Embry-Riddle recently announced the conclusion of its most successful fundraising effort-the To Soar Campaign-at the end of 2008, raising a total of $65.3 million in gifts and pledges.

"During tough economic times, our alumni and friends continue to step forward in support of our programs and our students. Private donations are increasingly important to our ability to provide an accessible education for those that have a passion for the science and business of aviation," said Dan Montplaisir, vice president for Institutional Advancement.

During the eight-year campaign, more than $30 million in donations was pledged toward new campus facilities and an additional $28.8 million was given to create new scholarship funds.

The University will continue to seek donations for the benefit of students, faculty and academic programs through "The Fund for Embry-Riddle," the annual fund effort led by student callers. More info available at Giving to Embry-Riddle.

 

In March 2009, Embry-Riddle President John Johnson is hosting two President's Receptions for alumni and friends:

On Wednesday, March 4, at 6 p.m. in Washington D.C., Dr. Johnson and The Honorable Jim Kolbe, a University Trustee and Former Arizona Congressman, are hosting a reception for alumni and friends at Kolbe's home (519 E. Capitol Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003).

On Tuesday, March 24, at 5:45 p.m., Dr. Johnson and the New York Area Alumni Group are hosting a reception and a panel discussion, "Industry's concerns and opportunities in the current economic climate," at The Yale Club of New York City (Grand Ballroom, 50 Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY 10017). The panel will feature the following industry leaders:

• Mr. John Amore ('73, DB), CEO, Global General Insurance, Zurich Financial Services;
• Mr. John Maris ('83, DB), President, Marinvent Corporation;
• Mr. Peter Maurer, President, Diamond Aircraft Industries.

The reception will follow from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. For more info, contact Irene Montgomery at Irene.Montgomery@erau.edu.

 

After blazing a trail of new records in 2008, the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University jet drag racing team (jetdragster.erau.edu) is positioned in 2009 for an even bigger racing season, with 23 major racing venues scheduled.

The jet dragster, driven by Elaine Larsen and designed and built in 2004 with the help of Embry-Riddle aerospace engineering and aviation maintenance students, is a feature attraction at air shows and drag racing events during the year. The Embry-Riddle team will continue its green fuel research program in 2009, using a variety of biomass-based fuel combinations in the car's engines. .

2009 Embry-Riddle Jet Racing Team Schedule:

Feb. 27-28 Belle Rose, La.-Pinks All Out
March 7-8 Bradenton, Fla.-NMRA
March 20-21 Belle Rose, La.-Pinks All Out
March 28-29 Bradenton, Fla.-NMCA
Apr. 18 Norwalk, Ohio-Summit Raceway Park
Apr. 20-26 Lakeland, Fla.-Sun N Fun (static display only)
May 2-3 Bowling Green, Ky.-NMCA
May 16 Norwalk, Ohio-Summit Raceway Park Cavalcade of Stars
June 6-7 Reading, Pa.-NMCA
June 11 Livonia, Mich.-Roush Museum
June 13-14 Milan, Mich.-NMRA
June 27 Atlanta, Ga.-Atlanta Dragway Night of Fire
July 11 Chicago, Ill.-NASCAR
July 18-19 Chicago, Ill.-NMRA vs. NMCA Superbowl of Drag Racing
July 26-Aug. 2 Oshkosh, Wis.-EAA AirVenture (static display only)
Aug. 1 Norwalk, Ohio-Summit Raceway Park Night under Fire
Aug. 8-9 Charlotte, N.C.-Z Max Dragway
Aug. 28-29 Cordova, Ill.-World Series of Drag Racing
Sept. 5-6 Columbus, Ohio-NMRA
Oct. 3-4 Bowling Green, Ky.-NMRA Finals
Oct. 17-18 Memphis, Tenn.-NMCA Finals
Nov. 28-29 West Palm Beach, Fla.-Citrus Nationals
Dec. 5-6 Bradenton, Fla.-Snowbird Nationals

Daytona Beach Athletics inducted its inaugural Hall of Fame Class at a special dinner and ceremony on January 31, 2009.

Inductees (pictured above left to right): Rob Padgett, Men's Basketball, Class of 1997; Abby (Odom) Guthrie, Women's Soccer, Class of 2002; Luke Martin, Baseball, Class of 2000; Jasmin Kadric, Men's Soccer, Class of 2002; 2000 Men's Basketball National Championship Team (pictured top).

Find out more about the Hall of Fame.

Former Embry-Riddle University President Dr. Steve Sliwa and his wife Nancy have donated $157,500 to the baseball program at ERAU's Daytona Beach campus.The gift will provide support in a number of areas, including scholarships, recruiting expenses, equipment, travel, facility enhancements and other needs for the program.

"It is an honor to be associated with Dr. Sliwa and Nancy," ERAU Director of Athletics Steve Ridder said. "Their continued support and friendship allow us to have one of the premier NAIA baseball programs in the country." More.

There's an old joke about performers who aren't attractive enough to make it on television or in the movies-it's said they have a "face for radio."

But if you're syndicated radio talk show host Jerry Doyle ('79, DB), you can do practically anything, and in his case anything is flying an F-16, B-17 and the Space Shuttle simulator; working on Wall Street; running for Congress; and, yes, even starring on TV.

It all started at Embry-Riddle, a time and place that Doyle recalls fondly. "I had a blast," he says.

"It was back then when the Wright brothers were still flying and we had a trailer out of the flight line and one Ops building and a Stewart sandwich machine...it was a very cool time to be down there. I love Daytona Beach. When they told me I was graduating I said, 'I can't graduate now! I just learned how to pace myself during Spring Break!'" Read more.