Former NASA Astronaut Receives da Vinci Award; Mayor Declares June 3 as Day of Thinking

TEMPE, AZ--(Marketwire - Jun 3, 2011) - Dr. Edgar Mitchell, the sixth NASA astronaut to ever walk on the moon, was inducted into the Leonardo da Vinci Society for Thinking this afternoon. Dr. Mitchell was honored at a luncheon held at the University of Advancing Technology (UAT), where attendees witnessed his induction into the society and heard his keynote address about his space exploration and research into consciousness.

As the founder of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, (IONS) Dr. Mitchell is a pristine example of an evolutionary thinker. He has contributed greatly in the research and understanding of human consciousness and psyche and has authored two books on his findings: "The Way of the Explorer" and "Psychic Exploration."

In regards to becoming the 2011 da Vinci Society inductee, Dr. Mitchell commented, "The da Vinci Luncheon is a wonderful event, and I am honored to be here at UAT. I feel very privileged to join this distinguished society."

Hugh Hallman, Mayor of Tempe, attended the event and declared June 3, 2011, as the Leonardo da Vinci Society for the Study of Thinking Day. He commented, "UAT is a university that is close to my heart. One should be excited about this university!" Establishing a particular day encouraging innovation in our society illustrates both Hallman's and UAT's commitment to societal advancement through thinking.

The da Vinci Society was created by UAT in an effort to identify the world's greatest thinkers whose contributions to society deserve widespread public attention and engage them in the creation of new knowledge in the study of thinking. The society has been privileged to induct a distinguished group of thinkers over the last few years. The inaugural medal was awarded to Professor Edward de Bono, regarded by many as the leading authority in the field of creative thinking. Other inductees include Dr. Michio Kaku, renowned scientist, and Ray Kurzweil, leading technologist and inventor, just to name a few.

The Leonardo da Vinci Society for the Study of Thinking is pleased to welcome Dr. Edgar Mitchell into the distinguished society. To read more about the society and how you can get involved, please visit: http://www.davincithinking.org.