Dec 09, 2016 08:09 PM EST By Emily Marks, UniversityHerald Reporter

Former U.S. senator John Glenn has died at 95 years old today. He was the first American to orbit the Earth.

CNBC reported that Ohio State University announced Glenn's death earlier today. He was hospitalized for more than a week ago.

"The Ohio State University community deeply mourns the loss of John Glenn, Ohio's consummate public servant and a true American hero," Michael Drake, Ohio State University president, said. "He leaves an undiminished legacy as one of the great people of our time."

Two years ago, Glenn suffered a stroke after having heart valve replacement surgery. It is unknown why he was brought to the James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State recently.

Drake described John Glenn as a "legendary NASA astronaut" and a "tireless public servant." He was also noted to be a great supporter of The John Glenn College of Public Affairs at the Ohio State University, where he served as an adjunct professor.

The former U.S. senator is best known for being riding the Friendship 7 space capsule that circled the Earth in 1962. His success in orbiting the Earth placed the United States on equal footing with Russia.

He was elected in the Senate in 1974 and was able to serve for more than two decades. He was also a decorated Marine Corps fighter pilot. He fought in World War II and the Korean War.

When he was 77 years old, he returned to space aboard the Discovery shuttle. This feat made him the oldest person to make such a trip.

In Ohio State University's official website, it was revealed that John Glenn donated his personal and Senate papers as well as other artifacts to the school in 1997. It was noted that he chose the institution because he wanted a place that would spark young people's enthusiasm for public service instead of putting the items in a museum focusing on his own accomplishments.

WDTN.com added that Muskingum University paid tribute to the lives of John Glenn and his wife, Annie, on Thursday. The school had used the original recital and songs played by then Annie Castor.

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