Katherine Johnson, the NASA mathematician highlighted in the movie Hidden Figures, continues to get the recognition she deserves. Her impeccable calculations were a major factor in the successful Friendship 7 mission of 1962, where Colonel John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth. Most recently, it was announced that West Virginia State University (where she was a 1937 alumna), will honor her later this summer with a scholarship in her name and a bronze statue in her likeness. The statue will be 7-feet and will feature Johnson holding books engrained with her favorite life lessons – a beautiful ode to all that she encompasses.

“Rarely are we presented an opportunity to attach ourselves to a historic moment. I believe this is one of those times, Despite her numerous accomplishments, she never forgot WVSU, White Sulphur Springs, nor the state she loves so dear. Then, as throughout her life, Katherine has embodied the true essence of a West Virginian; strong values, unbreakable resolve, and a work ethic that is second to none.” – WVSU President Anthony Jenkins

The statue is being engineered by West Virginia sculptor and WVSU alumnus, Frederick Hightower. It will be unveiled on her 100th birthday weekend on August 25th. The Katherine Coleman Goble Johnson scholarship is set to aid underrepresented women and minority students in the STEM field.