Despite a year of detours along the academic pathway, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) President Barry Butler and Chancellor Anette Karlsson say 2020 ended with noteworthy achievements.
Hundreds Graduate in Virtual Commencement
Recognizing students by name, degree and academic honors, Chancellor Karlsson and other academic leaders granted degrees to 621 undergraduate and graduate students during virtual ceremonies Dec. 12. In addition, 50 students received military commissions – 36 from the Air Force ROTC, 13 from Army ROTC and one from Navy ROTC.
Students Selected for Space Force
The newest branch of the military, the U.S. Space Force, selected five seniors from the Prescott campus to be in the initial class of only 250 chosen competitively nationwide. The Space Force is designed to oversee space surveillance and satellite command and control.
NEW AIRCRAFT ADDED TO
EAGLE FLEET
Fifteen new aircraft were added this year, and 19 more are coming in 2021 to meet the constantly growing demand for collegiate professional aviation programs, according to ERAU Vice President for Enrollment Management Jason Ruckert.
Twelve new Cessna 172 Nav Skyhawk aircraft and three Diamond DA 42 NG VI “Twin Star” aircraft joined the Flight Department fleet in 2020. An additional 19 new Skyhawks will be added in 2021, bringing the total number of aircraft used for flight training to 45 planes.
Flight Department Chair Parker Northrup said ERAU anticipates having more than 1,200 flight students within the next five years at the Prescott campus. “We want to ensure our students fly the most up-to-date aircraft with up-to-date avionics in the industry.”
Center for the Future is Reality
The innovative Center for the Future (CFTF) has become a reality and is part of the Prescott Regional Opportunity Foundation. The Center is a hub for innovation, incubation, attraction, growth and retention of companies in key technological industries such as cybersecurity, aerospace, global security operations, materials, agricultural technology and related services. Recently, the Prescott City Council approved setting aside $1.7 million in existing funds to support the project. Further, the city provided office space for the CFTF Incubation Space at City Hall.
Several major high-tech firms already have become partners and more are expected. Officials say ERAU and Northern Arizona University are working to secure support through the National Science Foundation.
Book Drive Contributes Volumes
Hundreds of youngsters in local schools will be the beneficiaries of the ERAU chapter of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society (PKP).
Honor students collected more than 500 books to be distributed among area schools and to Goodwill Industries in order to support and honor the annual “Read Across America Day” on March 2.
According to Anne Boettcher, director of ERAU Honors Programs, and Curtis James, PKP president, student members collected non-textbooks from throughout campus and within the greater community.
“Thank you, Phi Kappa Phi, for your generous donation of books to the K-12 schools in the YC system,” said Yavapai County Librarian Suzie Rother. “These books are a welcome and needed addition to library holdings.”
ERAU Director of Philanthropy Steve Bobinsky calls 2020 a “highly” successful year. “We are anticipating even more successes in 2021, when we hope our programs and activities return to some sort or normalcy.” QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
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