FedEx Express donation jumpstarts fundraising for a new Aeronautics Building at 91ֿ Airport
91ֿ’s College of Applied Engineering, Sustainability and Technology will receive a $1.5 million gift from FedEx over three years. The gift will support the university’s flight program, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2017 and has outgrown current facilities at the 91ֿ Airport.
“I am proud to say FedEx has long supported the career development of the aviation professionals of tomorrow, so we are honored to present 91ֿ with this donation,” says David J. Bronczek, president and CEO of FedEx Express. “We believe the ultimate success of the air transportation industry is directly tied to aeronautics programs specifically committed to investing in our youth, and look forward to following the progress surrounding the university’s airport enhancement efforts.”
FedEx Custom Critical President and CEO Virginia Albanese and 91ֿ President Beverly Warren publicly acknowledged the gift with a special ceremony during 91ֿ’s Homecoming football game on Oct. 1 at Dix Stadium.
The gift will support improvements to enhance and expand the 91ֿ Airport that supports the .
“Our nationally recognized Aeronautics Program engages students who will emerge as leaders in a high-demand, growing worldwide industry,” Warren says. “We are grateful for this generous gift from FedEx Express as it highlights 91ֿ’s capacity and calling to energize the future of aeronautics.”
91ֿ’s Aeronautics Program currently supports 543 undergraduate and graduate students, including 203 in the flight technology program, and prepares them for careers in aviation management, flight technology and air traffic control. The program serves as the leading academic program in aviation at the tertiary level in Ohio. Through partnerships with professional aviation, aeronautics graduates are prepared to be successful on the leading edge of innovative advancements in the United States and on the world stage.
“As the aeronautics industry realigns its workforce for the 21st century, partnerships between corporate employers and comprehensive aeronautics programs like 91ֿ’s are critical to ensuring a pipeline of talent and a resource for research for the sector,” Warren says.