Dr. West Beams With Joy at Her Exhibit

In a quiet, heartfelt moment, Dr. Gladys West—trailblazing mathematician behind GPS—visited her traveling exhibit at the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus. Accompanied by her daughter Dr. Carolyn West and a cousin, she was warmly welcomed by Jane Plitt, NCWI Board Chair, Dr. Lance Collins, Executive Director of the campus, Air Force Space Colonel Joan Thompson, and Brittany Rhodes and family. Rhodes heads Black Girl Magic which developed the first Dr. West Math Learning Box.

At nearly 95, the journey was long—but the reward was great. As Dr. West took in the exhibit honoring her life’s work, her face lit up with pride and joy. She kept thanking us, and we kept thanking her! This photo captures that radiant moment—her beam, and ours.

Colonel Thompson with a signed photo from her fellow Dr. West Senior Space group graduates, along with Jane Plitt, NCWI Board Chair
Dr. Carolyn West with Brittany Rhodes and her family along with Delores Gibson, Chief of Staff to Dr. Collins

A Fond Farewell: Dr. Gladys West Exhibit Heads West!!!!!

On July 3, 2025, a diverse and emotional crowd gathered at the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus in Alexandria, VA, to bid farewell to the Dr. Gladys West Traveling Exhibit. From Air Force leaders and academics to sorority sisters, students, and community members, they came to honor the humble mathematician whose calculations helped make GPS possible.

Soulful saxophonist Vaughn Ambrose set the tone for a celebration filled with applause, tears, and pride. Stories poured in—of lives changed, dreams sparked, and barriers broken. Gwen James of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., recalled championing Dr. West’s story back in 2018, a journey that helped elevate her into the Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame—and inspired this national exhibit by the National Center of Women’s Innovations (NCWI).

Young visitors Dawn and Olivia Harris declared they wanted to “soar” like Dr. West, while VT’s Dr. Lance Collins noted the overwhelming public response. Colonel Joan Thompson reflected on the senior space program that bears Dr. West’s name, and exhibit designer Scott Fralin called it one of his most meaningful projects. Dr. Carolyn West made the trip to share the joy, while Alpha Kappa Alpha “sorors” turned out in proud support.

Next stop: Denver, Colorado. Thanks to Trimble’s support and the University of Colorado Denver’s warm welcome, the Dr. West Exhibit opens this August at the Auraria Library—continuing its mission to inspire.

All photos courtesy of Parry Photography and Jane Plitt.

Soulful saxophonist Vaughn Ambrose set the tone for a celebration filled with applause, tears, and pride.
NCWI Chair Jane Plitt closed with a student’s powerful words: “Because of Dr. West, I now know I can change the world as a Black girl.”
Young visitors Dawn and Olivia Harris declared they wanted to “soar” like Dr. West.
Miss Virginia contestant Brielle Phillippe, Dr. Carolyn West (the honoree’s daughter), and many proud Alpha Kappa Alpha “sorors” added to the joyful energy.
Lucelle O’Flaherty, Former NCWI Board secretary, Zebra Community Liaison. and Dr.Carolyn Oglesby celebrating together.
Scott Fralin, VT Exhibit Designer moving the exhibit out of VT Innovation Campus.

Video compliments of Craig Newcomb, Virginia Tech Innovation Campus

Mission Accomplished

Dr. West Traveling Exhibit Wows Adults and Youngsters!

More to come!

Photo of the West family, Delegate Elizabeth Bennet-Parker, Jane Plitt, NCWI Founder/Board Chair, and former Mayor Allison Silverberg.
Dr.Tim Sands, VT President. Photo courtesy of Lucelle O’Flaherty, Zebra Press.
Andre Jones, Dr. West’s grandson bringing his grandmother into the occasion by FaceTime. photo courtesy of Craig Newcomb, Virginia Tech.
Jane Plitt, BK Fulton Vice Chair NCWI, Lance Collins, Sr. VP & Exec. Director VT Innovation Campus. Photo courtesy of Steven Halperson, Tisara Photography.
Jane and Carolyn. Photo courtesy of Donna Parry.

Photos courtesy of Donna Parry