Meghan Holden

mholden@jconline.com

When Purdue University alumnus Scott Tingle blasts into outer space next year, his alma mater will be along for the journey.

Tingle, a 1988 mechanical engineering graduate and the university's 23rd astronaut, will take part in missions to the International Space Station in September 2017 and March 2018.

On the first mission, he'll carry with him Purdue items specially selected by university officials, the College of Engineering, the School of Mechanical Engineering and Zucrow Laboratories — a medal named after alumnus Neil Armstrong, two mechanical engineering photos and a Zucrow scroll banner.

"Every day our students push the boundaries of their studies to new levels on campus," said President Mitch Daniels in a press release. "Seeing this latest astronaut alumnus take his Boiler Pride into space speaks to just how far a Purdue education can take you."

The 1½ pound Neil A. Armstrong Medal of Excellence "recognizes individuals who have embodied the pioneer spirit, determination and dedication that distinguished Armstrong's exploration of space and his later roles as a businessman and scholar," the press release said.

Armstrong, who graduated from Purdue in 1955, was the first person to walk on the moon in a 1969 NASA mission.

When Tingle returns, the medal will be on display in the university's Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering until another recipient is chosen. The medal has been awarded only to two others, former President Martin Jischke and former US Airways pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger.

Zucrow Labs sent a scroll banner that pulls apart to display its "Purdue Propulsion" logo, as well as a panoramic picture of all Zucrow's current students.

Tingle also will take a placard with two photos printed on its front and back. One photo displays the Purdue University College of Engineering emblem and the other includes the words, "Don't Worry/I'm A Mechanical Engineer," along with the Purdue University emblem

When returned, the placard will be split and given to the College of Engineering and the School of Mechanical Engineering.

"The statement on the placard reflects the confidence our graduates have in their problem-solving abilities and their education to meet any challenge they will face," said Anil Bajaj, the head of mechanical engineering, in the release.