Statements on the Loss of Kalpana Chawla

February 1, 2003

"All of us at the University of Colorado at Boulder are shocked and saddened by the loss today of CU-Boulder alumna, Dr. Kalpana Chawla, who was an astronaut on the Columbia space shuttle. Like all of our other astronaut-alumni, Dr. Chawla was a source of pride for the entire University community and will be remembered for her tremendous accomplishments and warm personality. We extend our sympathies to her family in this time of shock and disbelief."

- Chancellor Richard L. Byyny

"It's difficult to express the sense of sadness and disbelief we all feel today for the loss of Dr. Chawla, one of our distinguished astronaut-alumni of the aerospace engineering program. Along with Ellison Onizuka, who died on the Challenger in 1986, CU-Boulder now has lost two of its shining stars to shuttle disasters. Today’s tragedy hits us especially hard, because our space studies program has established a long record of outstanding achievement, a sense of deep pride, and a family atmosphere among all its participants. Like the rest of America, we watched in disbelief as the television monitors showed the unfolding tragedy. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Dr. Chawla and her colleagues."

- Provost Phil DiStefano

Photo: The Old Main flag was lowered to half-staff Saturday in remembrance of Kalpana Chawla, who was among the astronauts aboard the Columbia Shuttle.