The University of Tennessee Space Institute held a special service and reception on May 23 to honor the late Robert Young and officially name the large circle in front of the main academic building, The Robert L. Young Circle. Young was UTSI’s first deputy director and professor of aerospace and mechanical engineering, and later became the first associate dean and director of the academic program. After retiring, Young continued as an active member of the UTSI Support Council. Shown seated, behind the new memorial naming the circle, is his wife, Sara Young with UTSI Chief Operating Officer Donald Daniel. Standing, (left to right) are Young’s four children, Scot Robertson of Estill Springs, Cindy Young, Scott Alan Young of Tullahoma, and Ronald Young of Franklin, along with Ken Harwell, Former UTSI Dean and Professor. Kneeling in front are Young’s grandchildren Dillon and Dryden Young.

–UTSI Photo by Shanna Relford