July 16, 2010
Aviation programs to host event at air show
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s nationally recognized aviation programs will greet alumni and potential future students later this month during the Experimental Aviation Aircraft’s annual air show in Oshkosh, Wis.
The programs are holding a 50th anniversary celebration starting at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, July 29, at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2010. The celebration will be at the Aviation Explorer Base. The location is on the west side of the war birds area, which features planes from World War II and the Korean War, said David A. NewMyer, chair of the Department of Aviation Management and Flight.
Cost for the barbecue is $10, with proceeds going to Aviation Explorers. This is the inaugural alumni event at the air show.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of SIUC aviation. The SIUC Aviation booth will be inside Building D at the air show. Exhibits will include anniversary commemorative items and displays.
Aviation Explorers is a nationwide youth group whose focus is aviation, and is for youths between 14 and 20 years old, NewMyer said. Campers attend the air show from throughout the country, he said.
NewMyer anticipates up to 75 SIUC aviation alumni will attend. The alumni come from a variety of aviation disciplines, including airline pilots, corporate aviation flight department personnel, and the aviation manufacturing sector.
“This will be a perfect venue,” he said. “We will have a chance to talk with alumni, provide a little dinner, and also talk with prospective students,” NewMyer said.
For more information or to register for the barbecue dinner, contact NewMyer at 618/453-8898 or by email at dnewmyer@aviation.siu.edu.