Embry-Riddle's 75th Anniversary

News Media Home

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University marked its 75-year legacy with a series of special events in fall 2001 that included an air show and a concert open to the public and an invitation-only dinner for executives from aviation and aerospace.

In Phoenix, leaders from aviation, aerospace, and the community attended Legacy of Pride, Horizon of Promise on Oct. 29 at the Arizona Science Center. The event was sponsored by the Prescott, Ariz., campus and the Extended Campus' Phoenix-area teaching centers at Luke Air Force Base and Sky Harbor.

The program began with remarks by aviation pioneer Barbara Barrett, whose career included service as vice chair of the Civil Aeronautics Board, deputy administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, and a trustee of Embry-Riddle. Barrett then introduced the master of ceremonies, Hugh Downs, award-winning newsman, former anchor of ABC's 20/20 news program, and a past member of NASA's advisory council.

During dinner, George Ebbs, university president, outlined Embry-Riddle's history and remembered alumnus David Charlebois, first officer on American Airlines flight 77, which was hijacked and crashed into the Pentagon Sept. 11. Renowned astronaut Sally Ride announced the creation of her new Sally Ride Women in Space and Science Scholarship at Embry-Riddle.

After dinner, Downs, whose career in journalism tracked the development of the space program, described going through astronaut training with Sen. John Glenn in 1998 before Glenn's return to space. Keynote speaker astronaut Story Musgrave inspired guests with his life story of a high-school dropout who became a space pioneer and participated in six space-shuttle missions spanning three decades.

At the event, 20 Embry-Riddle students from the Prescott campus, dressed as significant persons in the history of flight ranging from Leonardo da Vinci to Amelia Earhart to Yuri Gagarin, stepped forward and introduced the characters they represented. They described the personal contributions they hoped to make after they graduate.

In Daytona Beach on Nov. 10 and 11, upward of 250,000 alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, donors, and residents of Central Florida attended Wings & Waves: Celebrating Embry-Riddle's 75th Anniversary, a free air show over the Atlantic Ocean. The two-day event was billed as the university's gift of appreciation to the community.

Aerobatic acts included Eric Beard and Lee Lauderback, both Embry-Riddle alumni; Mike Goulian; Michael Mancuso; the Marchetti Mavericks; Dan McClung; the Misty Blues, an all-woman skydiving team; Gene Soucy and wing walker Teresa Stokes; Sean Tucker; and Patty Wagstaff. The legendary USAF Thunderbirds provided each day's thrilling climax.

The action on the ground included a 7.5K beach run (the Riddle Run), a .75K Fun Run for kids, and a children's area that featured face painting, PC-based flight instruction, games, clowns, and safety tips.

On Nov. 10, an estimated 100,000 fans of all ages packed a free, open-air beachside concert by the Beach Boys.

"The entire celebration succeeded beyond our wildest dreams," said Darryl Niemeyer, director of university relations and executive producer of Wings & Waves. "It was a positive, fun-filled, family-oriented event. People enjoyed themselves, renewed friendships, and learned about the future of Embry-Riddle."