Ohio State announces decorated NASA veteran as spring commencement speaker

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WMCH) -- Ohio State University announced former astronaut and Marine Maj. Gen. Charles Frank Bolden Jr. as this spring's commencement speaker.

Bolden was NASA's first Black and 12th total administrator, where he served the agency from 2009 to 2017, leading nationwide teams to further the U.S. space program. He will address the 12,000 graduates and thousands of other attendees at this year's spring commencement.

Bolden, a highly decorated veteran and astronaut, did not attend Ohio State but did receive an honorary degree in 2017 for his innovative work in global sustainability and the NASA program.

“I am excited to return to campus, where I have enjoyed my affiliation with the John Glenn College of Public Affairs for many years, and to join the graduates and their families in celebrating the completion of their studies at this prestigious institution,” Bolden said. 

Bolden oversaw the transition from space shuttle missions to the International Space Station in his time overseeing NASA. He also helped oversee the Mars Curiosity Rover's landing and new understandings of Jupiter through the Juno mission. Before that, he served 34 years in the Marine Corps, including 14 years in NASA's Astronaut Office. He flew more than 100 combat missions in the Vietnam War.

Bolden traveled to orbit four times aboard a space shuttle between 1986 and 1994, spending two as a commander and two as a pilot across more than 680 hours in space. He helped deploy the Hubble Space Telescope and was a part of the first U.S.-Russian joint shuttle mission.

Bolden is a recipient of the Defense Superior Service Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He is inducted in both the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame and the National Aviation Hall of Fame. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1968 and attended the University of Southern California for his masters degree.

“It is quite an honor and privilege to be invited by a dear friend and fellow Naval aviator, President Ted Carter, to deliver the commencement address to The Ohio State University Class of 2025,” Bolden said.

Today, Bolden is founder and CEO emeritus of The Charles F. Bolden Group, a veteran-owned small business that specializes in space exploration, national security, health initiatives and STEAM education.

Carter said it was an "honor and privilege" to welcome Bolden to campus.

“Maj. Gen. Bolden is an exceptional leader who has dedicated his life to serving our country. In every role throughout his distinguished career, he has elevated the United States’ safety, security and prosperity," Carter said. "He perfectly embodies the Buckeye mission to serve a purpose greater than ourselves. This will be a special day for our graduates, their loved ones and the entire Ohio State community.”

Carter and OSU drew criticism after the 2024 commencement speaker's bizarre address by cryptocurrency enthusiast Chris Pan. Pan drew audible boos from the audience during a live demonstration with Carter promoting Bitcoin. Pan also sang, promoted his bracelet company and admitted he used a psychedelic drug to write the speech. See coverage of the 2024 spring commencement in the video player above.

Ohio State's spring commencement will take place on May 4 at noon at Ohio Stadium.