2007 Press Releases

University Aviation Association Elects Officers/Trustees for 2007-2008

Auburn, Alabama, November 14, 2007 – Mr. John Young, a professor in the Department of Aviation Technology at Purdue University, recently assumed the University Aviation Association’s (UAA) top elected position as president for 2007-08. As one of his first official duties, President Young announced the election of Dr. David M. Conway to a one-year term as president elect, and elections to two-year terms for Dr. J. Anthony Sharp as secretary and Mr. Ronald W. Haney as treasurer. Members elected to three-year terms on the Board of Trustees include: Dr. Robert P. Bateman and Mr. Gary E. Odom as Educator trustees, and Mrs. Jennifer Montville as a Corporate trustee. More . . .

University Aviation Association Wheatley Award Presented to Professor Kevin Kuhlmann

Auburn, Alabama, November 14, 2007 - The University Aviation Association (UAA) awarded its prestigious William A. Wheatley Award for 2007 to Professor Kevin Kuhlmann, a professor at Metropolitan State College of Denver. The Wheatley Award, presented at the UAA Fall Education Conference Awards Banquet on October 19 in San Jose, California, recognized Professor Kuhlmann for “outstanding contributions to aviation education.” The Award honors Professor Wheatley, an aviation education pioneer who established a relationship between airlines and educators that remains to this day. This award is presented annually to a professional educator who, for more than 10 years, has made outstanding contributions to aerospace education. More . . .

University Aviation Association Laursen Award Presented to Dr. Triant Flouris

Auburn, Alabama, November 14, 2007 - The University Aviation Association (UAA) awarded its V. L. Laursen Award for 2007 to Dr. Triant Flouris, director, City University of New York Aviation Institute, and professor, Accounting and Business Department, York College. The Laursen Award, presented at the UAA Fall Education Conference Awards Banquet on October 19 in San Jose, California, recognized Dr. Flouris for the achievement of teaching excellence in collegiate aviation education. The Award honors former Trans World Airline Captain Vern L. Laursen, a highly respected member of the airline industry whose expertise and knowledge are well known throughout the aviation community. More . . .

University Aviation Association Estridge Award Presented to Captain Randal DeMik

Auburn, Alabama, November 14, 2007 - The University Aviation Association (UAA) awarded its W. W. Estridge Award for 2007 to Captain Randal DeMik, a 25-year member of the airline industry currently serving as a B-737 captain and line check airman for United Airlines. The Estridge Award, presented at the UAA Fall Education Conference Awards Banquet on October 19 in San Jose, California, recognized Captain DeMik for “a lifetime of dedicated service to aviation education.” The Award honors Captain W. W. Estridge, Jr., a former director of Flight Training at American Airlines, who flew and instructed on almost every airplane operated by American during his 31-year airline career. The Award is presented to representatives of industry who have distinguished themselves as strong supporters of collegiate aviation education. More . . .

University Aviation Association Sorenson Award Presented to Dr. Randall Johnson

Auburn, Alabama, November 14, 2007 - The University Aviation Association (UAA) awarded its Frank E. Sorenson Award for 2007 to Dr. Randall Johnson, a professor in the Aviation and Supply Management Department at Auburn University. The Sorenson Award, presented at the UAA Fall Education Conference Awards Banquet on October 19 in San Jose, California, recognized Dr. Johnson for “outstanding achievement of excellence in aviation research/scholarship.” The Award is presented to professional educators who have made substantial scholarly contributions to the field of aviation, comparable to achievements of Dr. Frank E. Sorenson, a pioneer in the field of aviation education, a renowned educator, and a prolific writer. Dr. Sorenson wrote aviation education texts, served as a consultant and innovator, and was Director of the University of Nebraska Aviation Education Research Group. More . . .

University Aviation Association Lauber Safety Award Presented to Professor Brian Dillman

Auburn, Alabama, November 14, 2007 - The University Aviation Association (UAA) awarded its John Lauber Safety Award for 2007 to Professor Brian Dillman, assistant professor at Purdue University. The Lauber Safety Award, presented at the UAA Fall Education Conference Awards Banquet on October 19 in San Jose, California, recognized Professor Dillman for achievement that demonstrates clear advancement of aviation safety. The Award honors Dr. John K. Lauber, a pioneer in the field of aviation safety and human factors. Dr. Lauber was a two-term Member of the National Transportation Safety Board; Vice-President of Corporate Safety and Compliance at Delta Air Lines; and Vice-President of Training and Human Factors at Airbus Industries. More . . .

Thomas J. Connolly Receives University Aviation Association 2007 President's Award

Auburn, Alabama, November 14, 2007 – The University Aviation Association (UAA) presented the 2007 President’s Award to Dr. Thomas J. Connolly, Chancellor and Presidential Endowed Chair in Aviation of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU). The Award was presented to Dr. Connolly by President Guy Smith at the 60th anniversary UAA Fall Education Conference Awards Banquet in San Jose, California, on October 19. Dr. Connolly was recognized for his “long-term commitment to UAA and collegiate aviation education.” More . . .