Vol. 119, Issue 18 Feb. 23, 2015
Kathryn Kellar, Editor-in-Chief
The Black & Magenta
Glenn recalls first orbit on “Friendship 7” Christine Holmes News & Managing Editor
On Feb. 20, 1962, Muskingum University alumnus John Glenn made United States history when he became the first American to orbit around the Earth. That day is now known in Ohio as Friendship 7 Day. In a 2012 interview with WMCO, Glenn recalled his orbit in the Mercury-Atlas 6 “Friendship 7” spacecraft as a time of unknown. “We didn’t know what to expect in those days,” said Glenn. Glenn said much of the research during his first orbit was focused on the astronauts involved. Every 20 minutes Glenn was supposed to read an eye chart to monitor any changes with his eyesight. The ophthalmologists at the time were concerned his eyes would change shape as the gravity changed, and it was also uncertain if it was possible to swallow while in orbit. “It was a great pleasure to find out these worries were not coming true,” said Glenn. Glenn said there were some un-
planned occurrences while in orbit. Originally, the spacecraft was supposed to run in automatic for the first few orbits, but the control malfunctioned, using too much fuel. Glenn had to take over manually by
for re-entry to Earth’s atmosphere because the heat shield came loose and wasn’t supposed to. Glenn said he wasn’t fearful, but did have “constructive apprehension.” He said fear will overcome you, so you must overcome fear. Glenn was well aware of the danger, but did his best to stay focused on the tasks at hand. He said his wife Annie was very nervous during his orbit. Glenn said she tells people that she lost 12 pounds during the first flight, but gained 12 pounds during the second. When Glenn returned to Earth, several parades were held to welcome back the astronauts in places like New York City, Washington D.C., and Cocoa Beach. NASA/Kayla Rausch/Black&Magenta However, he said that the homecoming in New Concord the end of the first orbit. was his favorite. “That was the best paGlenn also recalled the first sunrise rade of all,” said Glenn. “That was one as being a surprise to him. I really enjoyed.” He said it was “like looking out in a Glenn said the population of the meadow with a million fireflies.” town was around 1,500, but 50,000 Some adjustments were necessary people lined Main Street that day.
we never lost a game,” said Hanna. After quitting the football team, Hanna continued to focus on getting his degree in Political Science. He continued to support the football team by bringing his pet donkey, Doc. He brought Doc to school and to football games. It was at Muskingum University he met his wife, Suzi, in 1965. “Doc really did bring my wife and I together because she just so happened to love animals,” said Hanna. Hanna was a part of the MACE fraternity. Suzi was a Delta Gamma Theta. They married in 1968, and spent their honeymoon in Zanesville. Along with Doc, he also kept ducks and snakes in his dorm room.
Hanna’s stories at Muskingum also included renting an apartment from John Glenn’s mother. Hanna has become a nationally acclaimed zookeeper and is the Director of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Hanna attributes his success to working hard his entire life. “I was taught [three words]. Hard work and enthusiasm,” said Hanna. “Work hard and love what you do. I’ve just lived up to that my whole life, knowing what I’d do at 16. Some people may not be fortunate enough to know what they wanted to do, but Muskingum was a great school. They worked with me.” In his years and experiences, Hanna
“Jungle Jack’s” blast from the past Martin Kurtz Orbit Media Reporter
“Jungle Jack” Hanna is a famous Muskingum University alumnus. He has numerous stories of his time spent at Muskingum and respects the university. Hanna was born in Tennessee and went to boarding school before attending Muskingum. Hanna came to Muskingum after he was rejected by numerous other schools because of low test scores. At Muskingum University he played for the football team for his first few semesters. “Back in those days, that first year,
T H E B L A C K & M A G E N TA
Ronald Mazeroski’s legacy Page 2 NCFD win award Page 4 American host families Page 5
offered advice to others. “If you work hard, [people in] your professions will know that,” said Hanna. “If you don’t work hard, you’re going to fail. I was just lucky they saw how hard I worked.” He enjoyed all the years and experiences that Muskingum gave him. “I just want people to understand that they’re graduating from a great school,” said Hanna. “You have that degree. Go out there and if you have to, dig ditches.” Hanna frequently travels and he can be seen on national TV programs to do education skits with animals. He hopes to retire in the next few years.