NASA astronaut Victor Glover talks moon mission and ‘Learn by Doing’ at Cal Poly

Key Takeaways:

• Victor Glover is a NASA astronaut and Cal Poly alumnus who returned to campus.
• He highlighted Cal Poly’s “Learn by Doing” philosophy as a foundation for his achievements.
• Glover was involved in NASA’s Artemis II lunar mission.
• Nearly 1,300 people gathered to hear him speak.
• His message underscored the value of hands-on learning to inspire the next generation.

Returning to Cal Poly

NASA astronaut Victor Glover visited California Polytechnic State University, where he graduated before embarking on a groundbreaking career. Addressing an audience of nearly 1,300 faculty, students, and local residents, he reflected on his journey from campus life to the upper reaches of space.

The ‘Learn by Doing’ Approach

Glover credited Cal Poly’s experiential teaching model—known as “Learn by Doing”—for guiding his path to NASA. He explained how applying class concepts in real-world settings set the stage for his future endeavors. “Learn by Doing,” he noted, transformed theoretical education into practical expertise.

Artemis II and Renewed Lunar Exploration

During his talk, Glover shared insights about his role as part of NASA’s recent Artemis II mission. While details of the mission remain closely tied to ongoing NASA efforts, Glover emphasized how the program signals a renewed commitment to lunar exploration. He praised Cal Poly’s emphasis on problem-solving as a critical skill for tackling complex challenges in space travel.

Inspiring Tomorrow’s Explorers

Glover’s presence gave the campus community an up-close look at what dedication and hands-on education can achieve. By returning to the very place where he once sat in lecture halls, he offered a powerful example of how curiosity and determination can spark scientific breakthroughs—and even launch careers into orbit.