The banquet will start at 7:00 PM in 208/209 Bernhard Center. The dress is semi-formal and the cost of tickets for a single person is $25 and for couples $45. Student tickets are also available for $17. Dinner will be served at 7:30 PM, followed by a keynote address from Captain Albert Glenn. If you would like to join us for this great event, email rso_maap@wmich.edu with the number of tickets requested and any vegetarian meal requests. We hope to see you there! Questions? Please contact Marcus Williams.

The Multi-Cultural Association of Aviation Professionals (MAAP) is in the midst of another successful year. Under the direction of a new executive board, we have broadened our membership base, strengthened our outreach initiatives, and continued to build industry connections. MAAP has increased membership by 200 percent over the last year. Charismatic leadership and an enthusiastic constituency have us optimistic for the future. MAAP members have again successfully run summer camps to spark an interest in aviation in the youth. New this year is a weekly camp for economically underprivileged yet academically talented youth in Southwest Michigan. MAAP has members that will be graduating from each of the College of Aviation’s programs this spring. In light of all of the above, MAAP will once again be celebrating its achievements with the third annual Awards Banquet.

The annual banquet serves as MAAP’s primary fund raising event and as an opportunity to recognize excellence among the student membership body. Last summer, active members were able to attend the Organization of Black Airline Pilots conference in Orlando, Florida at reduced cost. We hope to do the same at this summers’ conference, which is being held in Detroit. MAAP will also award a scholarship with monies raised to assist outstanding students with the cost of books. This is the first ever scholarship awarded by MAAP to a deserving student and yet another goal achieved by this young organization.

Junior Session

Day camp for students in 9th and 10th grade only living in the Greater Kalamazoo/Battle Creek school districts - June 27-30, 2005

Senior Session

Students who are 11th and 12th grade - June 19-24, 2005

This program is provided free of charge and will be co-sponsored by the Organization of Black Airline Pilots. If you would like to attend this year's academy please fill out the application and return it by May 1, 2005. Students who are selected for the academy will be notified by May 27. For any questions please call the college at 269-964-6375.

Centilli, who graduated in December with a major in aviation flight science and a minor in business management, is well on his way to realizing his lifelong ambition of becoming an airline captain. He is now enrolled at the Gulfstream Academy of Aeronautics in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. When he completes that training, he will be an intern first officer, flying commuter aircraft for Gulfstream International Airline. Centilli spent his years at WMU polishing his international credentials as well. The Lee Honors College member completed a senior thesis on "The Potential Effects of the Trans-Atlantic Common Aviation Area on Shannon Airport, Ireland," and he was the first WMU student to take advantage of a semester-long aviation student exchange opportunity with Swineburne University of Technology in Melbourne, Australia. He is the son of Laurie and Bob Centilli of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The third-place finish marks the Sky Broncos' 14th consecutive top-three finish in national competition. The run has included two national championships.

First-year head coach James Whittles and his 15-member team arrived back at their home field, W.K. Kellogg Airport in Battle Creek, Sunday, May 1. On Friday, May 6, the college hosted a celebratory cook out in their honor. "We are so proud of our team," said Dean Rick Maloney. "There is no other collegiate program that matches our 14-year record, and we've done it with much less in terms of human and fiscal resources. Not only that, but nine of the 15-member team are first year competitors. This just underscores the superb talent of our students and instructors, and how impressive their third place finish really is."

First Lt. Justin Amthor, United States Marine Corps, recently received his Naval Aviator Wings during a ceremony at the Whiting Naval Air Station near Pensacola, Florida. During the ceremony, he also received the Commodore’s Award for graduating at the top of his class. Lt. Amthor is a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter pilot and will continue training at the New River Marine Corps Air Station in North Carolina prior to deployment with his Fleet Squadron early next year. He is a 2003 graduate of Western Michigan University where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation Science. He and his wife, Michelle Glisan (also a 2003 College of Aviation graduate, married in June of 2004) will reside near Jacksonville, North Carolina.

Overall Team Champions

• 1st place: WMU (202pts)
• 2nd place: Ohio State University (176pts)
• 3rd place: Kent State University (81pts)
• 4th place: Ohio University (80pts)

Flight Events Ranking

• 1st place: WMU
• 2nd place: Ohio State University
• 3rd place: Ohio University

Ground Events Ranking

• 1st place: WMU
• 2nd place: Ohio State University
• 3rd place: Kent State University

Cost: Free (transportation to and from the camp is the responsibility of the student, space is limited).

COA highly encourages freshman students to get involved with this program, to meet new people, learn how to network, and have some fun along the way.

Students may apply online using the mentee profile form. Please contact Marnie Harris 269 964 9319 or email mailto:marnique.harris@wmich.edu with any questions

All speaking engagements will be held in 2303 Sangren Hall at 7pm.