Mark Vande Hei
NASA Astronaut
1989 Saint John’s University graduate

Dear Mark,

All of us at Saint John’s University and the College of Saint Benedict were delighted to learn that your historic mission aboard the International Space Station came to a successful conclusion Wednesday with your safe landing in Kazakhstan. Congratulations on completing the longest space flight in U.S. history.

During the 355 days of your second space station mission, you completed 5,680 orbits of Earth on a journey of more than 150 million miles, roughly the equivalent of 312 trips to the Moon and back. Your contributions to experiments and cutting-edge technology development provided invaluable benefits throughout the scientific world.

Beyond all that, your character, your integrity, your generosity with your time while sharing your experiences with SJU students and faculty and your dedication to your family helped promote peace and international relations while also displaying the Benedictine values you cultivated during your time in Collegeville.

These are exceptional triumphs, and please allow me to extend my warmest congratulations on your international recognition. Saint John’s and Saint Benedict deeply appreciate your contributions and thank you for your dedication and service.

Welcome home!

Very best wishes,

Jim Mullen
Transitional President, Saint John’s University