Scholarships awarded

Airports Council International-North America has awarded scholarships of $2,500 each to four aviation students: Bryan Avery, a student at Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology in Ontario, Canada; Michael Hoffner from California State University, Los Angeles; Jordan Tatton, from Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah; and Lauren Vala from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

“The Commissioners’ Committee is proud to honor these students for their academic excellence and leadership,” said Elsie Rast-Stuart, Chair of ACI-NA’s Commissioners’ Committee and Commissioner of the Columbia Metropolitan Airport. “These dedicated students represent the future of the aviation industry, and the committee is confident that they will provide a positive influence throughout their careers.”

The Commissioners’ Committee Scholarship is designed to encourage and promote excellence in the educational areas necessary for effective airport management or operation. The ACI-NA Commissioners’ Committee has awarded more than 35 scholarships totaling more than $110,000 to students within the past 17 years.

ACI-NA Commissioners established the Scholarship Fund in October 1993 to recognize students with high academic achievement who are working toward a career in airport management or airport operations.

Bryan Avery attends Georgian College in Barrie, Ontario, Canada, where he majors in Aviation Management. He has been on the Dean’s list in his previous 5 semesters and is likely to graduate as an Ontario Scholar. After graduating with a degree in Aviation Management, Avery plans to transfer into Embry-Riddle’s Bachelor of Science Technical Management program for an additional year of studies which will include airport administration and finance, project management in aviation operations and management of production and operations.

Michael Hoffner earned a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Administration in 2008 and is now pursuing a Master’s of Science degree in Public Administration. He is currently the Airport Superintendent of Operations for Los Angeles International Airport and volunteers as an Experimental Aircraft Association Young Eagles flight leader and mentor.

Jordan Tatton is working on a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Management at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah and has a cumulative GPA of 3.4. Tatton hopes to obtain her instrument license, and when outside of the classroom, is an active member of the local chapter of Women in Aviation, International (WAI) and Westminster’s Aero Club.

Lauren Vala is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Aerospace Management with aspirations to one day work as an airport manager or in an administrative position with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In conjunction with her master’s work, she has begun research in the area of Advanced Qualification Program (AQP) applications for flight training schools.

For more information: ACI-NA.org