Former astronaut brings message of civic responsibility to campus

"You may think your vote doesn't matter, but it does matter," Herrington said. "Our country was formed on this Constitution. That is what we as citizens should aspire to uphold."

More than 100 former astronauts have signed on to Astronauts for America's mission. The group travels throughout the country seeking to restore confidence in the U.S. political system, improve opportunities for civil discourse and encourage Americans to engage in their civic responsibilities.

Dan Cope , affiliate faculty member of interdisciplinary studies and faculty fellow for the Padnos/Sarosik Center for Civil Discourse, said Herrington's message should serve as a reminder to students that they have an important role to play in the election process.

" The biggest takeaway I got from his message is the idea that there is no small part," Cope said. "Everybody has a really significant part to play. Like John said, if there's a single piece of equipment that fails when you're on a mission, the entire mission is in jeopardy."