North Carolina State University gave one of its most celebrated alumni a homecoming to remember this week, honoring astronaut Christina Koch — the first woman to travel around the Moon — with a building dedication on campus and a packed auditorium full of inspired students.

Koch, an NC State graduate, returned to her alma mater for an event that drew a capacity crowd of students eager to hear from the trailblazing astronaut. The visit was billed as “To the Moon and Pack Again,” a nod to NC State’s beloved Wolfpack spirit, and by all accounts it lived up to the name. Koch spoke to students about her historic journey and the experiences that shaped her career, offering an up-close look at what it means to push the boundaries of human exploration.

But the celebration didn’t stop at words. NC State honored Koch with the dedication of a campus building in her name — a lasting tribute to her achievements and her connection to the university. And in keeping with the festive spirit of the occasion, the university also marked the milestone with something a little sweeter, according to the News & Observer, which noted the celebration included a special treat alongside the building honor.

The event drew coverage from outlets across the region, reflecting just how much pride the Raleigh community takes in Koch’s accomplishments. For the students who packed the venue, the chance to hear directly from an astronaut who broke barriers on the grandest possible stage — a lunar mission — was an experience unlikely to be forgotten anytime soon.

Koch’s return to NC State serves as a powerful reminder of what Raleigh’s universities contribute to the world, and what the next generation of students might one day achieve. For a campus full of future engineers, scientists, and explorers, having a Moon-bound alumna dedicate a building in their midst is about as inspiring as it gets.

Sources: WXII, News & Observer