The University, which will honour Administrator Bolden for his contribution to space exploration and the engineering sciences, will confer the honorary degree on the morning of Thursday 30 January.

In addition, Administrator Bolden will address over 850 of the University’s students on the Wednesday evening before the ceremony, where he will talk about his experiences as a marine, an astronaut and as the Administrator of NASA.  The event was fully booked by Bristol’s students within 24 hours of being publicised.

Professor Nick Lieven, Pro Vice-Chancellor, International, at the University of Bristol will deliver Administrator Bolden’s oration during the degree ceremony.  He commented:  “We are excited and privileged to welcome Administrator  Bolden to the University of Bristol.  We pride ourselves in enabling the next generation of leaders at Bristol and Administrator Bolden presents an excellent example to all of our students.”

Bolden, a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, became a marine aviator and test pilot prior to his service as an astronaut.  He became NASA Administrator in 2009.

You can view Administrator Bolden’s talk to University of Bristol students (taking place on Wednesday 29 January at 6.15pm GMT) via a live stream