Contributor - Business Aviation

Rob Finfrock

This upcoming December 17 will mark not only the 112th year since Orville and Wilbur Wright ushered in the age of modern aviation as we know it. It is also the 90th anniversary for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU), and celebrations of that momentous date will be in evidence throughout the university’s presence here at NBAA 2015. 
Bill Hampton, Embry-Riddle’s vice president for marketing and enrollment management, said the university’s booth (N3713) will serve as “a welcome place not only for attendees, but also for past alumni,” and a place where all show attendees may learn more about ERAU’s rich legacy, while also taking a break from the bustle of the show floor. Also debuting at NBAA will be a new three-minute film covering highlights of Embry-Riddle’s rich history.
“We see our presence at NBAA this year as an opportunity to showcase a pretty remarkable story, one that has grown hand-in-hand with our nation’s aviation legacy,” he told AIN. “At the same time, we also want to gather input about what we’re doing right, and what we can do better to produce quality talent in the business aviation industry as we look to our 100th anniversary.”
While Hampton noted that ERAU doesn’t plan a formal event at NBAA marking the anniversary, “you’ll definitely know we’re celebrating,” he added.
What would ultimately grow to become the world’s largest accredited aviation and aerospace university began as a small sales and training outfit at Lunken Field in Cincinnati, Ohio. The company was founded as The Embry-Riddle Company in 1925, and it didn’t take long for Talton Higbee Embry and John Paul Riddle to refocus their efforts specifically on aviation training, launching Embry-Riddle School of Aviation in spring 1926.
ERAU officially kicked off its year-long 90th anniversary celebration on September 30, with a 90th anniversary gathering during the annual OctoberWest homecoming event at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott, Ariz. campus. Events included an open house to the public, and a performance by aerobatic performer Matt Chapman in his Extra 330LX, which is sponsored by the university. “Throughout that weekend, more than 500 alumni returned to the Prescott campus, where they celebrated with more than 2,500 current students, faculty and staff in Prescott,” Hampton noted. 
Over the next year, one of the school’s very first training aircraft–a 1928 Waco biplane–will be touring the country (although not at NBAA 2015). Hampton also explained that ERAU has invested “about $200 million” on new buildings and other improvements to the Daytona Beach, Fla. and Prescott campuses. 
“We’re issuing a challenge for alumni and industry alike,” he added. “Come back and rediscover ERAU today. Experience our history. Anyone who hasn’t been here in the past few years will be surprised.”
As for the official anniversary date, “we’ll be reaching out and pulling a huge social media ‘stunt’ on December 17,” Hampton concluded. “Watch out for special announcements and a special hashtag in partnership with our industry partners and employers.”

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