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Watch Zena Cardman’s Spring Commencement speech

The double Tar Heel and NASA astronaut imparted wisdom to Carolina graduates months before she’s set to embark on her first spaceflight.

By University Communications, Tuesday, May 14th, 2024

NASA astronaut and double Tar Heel Zena Cardman ’10 ’14 (MS) is heading to space in August, but she said delivering Carolina’s Spring Commencement address was “the most terrifying thing” she’ll do this year.

Cardman told graduates at the nighttime ceremony that it’s OK if they don’t know where their journey is heading, and the definition of success is entirely up to them.

Press play above to watch a video of Cardman’s speech.

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