PORT LUDLOW — A retired space shuttle astronaut and a leader of the group opposing the proposed “pit to pier” gravel mining project has been appointed to the Washington State University Board of Regents.
Gov. Gary Locke’s appointment of John Fabian, 65, makes Fabian the first WSU regent to have received a WSU Regents’ Distinguished Alumnus Award.
A Pullman native, he holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the university.
The Port Ludlow resident was given the alumni award in 1983 for his military and NASA service.
Fabian is a leader of the Hood Canal Coalition, which opposes Fred Hill Materials Inc.’s gravel mining and barging proposal that calls for a four-mile-long conveyor to an 1,100-foot-long pier built on Hood Canal.
“I am pleased that John has accepted this position on the board of regents,” WSU President V. Lane Rawlins said in a statement.
“He is one of our most accomplished graduates.
“He has a strong connection with Washington State University and an outstanding education, science and business background.
‘A great thrill’
The board of regents oversees WSU’s operations.
“It’s a great thrill,” Fabian told Peninsula Daily News on Tuesday.
“That’s the highest honor that can come to the alumni of the university is to become appointed to the board of regents.”
The former Cougar — who also holds a doctorate in aeronautics and astronautics from WSU’s rival, the University of Washington — said he looks forward to the responsibilities and challenges he will face on the board.
“For the first year I have to keep my eyes and ears open, and keep my mouth shut,” Fabian said.
“Financially, our universities have been challenged over the past few years.
“At this point I think I am wise in trying to learn to understand the impact of these limitations upon the universities, which have enormous capabilities to contribute to the state of Washington.”