Orbit to end zone: Astronaut presents flag during Tech game

Rice alumnus and NASA astronaut Danny Olivas ’96 handed over the flag during the third-quarter break at Rice Stadium.

Olivas flew a flag from each of his alma maters during his first shuttle mission as a way of saying “thanks” to his mentors. He said returning the flag to Rice was a way to help others appreciate what the university has to offer.

“The educational institutions that I attended provided me with the tools I needed, and still use today, to define my career and life,” Olivas said. “Rice is an integral part of who I am, and I am indebted to the tireless efforts of the professors and instructors under whom I studied.”

Read about the other special events during the Rice-Texas Tech game.