The typical Embry-Riddle graduate is a 50-ish airline pilot, right? Guess again. A whopping 69 percent of the University's alumni are under the age of 40. And while most of them have careers in aviation and aerospace, they're more likely to be doing their flying as private pilots or passengers. A growing number are finding success in industries outside of aviation.
On the following pages, you'll meet a representative sample of Embry-Riddle's "rising stars" -- 40 under 40 who were named by fellow graduates and former faculty as alumni to keep an eye on. The majority say they already have their dream job, and that Embry-Riddle's reputation opened the doors that helped them get it. How many people can make that boast? Another common refrain is their definition of success as a balance between work, family, and making a difference. And it's surprising to see what they remember from their days at Embry-Riddle. Perhaps it'll bring back memories for you, too.
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Mehdi Alaoui
President/CEO, Regional Air Lines, Casablanca, Morocco
ERAU degree/s: BAST'86
Age: 38
Accomplishments/awards: MBA (Seattle University, 1990); US Morocco Friendship Award, 1997.
Greatest work-related challenge: Acquire more turboprops and jets, and increase fleet utilization, frequencies, and market share. Will soon add service to Lisbon and Canary Islands.
Greatest achievement: Starting Regional Air Lines in 1997 and breaking the monopoly held by state-owned Royal Air Maroc.
When I'm not working I'm: Fishing, exercising, flying.
Success is: To run a safe, efficient and profitable airline.
Dream job: Airline president.
Most memorable Riddle experience: My first solo flight and graduation day.
Favorite Riddle instructor(s): John Brannon (avionics), Robert Oxley (humanities), and Charles Richardson (aeronautical science).
What Embry-Riddle did for me: The "Harvard of the Sky" is responsible for the position I hold today.
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Claude "Curt" Bass
Senior analyst/team leader, revenue management for American Eagle (American Airlines), Ft. Worth, Texas
ERAU degree/s: MBAA'89
Age: 36
Accomplishments/awards: Implemented controller's office standards and developed manning, capital, and budget standards at various new AA Latin America stations; successfully managed revenue management for AA's transpacific and offline locations in Asia, Australia, and India in the economically depressed mid-'90s.
Greatest work-related challenge: Mastering new technologies to stimulate traffic growth and overall yield.
Greatest achievement: Becoming a member of AMR's mentor program in revenue management.
When I'm not working I'm: Reaching out to others to improve life, golfing, watching my beloved Miami Dolphins and Florida Gators.
Success is: To be respected by my family, peers, friends.
Dream job: I'm doing it now.
Most memorable Riddle experience: Being able to recruit three Embry-Riddle grads at last fall's Industry/Career Expo.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Dr. Sliwa's leadership elevated ERAU to a well-rounded university offering a superior education to those who choose a life in aviation.
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George Berka
Stress engineer for 707 AWACS, Boeing Co., Seattle, Wash.
ERAU degree/s: BAET'95
Age: 26
Greatest work-related challenge: Created process control documents for entire Hi-Lok Collar product line at Fairchild Aerospace Fasteners.
Greatest achievement: Prepared detailed report for CEO on elimination of bottlenecks in Hi-Lok Collar line.
When I'm not working I'm: Flying, reading, working out.
Success is: The feeling you get when you've got the hang of what you've set out to learn.
Dream job: Outside of engineering, maybe writing, teaching, flight instructing.
Most memorable Riddle experience: Graduation.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Ira Zechnowitz made me realize how straightforward engineering really is.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Opened the door to the aerospace industry.
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Margaret "Peg" Billson
Vice president, program management, AlliedSignal Aerospace Equipment Systems, Torrance, Calif.
ERAU degree/s: BSAE'84, MSAE'90
Age: 37
Accomplishments/awards: A vice president at 32.
Greatest work-related challenge: Developing hardware for the International Space Station.
Greatest achievement: A happy marriage and two great boys.
When I'm not working I'm: Spending time with my husband and sons, water-skiing, working on our old house.
Success is: Making a difference in something you feel passionate about.
Dream job: Program managing development for a new air vehicle.
Most memorable Riddle experience: Presiding over 1997 commencement as a trustee.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Provided the education and discipline to obtain an MS and participate in the aerospace industry.
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Douglas Blalock
Vice president of business development, parts, International Airline Support Group, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
ERAU degree/s: BSAA'81
Age: 39
Accomplishments/awards: Took aviation parts supplier Solair from $8 million to $50 million annual gross in eight years.
Greatest work-related challenge: The amount of additional work I had when I owned a small aviation parts company in 1993-97.
Greatest achievement: My relationship with my wife and 3-year-old son .
When I'm not working I'm: Traveling, snow-skiing with my wife, fishing, golfing.
Success is: To balance a successful and fulfilling career without sacrificing family time.
Dream job: CEO of Gulfstream Aerospace, maker of the finest corporate jet ever!
Most memorable Riddle experience: Living in Daytona Beach during Spring Break.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: That "piece of paper" got me my first job, at Aero Quality Sales, which only interviewed ERAU graduates; it's also opened doors to me for business.
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Mark Breitenbach
Claims manager, AIG Aviation Inc., Scottsdale, Ariz.
ERAU degree/s: BAST'79, MBAA'80
Age: 39
Accomplishments/awards: Successfully handling investigations and complex claims and litigation involving hundreds of aircraft accidents; participating in the successful buyout of competitor companies; being on the board of directors of the Aviation Insurance Association and chairman of the Aviation Defense Managers Council.
Greatest work-related challenge: Managing people and handling serious injury and wrongful death claims.
Greatest achievement: Having a strong, healthy, happy marriage; overcoming a devastating spinal injury from a car accident.
When I'm not working I'm: Traveling with my wife, bike riding, reading, surfing the Net, cruising in my 'vette, white water rafting.
Success is: A balance between a happy home and personal life and a successful career path.
Dream job: Owning a successful beachfront restaurant.
Most memorable Riddle experience: The exhilaration, fear, and pride of my first solo flight.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Mason Aldrich taught me to fly and helped fulfill a childhood dream.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Gave me the skills that made learning more about accident investigation easier, opened doors for me, garnishes respect among peers in the industry and enables me to exert influence.
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Dan Burbank
Mission specialist astronaut, NASA, Houston, Texas
ERAU degree/s: MAS'90
Age: 37
Accomplishments/awards: Air Medal, two Coast Guard Commendation Medals, Coast Guard Achievement Medal, Orville Wright Achievement Award, honorary member of Order of Daedalians.
Greatest work-related challenge: Long stays away from home (spent in Russia now, out of this world later).
Greatest achievement: Finding a lovely lady with the right combination of common sense and nuttiness, then teaming up to raise our two young rascals.
When I'm not working I'm: Spending time with my wife and two kids, playing guitar, amateur astronomy, running.
Success is: Tackling life with open arms, a child's eyes, and more than a little grit and persistence.
Dream job: I've got it!
Most memorable Riddle experience: Fascinating hours spent perusing the Technical Library and visiting the facilities of NASA's Langley Research Center.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Bruce Conway showed me a little of what NASA is all about.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Helped me become an aerospace professional.
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Lance Chute
Captain, EMB145RJ, Continental (Express) Airlines, Houston, Texas
ERAU degree/s: BASC'95
Age: 29
Accomplishments/awards: Made captain on a regional jet two-and a-half years after graduating.
Greatest work-related challenge: Upgrading to captain on the EMB120 from the BE1900D.
Greatest achievement: Graduating Riddle.
When I'm not working I'm: Traveling.
Success is: Being happy with what you do.
Dream job: I'm doing it.
Most memorable Riddle experience: My friends.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Pete Hale, a good instructor, made it fun.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Got me hired at Continental Express.
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Russell Darling
Senior systems programmer, Industrial Light + Magic, San Rafael, Calif.
ERAU degree/s: BACS'94
Age: 28
Accomplishments/awards: I've developed software that has been used in creating visual effects for over 30 feature films, including The Lost World, Jurassic Park, Men in Black, Titanic, Deep Impact, and Small Soldiers. I've received screen credits on Speed 2, Cruise Control, Mercury Rising, and Mighty Joe Young.
Greatest work-related challenge: Working on 7-8 movies and several commercials simultaneously; creating new complex software systems for Star Wars: Episode One.
Greatest achievement: The fulfillment of my goals, including earning my degree and landing my dream job.
When I'm not working I'm: Traveling and watching movies.
Success is: To enjoy what you are doing and to be continually challenged and interested in your work.
Dream job: I have it -- working for George Lucas on the new Star Wars trilogy.
Most memorable Riddle experience: The flight simulator project in real-time systems -- my first experience with Silicon Graphics computers, the platform I now write software on.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Andrew Kornecki (computer science).
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Gave me the foundation of knowledge required for my job; my experience proves an ERAU education does not restrict one to aviation when career paths change.
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Sean Elliott
Executive director, National Association of Flight Instructors, Oshkosh, Wis.
ERAU degree/s: BASC'90
Age: 30
Accomplishments/awards: Co-founder of the master CFI accreditation program, chief judge for CFI national championships at NIFA SAFECON, a judge for FAA's flight instructor of the year program, discussed flight instruction with Apollo astronaut Pete Conrad on "Sport Flying," a national TV show.
Greatest work-related challenge: Maintaining the association's visibility and expertise at all the various shows, conventions, and conferences. Too many places, not enough time.
Greatest achievement: Husband and stepdad in a successful marriage; former national champ in model aircraft precision aerobatics.
When I'm not working I'm: Flying antique aircraft at EAA's Pioneer Airport.
Success is: Finding a niche in life where you can make a difference and have an impact on something you love for future generations.
Dream job: I'm in it right now!
Most memorable Riddle experience: Serving as a training manager in the flight department, with 50 flight instructors under my supervision.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Warren Foss (technology), a class act through and through.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Gave me a polished background in aviation and business; prepared me for life in the real world.
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Anthony Esposito
Sergeant and aircraft maintenance supervisor, New York City Police Aviation Unit, Brooklyn, N.Y.
ERAU degree/s: MAS'94
Age: 38
Accomplishments/awards: NYC Police Academy honor graduate, US Air Force Reserve's Lance P. Sajan Leadership Award.
Greatest work-related challenge: To ensure that aircraft (six Bell helicopters) availability is always at the highest level. Failing to meet this goal can result in the escape of a wanted felon, injury or death of a police officer or civilian, or failure of the unit to meet law enforcement and service missions.
Greatest achievement: In the Air Force, I worked my way from an airman basic to technical sergeant in eight years, and have now progressed to the rank of captain.
When I'm not working I'm: Spending time with my wife and son, running, American history, computers, watching football, baseball, and the stock market.
Success is: Setting your own goals, working hard to achieve them, and enjoying yourself along the way.
Dream job: Later I'd like to work in aircraft accident investigation.
Most memorable Riddle experience: Attending the aircraft accident investigation and management course last May on the Daytona Beach campus.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Bernard Stern, at Embry-Riddle's McGuire AFB Resident Center.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: My education opens doors and gets people to listen; few people leave my office without commenting on the ERAU master's degree hanging on my wall.
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Sean Fuller
Russian segment specialist-engineer and Russian interface officer, United Space Alliance, Houston, Texas, and Moscow, Russia
ERAU degree/s: BSEP'96
Age: 24
Accomplishments/awards: Several Johnson Space Center achievement awards.
Greatest work-related challenge: Negotiating operations with international partners for the International Space Station.
Greatest achievement: I was the lead timeline engineer for NASA astronaut Dave Wolf's successful mission on board Russia's Mir space station.
When I'm not working I'm: Flying, rock climbing, camping, and sightseeing around Moscow.
Success is: Working together to achieve the common goal and making a positive difference.
Dream job: Astronaut.
Most memorable Riddle experience: Going to basketball games, working in the community relations office, and graduating.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Muralidharan Nair (physical science) made sure we were industry-smart, not just book-smart.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Taught me more than just the textbook.
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Amit Gupta
Senior hardware engineer, Lockheed Martin Corp., Orlando, Fla.
ERAU degree/s: BSAE'91
Age: 29
Accomplishments/awards: Galaxy Award, nominated for Mentor of the Year Award
Greatest work-related challenge: After multiple mergers, integrating the different cultures and systems in the hardware engineering functions.
Greatest achievement: 1998 Galaxy Award, Lockheed Martin's top award for individual performance and contributions.
When I'm not working I'm: Spending time with my wife on and off the golf course.
Success is: Sustaining a high level of performence, job satisfaction, rank, and appropriate monetary compensation.
Dream job: Vice president of engineering for a major corporation, such as Lockheed Martin.
Most memorable Riddle experience: Waiting for a humanities class with John Cozen and wondering how we'd ever pass all our classes; we both passed and were initiated into the Sigma Gamma Tau honor society for aerospace engineering.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Howard Curtis (aerospace engineering), who established clear goals, had a positive learning environment, and promoted innovative thinking.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: My education has given me the ability to formulate strategies, tactics, and action plans to achieve results professionally, socially, and emotionally.
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Jeffrey Hall
Owner and hot air balloon pilot, Globos de los Andes, Urubamba, Cusco, Peru
ERAU degree/s: AAMT'84, BSMM'92
Age: 36
Accomplishments/awards: Maintenance manager, Chautauqua Airlines; sales manager, Aerospace Supply Inc.; manager, Merlin Express.
Greatest work-related challenge: Starting the first hot air ballooning operation in Peru.
Greatest achievement: First registration and airworthiness and pilot certifications for a hot air balloon in Peru.
When I'm not working I'm: Exploring Inca and pre-Inca ruins and hiking in the high Andes.
Success is: Accomplishing what you set your sights on, seeing your dream become real.
Dream job: What I'm now doing.
Most memorable Riddle experience: Watching the early '80s space shuttle launches from a classroom doorway.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Joe Obi (business) sparked the entrepreneurial spirit in me and provided the methods for accomplishing the tasks I needed to achieve my ideas.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Gave me the opportunity to form many international friendships that brought me to a better understanding of the global village we live in and the worldwide potential of aviation.
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Michael Henderlong
Vice president/manager of high-yield loan trading, Credit Lyonnaise Americas, New York, N.Y.
ERAU degree/s: BSAA'91
Age: 29
Accomplishments/awards: Built a $4 billion trading business with income of $6 million per year; earned MBA in finance (Fordham, 1994).
Greatest work-related challenge: Building the operation from scratch.
When I'm not working I'm: Flying, boating, golfing.
Success is: Health, good friends, and family.
Dream job: Retirement.
Most memorable Riddle experience: Being senior class president.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Bruce Chadbourne (business), for his enthusiasm, charisma and market experience.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: It taught me that the harder you work, the luckier you become.
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Michael Henderson
President, FISMA and Instruments for Medicine and Diagnostics divisions, HGM Medical Laser Systems, Salt Lake City, Utah
ERAU degree/s: BAPA'85
Age: 38
Accomplishments/awards: Air Force commendation and achievement medals, Southwest Asian Campaign Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, and other military honors.
Greatest work-related challenge: Assigned as officer in charge of the 492nd Aircraft Maintenance Unit of the 48 Fighter Wing at Lakenheath, England, after an F-111F crash and two wheel well fires, I transformed it into a tight team that flew more combat sorties during the Gulf War than any other F-111F unit.
Greatest achievement: A wonderful marriage and a terrific family.
When I'm not working I'm: Attending to family matters, flying, playing golf.
Success is: To die knowing you did your best to positively affect the lives of those who have crossed your path.
Dream job: To fly unlimited aerobatics and earn a living at it.
Most memorable Riddle experience: Graduation.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Steve Fish (Kirtland AFB Resident Center) cared, listened, and taught from experience.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: It is the key that unlocked so many doors I could not list them all.
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Todd Huffstickler
President/CEO, Vann Data Computer Centre, Daytona Beach, Fla.
ERAU degree/s: BSCS'85
Age: 34
Accomplishments/awards: Going from a part-time employee (while an ERAU student) to president of a multi-million-dollar corporation.
Greatest work-related challenge: Ensuring the satisfaction and stability of the networks and computer systems of the companies we serve, while maintaining a family relationship with our 28 employees.
Greatest achievement: Being a father and a husband.
When I'm not working I'm: Spending time with my wife and two children, fishing, photography, being with good friends, serving as a church deacon and Sunday school director.
Success is: Looking forward to going to work each day.
Dream job: Already have it.
Most memorable Riddle experience: Serving as editor of the yearbook.
Favorite Riddle instructor: John Wheeler, because of his vast knowledge and his ability to share it.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Landed me this job.
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Alvin Jackson
Director, legislative affairs, The Boeing Co., Arlington, Va.
ERAU degree/s: BSBA'90
Age: 31
Accomplishments/awards: Helped gain enactment of the General Aviation Revitalization Act; was one of Boeing's youngest directors; appointed to the ERAU President's Council.
Greatest achievement: Marrying my wife and creating three children with her; seeing the inner-city youth I work with succeed.
When I'm not working I'm: Spending time with my family, working with youth, reading about the Civil War.
Success is: Being happy professionally, spiritually, and within your family; making a ton of money is OK, too.
Dream job: CEO of a corporation; teaching and coaching high school basketball; owning a professional sports franchise.
Most memorable Riddle experience: Playing basketball for ERAU and coach Steve Ridder.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Boris Trnavskis (business) taught me airport management and how to read and write.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Contributed to my success.
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Jeffrey Knittel
Executive vice president, The CIT Group, New York, N.Y.
ERAU degree/s: BSAM'80
Age: 39
Accomplishments/awards: The Wings Club board of governors; featured in many trade publications; speaker at many conferences.
Greatest work-related challenge: Trying to build a consistently profitable high-growth organization where people feel their ideas are respected and where they enjoy working.
Greatest achievement: Learning to allocate my time between work and family and helping people who are not as fortunate as I am.
When I'm not working I'm: Reading, running, skiing, traveling with my wife and children.
Success is: Doing something you enjoy and having an opportunity to get better at it every day.
Dream job: What I am doing now.
Most memorable Riddle experience: Meeting people from around the world who love aviation.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Rudolph Knabe (business) was willing to think "out of the box" before it was in vogue.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Gave me a good understanding of aviation, allowed me to meet many who were interested in aviation, and adds credibility to my background.
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Barbara Lawrence
Director, entertainment services/corporate hospitality, Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, Fla.
ERAU degree/s: BASC'89
Age: 30
Accomplishments/awards: Climbing the ladder from "secretary" to department head in five years.
Greatest work-related challenge: Entertaining 25,000 people at the same time in nine different areas.
Greatest achievement: Being a positive influence as a Big Sister.
When I'm not working I'm: Playing softball, boating.
Success is: Having a good job, enjoying work every day, and being surrounded by people I love.
Dream job: President of Daytona International Speedway.
Most memorable Riddle experience: Graduating.
Favorite Riddle instructor: John Pope (business) cared about his students and made class fun.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Prepared me for the business world.
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Craig Morse
Director of operations, EurAir Pass, Tarzana, Calif.
ERAU degree/s: BAST'94, MAS (12/98)
Age: 29
Accomplishments/awards: Recognized by Virgin Express and EurAir Pass as the person most responsible for EurAir getting off the ground in April 1998.
Greatest work-related challenge: After many hours training, taking/making calls (cell phone bills of $750/month) and answering questions, I've had to realize that what I made happen can now run on its own.
Greatest achievement: Getting through school; your education is something you keep forever.
When I'm not working I'm: Spending time with my family, flying as a private pilot, scuba diving, going to Disneyland.
Success is: How happy and content you are in life.
Dream job: Maybe political office.
Most memorable Riddle experience: A homecoming concert featuring Foreigner and 38 Special.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Roger Campbell (history).
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Taught me how to learn, and opened doors where only walls once stood.
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Tim O'Krongley
Aviation (airport) manager, Greater Kelly Development Corp., Kelly AFB, Texas
ERAU degree/s: BAST'91, MAS'94
Age: 31
Accomplishments/awards: Accredited airport executive; appointed to San Antonio International Airport Advisory Committee.
Greatest work-related challenge: Redeveloping the largest military base ever closed into a commercial aviation facility serving San Antonio and central Texas.
Greatest achievement: Being in a profession I studied for and teaching airport management part-time at ERAU's Randolph AFB Resident Center.
When I'm not working I'm: Spending time with my family, recreational flying, working on our ranch.
Success is: Enjoying what you do, having the drive and ability to make a positive impact, and being able to share your knowledge with others.
Dream job: What I am doing.
Most memorable Riddle experience: Being on the flight team and winning the regional NIFA competition.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Bill Mason (aeronautical science), for his enthusiasm for aviation and desire that students take advantage of what ERAU had to offer.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Its degrees are incredible credentials in the aviation industry.
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Sharon Jones Peeples
B-737 Captain, Southwest Airlines, Dallas, Texas
ERAU degree/s: BASC'84
Age: 36
Greatest work-related challenge: Balancing career and life; remembering that every action and word is important in helping coworkers do their best job and providing the security and comfort that passengers deserve; never forgetting that success in this business must be worked at every day for an entire career.
Greatest achievement: A PhD in social psychology, University of Texas, 1996.
When I'm not working I'm: Doing research (U-T Aerospace Crew Research Project) on managing human error in high-tech organizations, serving ERAU as a trustee and an adviser for aeronautical science, reading, bicycling, cooking, playing piano, doing philanthropic/volunteer activities.
Success is: Competence in an endeavor that brings you joy and achievement, continuing to learn, mentoring the less-experienced, living a well-rounded life.
Dream job: I've got it.
Most memorable Riddle experience: Going to national competition with the Golden Eagles flight team for the first time.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Tom Vache never cut me one inch of slack or accepted less than perfect.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Put my resume at the top of every pile; made me respect and strive for professionalism and excellence.
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Michael Pitman
Project and operations manager, Cottonwood Technology Group Inc., Scottsdale, Ariz.
ERAU degree/s: BSEE'95
Age: 35
Accomplishments/awards: Engineer of the Quarter at AlliedSignal, 1996.
Greatest work-related challenge: Managing a project for profit and loss, schedule and design.
Greatest achievement: Being a good husband and father.
When I'm not working I'm: Playing with my kids, reading, doing yard work, spending time with friends.
Success is: A life with meaning.
Dream job: I'm in it now.
Most memorable Riddle experience: Group study sessions in the EE labs.
Favorite Riddle instructor(s): John Jenkins, Frank Whetten, Chuck Cone, and Ray Bellem.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Its low student/instructor ratio, focus on students, and real-life application of technical material have helped me move into management roles quickly.
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Robert Raskey
First officer, United Airlines, Los Angeles, Calif.
ERAU degree/s: BASC'82
Age: 39
Accomplishments/awards: Chair of the ERAU alumni advisory council, alumni representative to board of trustees, selected by FAA as designated pilot examiner, Aerial Achievement Medal for performance as an F-16 pilot during the Gulf War.
Greatest work-related challenge: Developing skills and knowledge of newly certified aviators; increasing ERAU alumni involvement.
Greatest achievement: My role as an ERAU trustee.
When I'm not working I'm: Learning to sail.
Success is: Helping others achieve their goals and dreams.
Dream job: I have achieved it.
Most memorable Riddle experience: One of the first students assigned to me as a new flight instructor was Meredith Robbins, who is my wife today.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Paul McDuffee, chief flight instructor then, vice president now.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Gave me the confidence, skills, knowledge, and pride to achieve my goals in aviation.
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Lila Hargis Rhyne
Supervisor, contracts/customer service, Dixie Aerospace, Atlanta, Ga.
ERAU degree/s: BSBA'92
Age: 27
Accomplishments/awards: Positions with Delta Airlines (customer service representative), Aviation Information Resources (assistant editor), Avatar Alliance (regional sales representative). At Dixie Aerospace, an aircraft bearing distributor, I manage sales contracts totaling $7 million annually.
Greatest work-related challenge: Securing a five-year contract with Delta, our largest account.
Greatest achievement: Employment in a rewarding, interesting field.
When I'm not working I'm: Spending time with my family and campaigning for my sister's election to the Georgia Public Service Commission.
Success is: Achieving my goals and maintaining happiness through my accomplishments.
Dream job: Manager of Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport.
Most memorable Riddle experience: As secretary in the student chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives, I met Al Haynes and Bill Records, heroes of the United Airlines flight that crashed in Sioux City, Iowa, a few years ago.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Joe Obi (business), an enthusiastic professor who introduced me to "just in time" theory; last year I helped Delta implement its first JIT aircraft bearing program with Dixie.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Prepared me for the challenges of the aviation industry.
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John Rock
Design engineering manager, Luscom be Aircraft Corp., Altus, Oklahoma.
ERAU degree/s: BSAE'89
Age: 31
Accomplishments/awards: Seeing my design work through production and flying some of my own design modifications on the initial flights; helping to build a new company from the ground up.
Greatest work-related challenge: At age 24, I was given the responsibility to run the engineering department at American General Aircraft Corp., which was producing a light single-engine aircraft, the AG-5B Tiger.
Greatest achievement: Finding an apartment in a hangar on a private airport.
When I'm not working I'm: Restoring my 1961 Piper Colt, airport bumming, biking, running, playing racquetball, learning Russian.
Success is: Getting paid to play with interesting new airplanes.
Dream job: My present job, plus owning the company.
Most memorable Riddle experience: The time Dick Rutan and Jeanna Yeager came to talk about their flight around the world.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Charles Eastlake (aerospace engineering) always added a relevant aviation story to the subject at hand.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Made my lifelong dream of working with and designing aircraft a reality.
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Zane Rowe
Managing director, financial analysis, Continental Airlines, Houston, Texas
ERAU degree/s: BSBA'91
Age: 27
Accomplishments/awards: Earned an MBA in finance (San Diego State U.), taught economics, developed a financial analysis group at Continental that analyzes the company's tactical and strategic financial decisions.
Greatest work-related challenge: Developing a strong team to tackle a wide range of financial projects.
Greatest achievement: To come from a small town in Africa, graduate with undergraduate and graduate degrees, and work in a challenging position for one of the world's largest airlines.
When I'm not working I'm: Catching up on my sleep, flying Continental to find a little sun and surf.
Success is: Optimizing your resources to achieve your goals.
Dream job: Besides figuring out how to set up my laptop and dial into work from the beach? A job in which I'm working with motivated people in a challenging environment with a team ideology.
Most memorable Riddle experience: Graduation.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Joseph Obi (business) created an environment that helped students from all sides of life work harder for themselves, not just a grade.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Gave me the foundation and discipline to develop my career in aviation.
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Shahryar Shaghaghi
Senior manager, management and technology consulting, Andersen Consulting, Irving, Texas
ERAU degree/s: MSE'97
Age: 37
Accomplishments/awards: After three successful years on nine major projects, I've been asked to head Andersen's Middle East technology organization in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Greatest work-related challenge: My first day on a client site.
Greatest achievement: A beautiful wife, two loving daughters, and some of the best friends one could have.
When I'm not working I'm: Waiting for my flight to or from a client site, cooking, playing with my daughters, relaxing.
Success is: Developing a vision for life, setting milestones, and measuring your success as you achieve them.
Dream job: Partner at Andersen.
Most memorable Riddle experience: Flying with a friend who was a student pilot, we landed on a taxiway, thinking it was the runway.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Iraj Hirmanpour (computer science), a true mentor.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: The master's in software engineering made me very marketable.
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James Stepnoski
Technical planning services coordinator (Dulles Airport), United Airlines, Washington, D.C.
ERAU degree/s: BSAT'84
Age: 37
Greatest work-related challenge: Keeping the lines of communication open between all departments.
When I'm not working I'm: Working on my house, hiking, scuba diving, catching a ball game.
Success is: Work hard, play hard, and always do your best.
Dream job: Had it (senior tech rep in maintenance operations control at USAfrica Airways), but the company shut down.
Most memorable Riddle experience: Initiation into Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Nolan Coleman (technology).
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Gave me skills in maintenance technology, avionics and management that I've used; the ERAU name has always been a factor in getting me interviews.
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Jonathan Stern
Counsel (aviation litigation), Schnader, Harrison, Segal and Lewis, Washington, D.C.
ERAU degree/s: BSAA'81
Age: 38
Accomplishments/awards: Published dozens of articles on law and flight simulation and two books on flight simulation; Outstanding Performance Award from the US Department of Justice when I worked for DOJ as a trial attorney in the aviation/admiralty branch.
Greatest work-related challenge: Working full-time while preparing to sit for the Virginia bar exam after practicing law 11 years as a member of the Maryland and D.C. bars.
Greatest achievement: My two kids.
When I'm not working I'm: Flying PC-based flight simulators or writing about them.
Success is: Being content and happy with your situation.
Dream job: Always wanted to be an airline pilot, but in the late '70s, the jobs were going to former military pilots.
Most memorable Riddle experience: Participated in the evacuation of ERAU's aircraft fleet in advance of Hurricane David.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Bruce Chadbourne (business), for his contagious enthusiasm.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: It has given me credibility when I address technical aviation subjects.
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Joseph Strickland
Assistant vice president and product liability underwriter, US Aviation Underwriters Inc., New York, N.Y.
ERAU degree/s: BSBA'93
Age: 27
Accomplishments/awards: Finishing final year of law school at Seton Hall University.
Greatest work-related challenge: Managing my career and school at the same time.
Greatest achievement: Working at a terrific company with opportunities I couldn't have dreamed would come so quickly; also working with my boss/mentor/friend David McKay (BAST'77).
When I'm not working I'm: Spending time with my wife, looking for golf balls I can't keep on the fairway.
Success is: Rising up to a challenge.
Dream job: The one I come to every day.
Most memorable Riddle experiences: Sky Fest weekends, basketball games in the original "Eagles Nest," working as a student "ambassador" for the University.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Katherine Wilson and Thomas Tacker (both in business).
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Opens doors that don't swing open for non-Riddle grads.
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Linda Grittner Tobin
B-737 First officer, Southwest Airlines, Oakland, Calif.
ERAU degree/s: MAS'92
Age: 35
Accomplishments/awards: Pilot of the Quarter, USAF Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal.
Greatest work-related challenge: As a member of a special team that interviews pilot applicants, looking for the brightest, most qualified applicants in the industry.
Greatest achievement: Completing USAF undergraduate pilot training.
When I'm not working I'm: Restoring a 1920s Craftsman-style home in the San Francisco Bay area, spending time with family and friends.
Success is: What happens when you're busy doing your job well.
Dream job: I'm living it.
Most memorable Riddle experience: My graduate research project.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Alan Bender (Western Region faculty adviser), whose industry knowledge is vast and whose classes made us think.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Exposed me to the varied aspects of airline operations.
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Dimitra Tsamis
Special agent, Federal Aviation Administration, Anchorage, Alaska
ERAU degree/s: BSES'94, MAS'98
Age: 27
Accomplishments/awards: Youngest international team member on foreign assessments; representing the International Civil Aviation Organization and the US, I work with top host government officials, from presidents to director generals, to deter acts of violence against commercial air transportation.
Greatest work-related challenge: Interacting with people from diverse multicultural backgrounds.
Greatest achievement: Seeing the pride in the face of my mother, an immigrant from a farm family in Greece, as I reached my goal, a master's degree.
When I'm not working I'm: Exploring Alaska's backcountry, hiking, fishing, flying.
Success is: Seizing control of your destiny and taking risks; loving the person you've become and treating others with admiration and respect.
Dream job: Serving as a foreign adviser on civil aviation safety and security, while living overseas.
Most memorable Riddle experience: Receiving the Outstanding Graduate Award at commencement.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Bill Waldock (aeronautical science), whose dedication to aviation safety, gregarious personality, and encyclopedic knowledge shaped the direction of my career.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Has lent credibility to my passion for aviation and made me a member of one of the closest-knit alumni groups in existence.
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James Vale
Logistics support analyst (derivative airplane group), Boeing Defense and Space Group, Renton, Wash.
ERAU degree/s: BAPA'93, MBAA'95
Age: 29
Accomplishments/awards: Earned my degrees in six years while on active duty with US Navy.
Greatest work-related challenge: As an Alaska Airlines reservations agent, I helped book seats together for a woman, her quadraplegic daughter, and three medical assistants at the lowest fare from Anchorage to Portland.
Greatest achievement: Soloed an airplane at age 15.
When I'm not working I'm: Still going to school.
Success is: Passion, focus, and balance.
Dream job: Airline market analyst.
Most memorable Riddle experience: I was a surprise guest speaker at an MBA advisory meeting last year.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Alan Bender, for his airline knowledge and sense of humor.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Allowed me to advance quickly in my career.
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John Van Sluytman
B-747 Captain, Southern Air Transport, Columbus, Ohio
ERAU degree/s: BASC'84
Age: 35
Accomplishments/awards: FAA Gold Seal Flight Instructor
Greatest work-related challenge: Communicating with ATC in Africa.
Greatest achievement: My three children.
When I'm not working I'm: Living a legacy at home, watching space birds (satellites).
Success is: Keeping the promises made to oneself and others.
Dream job: Space shuttle commander.
Most memorable Riddle experience: Early morning solo flights.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Ken Pollock.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Its reputation and my degrees have allowed doors to open.
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Patrice Clark Washington
DC-8 Captain, United Parcel Service, Louisville, Ky.
ERAU degree/s: BASC'82
Age: 37
Accomplishments/awards: First African-American female captain of a major airline.
Greatest work-related challenge: Trying to fill the roles of mother, wife and captain.
Greatest achievement: Carrying and giving birth to two adorable boys.
When I'm not working I'm: Working full-time as homemaker, wife and mother.
Success is: Realizing your dream, while being self-sufficient.
Dream job: Exactly what I'm doing.
Most memorable Riddle experience: My first solo flight.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Dana Middlekauff (flight), because I learned so much from her instrument ground course, and she had such enthusiasm.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: The curriculum, tailored to train future pilots, was the perfect environment for someone from the Bahamas, with just a dream, and no previous knowledge of aviation.
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Brian Weiler
Director of aviation division, Missouri Department of Transportation, Jefferson City, Mo.
ERAU degree/s: BAPA'88
Age: 32
Accomplishments/awards: Airport manager at age 25; managed four general aviation airports before age 31; youngest (at 31) state aviation director in the US.
Greatest work-related challenge: Following the 1993 summer flood, which covered my airport in St. Joseph, Mo., with water for three weeks and caused $20 million in damage, I rebuilt the airport and worked with the Army Corps of Engineers to rebuild the levee protecting the airport, a military base, and two small towns.
Greatest achievement: My relationship with my beautiful wife and two children.
When I'm not working I'm: Spending time with my family.
Success is: A challenging, fulfilling career, but not at the expense of time with your kids.
Dream job: I have it.
Most memorable Riddle experience: Good times with my roommates, Rusty and Doug.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Gave me credits for my military training and the Extended Campus enabled me to take night classes while I was on active duty.
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Russell Winter
Vice president, marketing and planning, Vanguard Airlines, Mission, Kan.
ERAU degree/s: BSAM'88
Age: 32
Greatest work-related challenge: Joining Vanguard.
Greatest achievement: Taking Vanguard from heavy losses to respectable profits in only nine months.
When I'm not working I'm: Asleep.
Success is: Having no regrets.
Dream job: I'm doing it.
Most memorable Riddle experience: Too many to mention!
Favorite Riddle instructor: Boris Trnavskis (business) knew his stuff.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Got me into senior management at a good airline.
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James Zurales
B-727 Captain, Northwest Airlines, St. Paul, Minn.
ERAU degree/s: BASC'81
Age: 39
Accomplishments/awards: Northwest Airlines' Caring Award and Pilots for Kids Award, for coordinating its Pilots for Kids program.
Greatest work-related challenge: The ever-popular approach in a strong, gusty crosswind with low visibility in a raging blizzard with an icy runway.
Greatest achievement: Flying for a major airline at age 25 and flying around the world by age 30.
When I'm not working I'm: Wrestling with my wife and two children; exploring Minnesota in small planes.
Success is: Being able to look forward to going to work and to going back home.
Dream job: My current position.
Most memorable Riddle experience: As captain, built the flight team from four students to 15.
Favorite Riddle instructor: Don "Pops" Alonso, a colorful character, trained me for my multi-engine rating, and Les Kumpula (aeronautical science), with his "Kump's Krooked Track," removed my fear of flying DME arcs.
What Embry-Riddle did for me: Helped me secure jobs rapidly; my employers were impressed to see Embry-Riddle on my resume.
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Degrees
Associate's degree:
AAMT: Aviation Maintenance Technology
Bachelor's degrees:
BACS: Aviation Computer Science
BAET: Aircraft Engineering Technology
BAPA: Professional Aeronautics
BASC: Aeronautical Science
BAST: Aeronautical Studies
BSAA: Aviation Administration
BSAE: Aeronautical Engineering
BSAM: Aviation Management
BSAT: Avionics Technology
BSBA: Aviation Business Administration
BSCS: Computer Science, Aviation Applications
BSEE: Electrical Engineering
BSEP: Engineering Physics
BSES: Aerospace Studies
BSMM: Aviation Maintenance Management
Master's degrees:
MAS: Aeronautical Science
MBAA: Business Administration Aviation Applications
MSAE: Aeronautical Engineering
MSE: Software Engineering
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