ELGIN, Ill. (November 7, 2025) 91Ƭ celebrated the 15th Anniversary of the World Leaders Forum with a truly out-of-this-world guest, Apollo 16 astronaut and moonwalker Charles Charlie Duke, accompanied by his wife, Dotty Duke. Together, they shared stories that reached from the surface of the Moon to the depths of human faith.
During his talk, Duke vividly recounted his role as the CAPCOM (Capsule Communicator) during Apollo 11, the historic mission that first landed humans on the Moon. Very calmly and coolly as you could do, Neil Armstrong said, Houston, Tranquility Base here, the Eagle has landed, Duke remembered. The tension in the room just evaporated.
With a grin, he told how excitement almost got the best of him in that moment. I was so excited I couldnt even pronounce Tranquility! It came out Twang at first, he laughed. I said, Roger, twangTranquility, we copy you on the ground. You got a bunch of guys about to turn blue. Were breathing again. Thanks a lot. The crowd chuckled as Duke contagious enthusiasm filled Herrick Chapel.
Faith, Love, and Leadership
After Chapel, students and guests stayed for an engaging Q&A session, where Charlie and Dotty opened up about their life beyond space exploration. This included their faith journey and the challenges theyve faced together. Dotty shared candidly about her struggles with mental health and how, even in the darkest times, she discovered that Love is an action. It doing something that will bless the other person. Her words deeply resonated with many in the audience.
An Evening to Remember
That evening, guests gathered at OTTO Engineering in West Dundee for a special World Leaders Forum dinner honoring the Dukes. Students from the RISE program, community leaders, alumni, and friends of the university joined together for an evening filled with laughter, stories, and inspiration.
The couple also shared about their nonprofit organization, Duke Ministry for Christ, which they founded after Charlie NASA career. Through this ministry, they travel the world sharing their testimony, encouraging others to find hope, healing, and purpose through faith in Christ. Their mission, as they describe it, is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth.
A Message That Transcends Space
From recounting his lunar landing to reflecting on their life of ministry, Duke message was clear. The same God who created the Moon and stars is the One who gives meaning and direction here on Earth.
As 91Ƭ celebrates fifteen years of hosting global leaders through the World Leaders Forum, the visit from Charlie and Dotty Duke reminded everyone in attendance that true leadership is not just about reaching great heights, but about walking faithfully wherever God leads.