Research Astronaut and Payload Specialist to Give Holman Family Address

 
Kellie Gerardi will be the next guest in the Holman Family Distinguished Speakers Series at 7 p.m. Oct. 3 in Baldwin Hall Auditorium.
 
An astronaut, author and inspiration to millions of fans on social media, Gerardi is one of the first 100 women to fly in space and one of the world’s first payload specialists to fly on a commercial spacecraft. She was named a 2025 Woman of the Year by USA Today and to the inaugural 2025 TIME100 Creator list, and is the recipient of a 2025 People’s Voice Webby Award in recognition of her highly engaged and supportive social media following.
 
Gerardi has also served as an inspiration to many for her openness regarding her personal struggles with IVF and pregnancy loss. Additionally, she is the author of the children’s book series “Luna Muna,” which has been read from the International Space Station. 
 
Tickets are free and available now. They can be picked up on campus at any of three convenient locations: the Union and Involvement Office in the Student Union Building; the Advancement Office in McClain Hall 205; or the Admissions Office in the Ruth W. Towne Museum and Visitors Center. Tickets are also available off campus at the Kirksville Arts Association in downtown Kirksville. Any remaining tickets will be available the day of the event at the Baldwin Auditorium ticket window 30 minutes before the event.
 
The Holman Family Distinguished Speaker Series is named in honor of Squire Paul and Meeda (Daniel) Holman by their children to honor their parents’ long association with Truman. It is funded through an endowment with the Truman State University Foundation.