News Summary
Retired Colonel Ron Farris will be honored by the University of Texas at Austin’s College of Aerospace Engineering for his significant contributions to aerospace engineering and his military service. His induction into the Academy of Distinguished Alumni celebrates his impactful career, which includes pivotal work at NASA and years of dedicated service in the U.S. Air Force. Farris’s journey reflects the potential for excellence fostered through education and commitment to public service.
Austin – Retired Colonel Ron Farris will be honored as a member of the 2022 class of the Academy of Distinguished Alumni at the University of Texas at Austin’s College of Aerospace Engineering on April 22. This accolade recognizes his significant contributions to aerospace engineering and his distinguished military career with the U.S. Air Force.
The Academy of Distinguished Alumni, established in the Cockrell School of Engineering, aims to acknowledge graduates who have excelled in the fields of aerospace, computational, and engineering mechanics. Farris’s induction into this prestigious group highlights his dedication and remarkable achievements in both his educational pursuits and professional endeavors.
Farris retired from the U.S. Air Force on January 1, 2011, concluding nearly 31 years of service. A native of Uvalde, Texas, he graduated from Uvalde High School in 1972 before receiving his undergraduate and graduate degrees in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. His passion for aerospace began early in his career, which took off at the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston in 1978.
At NASA, Farris specialized in orbital mechanics, where he developed critical algorithms for satellite trajectories and provided support for several missions in Mission Control. His distinguished work included participation during the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster on January 28, 1986, an event that profoundly impacted both the space program and his professional journey.
Farris was recognized for his contributions to the initial Hubble Space Telescope repair mission, an endeavor that showcased his expertise and dedication to advancing space exploration. For his efforts, he was awarded the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal, underscoring his role in one of the most significant scientific projects of his time.
During his career, Farris also joined the Air Force Reserves in 1981, later transitioning to active duty following the September 11, 2001 attacks. His military service distinguished him further, earning him several prestigious awards, including the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Joint Meritorious Unit, and National Defense Service medals. His deployments included active engagement in Afghanistan, where he demonstrated his commitment to both his country and the mission of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Born to the late Ruth and Jack Farris, Ron Farris has established a familial legacy as well. He is the proud father of two daughters and has two granddaughters residing near Dallas. With the arrival of a third granddaughter expected in August, he is looking forward to expanding his family.
The upcoming induction ceremony at the University of Texas at Austin not only highlights Farris’s personal achievements but also serves as a celebration of the impact that dedicated professionals in aerospace engineering and military service can have on the world. As he joins the distinguished alumni ranks, Farris’s journey from a high school graduate in Uvalde to a decorated military officer and aerospace engineer exemplifies the potential for excellence fostered by education and experience.
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Additional Resources
- Uvalde Leader News
- Wikipedia: Aerospace Engineering
- News 4 San Antonio
- Google Search: Ron Farris
- Boerne Star
- Google Scholar: Aerospace Engineering
- Dignity Memorial
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aerospace Engineering
- Legacy.com
- Google News: University of Texas Aerospace Engineering
