Bill Nye to drop by Union

Publication Date

Bill Nye, a popular TV personality known to a generation as “Bill

Bill Nye

Nye the Science Guy,” will speak Wednesday, March 13, at 7 pm. in Memorial Chapel.

The talk, "An Evening with Bill Nye," is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and priority will be given to members of the campus community.

Nye's show began in Seattle in 1993 and after two years in syndication, ran on PBS six days a week. The show won 18 Emmy Awards in five years, with Nye winning seven for writing, performing and producing. Known for its fun and engaging approach to explaining real science, the show helped inspire many young people to pursue science-related careers.

Nye, who holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Cornell University, hosts three television series: “The 100 Greatest Discoveries” on the Science Channel, “The Eyes of Nye” on PBS and "Stuff Happens" on Planet Green.

In 2011, Nye was named chief executive officer of The Planetary Society. He has been a member since it was founded in 1980 by Carl Sagan, Bruce Murray and Louis Friedman to advocate for space science, research and exploration.

Next month, he will be honored by the Space Foundation with the Douglas S. Morrow Public Outreach Award. He was selected for his "ability to successfully convey scientific concepts and make science, especially space science, compelling for the general public.

Nye's visit is sponsored by the student-run Speakers Forum.