I also know that Purdue astronaut Janice Voss was formerly a co-op. If we're talking about the road to the astronaut corps, definitely mention the exciting beginning of that road that Purdue offers its students through the co-op program.
Many qualified people apply and never get the job.
However, while becoming an astronaut is something not everyone can achieve, pursuing such a high goal will likely lead to an interesting and exciting career, even if that final goal is never reached. I was one to the students that went to Houston with the Vomit Comet experiment in March. We had the opportunity to meet several current and former astronauts as well as some of the people involved with astronaut selection. I found some the things they had to say very informative. Particularly that they want very dynamic people, not just book worms.