In honor of Black History Month, Clyde Dease, president of the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation, will serve as guest speaker for two events at Pearl River Community College.

“I’m pleased to have been selected and have the opportunity to speak at these events,” Dease said. “I applaud PRCC’s president and staff for taking time to support these activities because I think they’re critical to celebrate not only African American history but American history.”

On Feb. 19 at 10:50 a.m., Dease will discuss “To Mars and Back, Maybe” at the Forrest County Center in building 5 at the Hattiesburg facility.

Clyde is a retired NASA scientist and said he plans to discuss the space program while at the Hattiesburg facility.

“The emphasis of my discussion is on my activities and my role in the space program and how that relates to both African American history and American history,” Dease said.

On Feb. 24 at 11:30 a.m., he will talk about “Remembering the 20^th century while writing the 21^st” in the Olivia Bender Cafeteria at PRCC’s Poplarville campus.

“Here I will be taking a look back at significant events from the past and show how that’s played a role today,” Dease said. “And then I will speak about where we are today in both technological and social advances and take a look at where we’re going in the future.”

Dease also said he’d like to thank the Lower Pearl River Valley Foundation for recommending him for the speaking engagements.

“These types of activities provide incentives for younger generations to strive to meet their fullest potential and I’m always pleased to speak to students in institutions about our history, technology and where we’re going in the future,” Dease said.

Dease holds an extensive resume, which includes serving as chair of the science department at Picayune Memorial High School, a scientist for the NASA Earth Resources Laboratory, head of the Calibrations and Standards Laboratory, the Gas and Material Analysis Lab and the Prototype Development and lead for Occupational Health, the Authority Having Jurisdiction for integration of life safety codes and Facility Planning and Utilization, according to the PRCC press release.

Both events are free and open to the public, according to the press release.