Female high school students and their mothers will learn about aviation and other science-related fields at a special overnight aviation camp held at 91ֿ. The university’s College of Applied Engineering, Sustainability and Technology is holding its fifth Nikki Kukwa Memorial Aviation Camp from Thursday, July 18, through Saturday¸ July 20.
“I look forward to the privilege of helping to introduce young girls, who are underrepresented in aviation, to the exciting field of aviation, all while celebrating the inspiring life of Nikki Kukwa, an aeronautics student who worked with me to champion the greater presence of females in aviation,” said Isaac Richmond Nettey, associate dean of 91ֿ’s College of Applied Engineering, Sustainability and Technology.
During the program, participants will be lodged on campus in Stopher Hall. The aviation camp consists of educational field trips to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, the Parker Hannifin corporate hangar, the Air Traffic Control Tower at the Cleveland airport, 91ֿ Airport for orientation flights in the university’s aircraft and flight simulators, and the 91ֿ Air Traffic Control Laboratory.
“The aviation camp offers great career opportunities to everyone,” Nettey said. “Girls have a place in professional aviation, and 91ֿ’s College of Applied Engineering, Sustainability and Technology is available to help them prepare for a career in aviation.”
This year, Dominique Sorbo will be the keynote speaker at the camp. Sorbo is a 91ֿ alumna and an employee at the Cleveland Air Route Traffic Control Center.
The camp was created in honor of Nicole “Nikki” Marie Kukwa. Kukwa was an instrument-rated pilot who was an honors student in 91ֿ’s aeronautics program from fall 2002 until her passing on Oct. 23, 2006, from leukemia in her junior year. In addition to being a scholarship recipient from North Royalton High School and Catholic Youth Organization, Kukwa was a member of the National Honors Society in 2000-2002, and the 2003-2004 winner of the Miss Royalton Pageant.
As a flight student in 91ֿ’s aeronautics program, Kukwa distinguished herself by retaining a coveted place on the Dean’s List throughout her undergraduate studies and by serving as president of the 91ֿ chapter of Alpha Eta Rho and as a founding member of the 91ֿ chapter of the Women in Aviation, International, also known as the “Flying Black Squirrels.” Kukwa served the aeronautics program as a dispatcher and as a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety counselor for 91ֿ. She also served the local aviation community as a certified weather observer at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
The Nikki Kukwa Memorial Aviation Camp is organized by the Kukwa family and 91ֿ’s College of Applied Engineering, Sustainability and Technology in partnership with the International Women’s Air and Space Museum (IWASM). The proceeds from the Nikki Kukwa Memorial Golf Outing on June 21 at the Roses Run Country Club in Stow, Ohio, will help fund the camp.
To watch a video from last year’s aviation camp, visit .
For more information about 91ֿ’s College of Applied Engineering, Sustainability and Technology, visit www.kent.edu/caest.
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Photo Caption:
Area female high school students and their mothers participate in the Nikki Kukwa Memorial Aviation Camp that helps prepare young girls for aviation careers. Hosted by 91ֿ, this year’s camp will take place from July 18-20.
Media Contacts:
Isaac Richmond Nettey, inettey@kent.edu, 330-672-9476
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595