronaut support crew for Apollo 10. He then served as CAPCOM for Apollo 11, the first landing on the Moon, where his distinctive Southern drawl became familiar to audiences around the world.

Apollo 16 (April 16–27, 1972) was launched from John F. Kennedy Space Center and was the fifth manned lunar landing mission. The crew consisted of John Young as Commander, Ken Mattingly as Command Module Pilot, and Duke as Lunar Module Pilot, making Duke the tenth person to walk upon the surface of the Moon. Apollo 16 was the first scientific expedition to inspect, survey, and sample materials and surface features in the Descartes region of the rugged lunar highlands. Duke retired from NASA in December 1975.

Personal life

Duke has been married to Dorothy Meade Claiborne of Atlanta, Georgia since June 1, 1963. They have two grown sons; and nine grandchildren. He and his wife reside in New Braunfels, Texas. His recreational interests include hunting, fishing, reading, and playing golf. Duke is an Eagle Scout and recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award from the Boy Scouts of America.

Since 1978, Duke has been a committed born-again Christian. He wrote in his book that his temper, ego, single-minded devotion to work, and greed had ruined his relationship with his wife and his children. Duke and his wife, who became a Christian before him, both credit religion with making their lives much happier. Duke also stated that his marriage and relationship with his children became considerably better soon after finding religion. He is active in prison ministry.

About Free Enterprise Speaker Series

Held three times per semester, WCU’s Free Enterprise Speaker Series gives WCU students direct access to leading thinkers on the importance of liberty and entrepreneurship to human flourishing. The Series is free and open to the public and is publicized through WCU and regional media.

Free and open to the public, our events aim to allow students, faculty, and the community to explore all points of view on issues of the day. Our goal is to offer a forum for the campus and community to hear from renowned experts from a variety of fields, and understand multiple perspectives through civil, informed, and fruitful discourse.