This fall, Florida Tech alumnus Leland McKee (’83, MBA ’86) generously offered rare space history artifacts from his personal collection for display at the university. After connecting with President Dr. Nicklow’s office, McKee partnered with the Dean of Libraries to create an archival exhibit that aligns with the Library’s mission to showcase historically significant materials. The agreement ensures these items will be on display for at least five years, with options to renew—giving multiple graduating classes the opportunity to experience this piece of Space Coast history.
About the Astronauts Memorial Foundation
Founded in 1986 after the Challenger disaster, the Astronauts Memorial Foundation (AMF) was established by local leaders including architect Alan Helman, Congressman and astronaut Bill Nelson, and Florida Tech alumnus Leland McKee and others. AMF honors astronauts who lost their lives during U.S.-sponsored human spaceflight missions or related training and inspires future generations through education. The foundation maintains the Space Mirror Memorial at Kennedy Space Center, where 25 astronauts are commemorated, and operates from the NASA Center for Space Education to provide learning opportunities for students and educators worldwide.
Funding Through Specialty License Plates AMF and the Space Mirror Memorial are partially funded by Florida’s specialty license plate program. The first plate—designed by renowned space artist Robert McCall—was introduced in December 1986 as Florida’s first vanity plate and became known as the Challenger plate in 1987. This initiative raised millions for educational programs across the state. Following the Columbia disaster in 2003, the plate was updated to honor the crews of both lost shuttles, and, in 2004, was renamed the Challenger/Columbia plate.
Robert McCall, celebrated as NASA’s visual historian, documented America’s space program for more than 35 years—from Alan Shepard’s first flight to Neil Armstrong’s steps on the Moon. His work includes the six-story mural at the National Air and Space Museum, U.S. postage stamps commemorating space milestones, and conceptual art for films such as 2001: A Space Odyssey, Star Trek, and The Black Hole. McCall also designed Florida’s first specialty license plate, helping fund AMF’s mission.
Evans Library Display
The exhibit features McCall’s artwork, including a postage stamp, a specialty license plate, and a signed limited-edition poster, alongside memorabilia such as a PepsiCo newsletter featuring his art.
Also displayed are historical documents, letters from members of Congress, a T-shirt from the 67-County 7k Challenger Run Walk a Thon, and images of prominent figures such as Senator Bob Dole, Congressman Jack Kemp, and Sonny Bono.
Acknowledgment
A heartfelt thanks to Leland McKee for his pivotal role in founding AMF and for generously loaning these artifacts to Evans Library, furthering the mission to educate and inspire future generations.