April 13, 2011

Harry Fanning to speak at Alpha Eta Rho banquet

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Harry B. Fanning II, a 1983 graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s nationally recognized aviation program, will provide the keynote address for the annual Alpha Eta Rho banquet later this week.

Fanning, a logistics specialist with Boeing, will offer a glimpse into what students need to consider as they begin their own careers. Dinner begins at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 16, at the Holiday Inn in Carbondale. Doors open at 6 p.m.

Tickets cost $20 for faculty and others, and $15 for students. Tickets are available at the weather/dispatch counter at Southern Illinois Airport, and also at the Department of Aviation Management and Flight office in the College of Applied Sciences and Arts Building, room 127, on campus.

Scott A. Blair, vice president of the registered student organization, said among Fanning’s many accomplishments is being co-author of “The Preferred Supplier Certification Process,” which Blair said is a “benchmark for supply management.”

Fanning said it is an honor to have an opportunity to speak to the group, and that he is looking forward to it. In addition to discussing Boeing and his own career experiences, Fanning said he wants to provide students some thoughts on what they need to consider “as they begin their careers.”

Fanning earned degrees in aviation technology and aviation management. He represents the College of Applied Sciences and Arts on the SIU Alumni Association Board. He also received the alumni achievement award in 1997, and is a member of the aviation technologies advisory board.

Michael A. Burgener, chair of the Department of Aviation Technologies, said through the years that Fanning has given much time to the University, which includes serving on advisory committees and with the alumni association, and in particular, taking time to mentor students.

“Harry has had a long career in logistics with both McDonnell Douglas and Boeing,” Burgener said. Fanning “is a great role model to these students,” he said.

David A. NewMyer, chair of the Department of Aviation Management and Flight, said Fanning will also discuss opportunities that are open to students.

“That’s the kind of advice we love to get,” NewMyer said.