Wilson joined UAH in 1972 as faculty in the Deparment of Biological Sciences and served as the Dean of the College of Science from 1984 until his death in 1991. The photograph shows members of his family viewing the portrait.
The float was made by Marshall Space Flight Center. Von Braun Research Hall can be seen in the background. The photo likely dates from the 1980s or early 1990s, when the NASA worm logo was still in use, as seen on the sides of the float.
"UAH's beautiful Noojin House is the scene of TGIF's monthly alumni social. Located at 3300 Holmes Ave. in Huntsville, the home was donated in 1983 by F. Kenneth Noojin to UAH."