 |
| |
|
|
 |
Welcome
to the October 2009 edition
of HowGozIt. As always, we are
grateful for your continued
support and interest of Western
Michigan University, our college,
students, programs, and research
initiatives. In this edition
of our newsletter is an update
on many of the initiatives we
began last year, but I’d
like to begin my update with
the most current news.
We
are currently preparing to accept
the new SR 20 G3s from Cirrus
Design, our first ever Cirrus
fleet replacement. The changes
made to this new fleet came
in large part because of our
close
|
|
working
relationship with Cirrus and
their willingness to work with
us to provide the most technologically
advanced aircraft available
in collegiate aviation. The
new G3s will reflect over 350
changes made from feedback received
by the WMU College of Aviation.
We are proud to be able to offer
these aircraft to our students
to ensure they will be training
in aircraft that are similar
to what they will be working
in during their careers.
Facilities
planning has concluded with
input from all constituents
and the 10 Year Plan documents
are complete. The college has
communicated our need for funding
for the growth of our college
and we hope the next campaign
will help us realize our plans.
If you have an interest in reviewing
these plans, please feel free
to communicate your interest
to me or our development director,
Dr. Charles Dawes at charles.dawes@wmich.edu.
As
reported in the February 2009
edition was the revitalization
of the Aviation Consortium (AC)
with members of Historically
Black Colleges and Universities
(HBCU’s), with the Organization
of Black Airline Pilots (OBAP)
serving as our advisors. In
May we hosted a series of meetings
in Battle Creek, one of which
was hosted by the W.K. Kellogg
Foundation, to discuss promoting
efforts that increase the number
of underrepresented minority
individuals in the field of
aerospace. At the beginning
of August, AC members were invited
to the OBAP Annual Convention
in Atlanta to continue discussions
for implementation, drafting
of a new Memorandum of Understanding,
and creation of a Concept Paper.
It also appears that we will
have three new HBCUs who are
interested in becoming members
of the AC. We have agreed to
a formal press release in September
to announce our members, mission,
and goals.
Also
in the previous edition, I reported
briefly on our initial international
efforts. In June I traveled
around Nigeria with CITA-TRIAX
Aviation Ltd., who strives to
be the international aviation
consultancy leader, and staff
from the WMU Diether H. Haenicke
Institute for Global Education.
It was overwhelming to see the
great interest from leaders
across Nigeria who are anxious
to begin sending qualifying
students to be educated at the
WMU College of Aviation in all
three programs we offer. There
are currently 80 Nigerian students
who have applied to be enrolled
in our programs, we expect many
more. The college is continuing
to work on the various potential
challenges of this program to
ensure student success from
the very beginning.
Our
faculty chairman, Mr. Gil Sinclair,
also had a very successful trip
to Kenya in June to talk over
details for students enrolling
in our programs. We expect to
have approximately six new Kenyan
students beginning with us this
semester. Between these two
international initiatives, we
are pleased to be able to work
towards our goal of increasing
the diversity of our student
population and expand opportunities
for anyone wishing to pursue
a career in the field of aerospace.
As
always, thank you for your interest
in the college as we continue
to prepare leaders who are sought
after by the aerospace industry,
and engage in meaningful research
that advances the knowledge
base. |
|
| |
|
Sincerely, |
|
|
Captain
Dave Powell |
|
Dean, College of Aviation |
|
|
|
Sky
Broncos capture third in national championship |
courtesy
of WMU
News - Release:05/28/2009 |
|
| Western
Michigan University's precision
flight team, the Sky Broncos,
finished in third place at the
National Intercollegiate Flying
Association championship that
concluded May 23 at Parks College
of St. Louis University.
The
Sky Broncos came in behind two
of the team's longtime rivals
to take the third-place slot,
extending the team's record to
18 consecutive top-four finishes
in the annual national
event. Three national
|
|
 |
| 2008-09
WMY Skybroncos
Precision Flight
Team |
|
|
|
|
championships,
the last in 2002, are included in that
run. This year, the University of North
Dakota took first place and Embry Riddle
Aeronautical University-Daytona captured
second place. Another longtime rival,
Embry Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott
(Az.) came in just three points behind
the Sky Broncos to take fourth place.
The
six-day competition concluded with a
Saturday evening awards ceremony at
which the final results were announced.
The competition attracted more than
300 pilots from teams representing 28
of the top aviation schools in the nation.
Each school earned the right to compete
at nationals by winning or placing second
in regional competition. Among the other
schools represented at this year's national
championship were the U.S. Air Force
Academy; Kent State, Ohio, San Jose
State and Southern Illinois universities;
and the universities of Central Missouri
and Illinois.
"This
year's competition was fierce, with
many of our competitor schools really
stepping up to the plate," says
Steven W. Tkachuk, head coach for the
Sky Broncos. "Our team really put
forth a stellar performance, and made
it happen for us. With Embry Riddle-Prescott
only a few points behind, this really
shows that everyone's effort really
helps make the difference. Every last
point counts."
Leading
the Sky Broncos in scoring this year
was senior Jared Neterer of Mattawan,
Mich., who accrued 87 points in six
events, making him the third-highest
point winner among the competition's
male contestants. He also was named
the winner of the Harold S. Wood Award
for Excellence, presented to the student
who has demonstrated outstanding performance
in academics, and service to his or
her aviation program, institution and
community. The recipient is chosen through
a three-step local, regional and national
review process, and receives a $1000
cash award and a wooden propeller trophy
award. Neterer also tied for the Craig
Morrison Award, which is given to the
competitor who achieves the highest
combined scores in three of the ground
events.
Erik
McDaniel of Battle Creek, Mich., won
the fourth-highest number of points
of any male competitor at the event.
He was named WMU's outstanding team
member for the competition.
Tkachuk,
a faculty specialist in WMU's College
of Aviation, had coaching assistance
at the event from Tom Grossman, the
University's chief flight instructor.
The Sky Bronco team captain is Kevin
Kotewa, a recent WMU graduate from Memphis,
Mich.
Competition
next year will begin with the NIFA Region
III event this fall, which will be hosted
by WMU in Battle Creek at the W.K. Kellogg
Airport.
For more information on the Skybroncos
Precision Flight Team, please visit
their website. |
|
|
|
Every
gift, every year,
because every Bronco counts!
|
Annual
gifts support scholarships
that make it possible for
many
of our current students to
return to campus each year.
They also provide students
with innumerable enhancements
to their education, including
travel opportunities, guest
lecturers and improved technology.
Continued
support allows us to ensure
that
a distinctive educational experience
is available to all Broncos
through these difficult financial
times and beyond.
No
matter what the size, your gift
to the College of Aviation at
Western Michigan University
provides students with a quality
education
and the skills for success. |
Click HERE
to preserve the value of a
WMU degree with your annual
support.
|
|
|
|
|
Flight
Safety International & Pentastar Aviation
Provide Major Support
|
|
Corporate
donations from Flight Safety International
and Pentastar Aviation, in addition to an
anonymous individual who pledged $150,000
to the college, provided significant major
support to the College of Aviation in recent
months, according to director of development
Dr. Charles Dawes. “We cannot underestimate
the value such gifts provide in essential
support for the college and in setting an
example for other corporations and individuals
to follow,” Dawes stated.
“Flight Safety International is particularly
to be thanked for its consistent support of
providing the highest-quality training programs
and scholarships to students, certified flight
instructors and staff at the college,”
Dawes said. Donations of Citation and Human
Factors Maintenance training, the value of
which total in the tens of thousands of dollars,
are examples of courses provided to the college
students and staff through organizations such
as the Michigan Business Aviation Association
(MBAA), Frank P Macartney Foundation (FPMF)
and West Michigan Business Aviation Association
(WMBAA).
“The value of collaborations with organizations
such as the MBAA, FPMF and WMBAA should also
not be underestimated,” Dawes stated.
“Each of these organizations contribute
significant scholarship dollars to students
annually at a time when our state economy
and industry is stressed. The commitment to
aviation, effort to raise funds and support
of the college provided by these organizations
truly is appreciated.”
Often donations to the college take the form
of needed equipment as in the case of Pentastar
Aviation this summer. On learning of the needs
of the college, former dean Rick Maloney,
current President/COO of Pentastar Aviation,
enabled the donation of a set of drivable
airstairs capable of accommodating up to a
B737 or A320; a 1970’s Hyster forklift;
a used B-4 TronAir workstand; and a 1970’s
Grove 60 foot manlift. “Considering
every time the college needed use of this
type of equipment, maintenance staff was forced
to go to other sites at the airport such as
Duncan Aviation and the Air National Guard
to borrow the necessary equipment. The donations
by Pentastar are valuable not just in terms
of donated equipment, but savings on time
and labor as well,” Dawes observed.
An additional donation was received from an
anonymous donor who pledged $150,000 to the
college. Because of the nature of the anonymous
gift, Dawes was unable to provide details.
He noted, “Such gifts, even though anonymous,
are very important to the college because
they indicate continued major gift support
of individuals and alumni to the college in
addition to corporate support. In July 2009
alone the college recorded nearly $160,000
cash and inkind gifts. We are very grateful
to individuals and corporations for such support.
Momentum is gaining.”
An immediate project is to find corporate
and individual donor support for the National
Intercollegiate Flying Association Region
III SAFECON to be held at the college in October.
Corporations and individuals wishing to be
a NIFA Region III SAFECON sponsor are encouraged
to contact Dawes at 269-964-5697 or email:
charles.dawes@wmich.edu.
|
|
|
Broncos
stampede Lansing at second WMU Day |
courtesy
of WMU
News - Release:06/02/2009 |
|
|
With
nearly four hours of live entertainment,
interactive exhibits from a broad
array of programs, and a carnival-like
atmosphere including games and
popcorn, Western Michigan University
Broncos shined at the Michigan
Capitol during its second annual
display of pride for state legislators.
Music performances on the Capitol
steps and more than 30 exhibits
on the front lawn displayed the
University's success at WMU Day
at the Capitol May 27. The date
was coincidentally the same as
the
|
|
 |
| photos
courtesy: Karen
Dean |
| The
College of Aviation
was well-represented
at the second
annual WMU Day
at the Capitol
in Lansing,
Mich. |
|
|
|
|
day
the state legislature approved the charter
for what was to become WMU 106 years
earlier, a fact that drew an impromptu
singing of "Happy Birthday."
"This
is a great demonstration of Bronco pride,"
WMU President John M. Dunn told the
cheering crowd assembled in front of
the main Capitol entrance. "It
just doesn't get any better than this."
More
than 700 Western Michigan University
students, faculty, staff and friends
attended the event. Participants flocked
the corridors, legislative offices and
grounds of the Capitol building in Lansing,
all sporting special gold T-shirts.
Throughout the day, there were Bronco
cheers and singing of the fight song,
some planned, but many impromptu. A
group of music theatre majors performed
on the steps of the Capitol to an appreciative
audience.
Each
of the University's colleges, the Alumni
Association, Office of Admissions, University
Libraries and other departments were
represented with exhibits and information
tables. Groups of students threw Frisbees
on the lawn, while Buster Bronco rallied
supporters. His mechanical counterpart,
Robo Bronco, a walking, talking and
singing chrome robotic horse, also greeted
participants.
Delegations
of students and alumni delivered a packet
of information to state representatives
and senators about the significant contributions
of the University. Several state legislators
joined the WMU crowd for a group photo
on the Capitol steps at the end of the
day.
Visit
wmich.edu/wmuday
for photos and video.
|
|
|
|
Please
CLICK
HERE for more articles and
updates from the College of Aviation |
|
Keep
up to date on current
news and events at WMU! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In
memory of Eric Verhaar |
|
|
|
The
College of Aviation is very saddened
to report that Eric Verhaar, a
2009 alumnus, died unexpectedly
from accidental injuries very
early on May 15, 2009 in Grand
Rapids, Mich.
As many of you know, Eric was
a truly exceptional young man,
and his passing comes as a great
shock.
Our sympathies are with Eric's
friends and family.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| L
to R: Captain
Dave Powell,
Air Force Gen.
Steve Ritchie,
Rick Herter. |
|
|
|
|
In
connection with the community
“Art of Aviation”
celebration, the College of Aviation
held an open house on Thursday,
April 30, in the college's Education
Center at the W.K. Kellogg Airport
in Battle Creek. A juried student
aviation art exhibition, awards
ceremony, guest speaker and tours
of College of Aviation facilities
and static aircraft displays were
included in the open house which
was free to the public.
The program on April 30 included
remarks by WMU's Capt. Dave Powell,
dean of aviation; guest speaker
Air Force Gen. Steve Ritchie,
a veteran and ace pilot of the
Vietnam War; and awards ceremony
with Rick Herter, a professional
aviation artist.
Aviation art by K-12 students
from Battle Creek and Kalamazoo
was on exhibit at the college.
The exhibit, "Dreams of Future
Flight," remained on display
through May 15. |
|
|
|
|
Patrick
Howley hopes to “pay it forward” one
day
|
|
| |
|
The
Battle Creek Community Foundation (BCCF) invited
CoA student Patrick Howley to be their featured
guest speaker at the 2009 Scholarship Recognition
Award Ceremony on May 20 at the Kellogg Arena
in Battle |
|
| Creek.
They anticipated about 700 guests.
Patrick Howley, currently enrolled
in the WMU Flight Science Program, was a previous
John Craig Allen Scholarship winner. He told the
2009 scholarship recipients that he is about to
realize his dream to become a pilot thanks to the
financial boost from the (BCCF). He hopes to “pay
it forward” one day. He said “Because
of the BCCF John Craig Allen scholarhip, I will
receive my private pilot’s license in the
next few weeks and I do plan to pay it forward by
becoming an instructor at the WMU College of Aviation.”
The
BCCF was very excited about featuring Patrick, both
as a speaker and in their publication.
|
|
College
of Aviation open house |
|
| When: |
Friday,
October 23, 2009
3:00 to 4:30 p.m. |
| Where: |
Aviation
Education Center
209 N. Helmer Road
Battle Creek, MI 49037 |
| Contact: |
Karen
Dean:
email: karen.dean@wmich.edu
phone: 269-964-7767 |
|
On
October 23, an Open House for Alumni and
Friends will be held from 3:00 p.m. to
4:30 p.m. at the College of Aviation (CoA)
for alumni planning to return to WMU for
Homecoming weekend.
This event is being planned for your arrival
in Battle Creek on Friday in time to kick
off a weekend of fun. Alumni should come
to the CoA’s Aviation Education
Center (building #209) main reception
area between 3:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Tours of the CRJ & Cirrus Aviator
simulators will be offered. Our fleet
of Cirrus SR 20s will be on the tarmac
though it’s safe to say that if
the weather is good, some will be flying.
To RSVP or for additional information,
contact Karen Dean, WMU College of Aviation,
237 N. Helmer Rd, Battle Creek, MI 49037
(269 964-7767 or karen.dean@wmich.edu.) |
|
|
|
|
|
CoA
service anniversaries |
|
|
Ten
Years |
| |
Martin
B. Grant (June 2009) |
| |
Michael
Ervin Ludwiczak (June 2009) |
| |
Beth
M. Beaudin-Seiler (July 2009) |
| |
Gilbert
A. Sinclair (August 2009) |
| |
Stephen
J. Hasenick (August 2009) |
|
|
|
Please
CLICK
HERE for more articles and updates
from the College of Aviation |
|
|
|
The
students who work in our Annual Fund
Phonathon are true Bronco supporters
who are proud to help
alumni and friends stay in touch
with what is happening on campus
and to raise support for WMU.
Get to know one of our callers better
with the short interview below, or when
they call to talk to you! |
 |
| Annual
Fund fundraiser Noah
P. in the Phonathon
room. |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Name
and standing: |
| Noah
P., senior |
|
Hometown: |
| St.
Joseph, MI |
|
Major
and College: |
| Flight
Science, College of Aviation |
|
What
other WMU activities are you involved
in? |
| Phi
Kappa Phi, Hillel (former vice president),
Alpha Eta Rho (public relations
chairperson) |
|
What
do you like most about working at
the Annual Fund? |
| I
enjoy the opportunity to interact
with alumni. The other callers make
the time between calls fun and engaging. |
|
What
is happening in your college that
you're most excited about? |
| The
College of Aviation Student Council,
which was founded two years ago,
has grown to provide a critical
voice from the students. |
|
Who
is your favorite professor? |
| Each
professor provides unique insight
into the world of aviation. To hold
one in higher esteem than the rest
insults the value of my diverse
education. |
|
What
has been your favorite class at
WMU so far? |
| By
far, my flight classes are my favorite.
I also enjoy my calculus, physics
and aerodynamics classes. |
|
What
is one word you would use to describe
your experience at WMU? |
| Unbelievable |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
The
WMU Update is compiled from information provided by the
College of Aviation
as well as from news stories published online at WMU
News.
Images are
the property of their respective owner(s) and are credited
to the owner when available.
Copyright
2009 Western Michigan University - Published by the WMU
Annual Fund |
|
|
