From Kingston to the Moon: A Journey of Science and Service | Dr. Maureen Vickers-Lahti, MBBS ’82B
In February 1983, I graduated from the University of the West AVƽ̨, completing two years of internship at the University Hospital of the West AVƽ̨ (UHWI). With a passion for public health and data, I pursued a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I remained at UMass Amherst following graduation, supporting numerous research projects with a focus on data management and analysis in epidemiological studies.
But more than 50 years before today, another unforgettable experience helped shape my journey.
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A Moment Among the Stars
In December 1972, I was honored to represent Jamaica on the International Youth Science Tour—a U.S.-hosted initiative that brought together teenagers aged 15–17 from 78 United Nations countries to witness one of humanity’s greatest scientific feats: the launch of Apollo 17, NASA’s final crewed mission to the Moon.
The tour was a celebration of global friendship and scientific exchange. Our group visited iconic institutions including Mission Control in Houston, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Washington, D.C., and the United Nations in New York.
But the most unforgettable moment came on December 7, 1972, when we stood at the Kennedy Space Center and watched the nighttime launch of Apollo 17—a glowing arc of light cutting through the Florida sky. Days later, we viewed the real-time footage of the crew’s successful splashdown on December 19.
A Gift from the Moon
In 1973, a formal ceremony was held at King’s House in Jamaica. There, U.S. Secretary of State William Rogers presented me with a commemorative plaque containing:
- A moon rock sample brought back by Apollo 17
- A miniature Jamaican flag that had traveled to the Moon and back
I had the privilege of presenting the plaque to Acting Governor General Sir Herbert Duffus, on behalf of the Jamaican people.
Rediscovering the Legacy
Fast forward to July 2025—after seeing a photo flashback published in the Jamaican Gleaner, my husband and I visited the Jamaica Archives and Records Department. The staff kindly guided us to the display where the moon rock plaque, mission images, a letter from President Richard Nixon, and a copy of the original Gleaner article are preserved.
Seeing this again, five decades later, brought back immense pride and joy—a reminder of the power of science to unite, inspire, and elevate.
Thank you for the memories—and the mission.
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