Sporty’s Academy President Eric Radtke has been named Distinguished Alumnus for 2013 for the University of Cincinnati’s Clermont College.
The award is bestowed upon individuals who have distinguished themselves through significant professional accomplishment, made contributions to their community and attended UC Clermont College for at least one year.
“Eric demonstrates his superior administrative ability, work ethic, people skills, creativity and commitment to general aviation on a daily basis,” says Sporty’s Founder and Chairman Hal Shevers. “It’s an honor for Eric, but also an honor for Sporty’s for him to be recognized this way. We could not be prouder of him.”
Adds Radtke, “Words can’t adequately express my sincere gratitude or how deeply honored I am to be recognized as the 2013 UC Clermont College Distinguished Alumnus. The campus allowed me to forge lifelong friendships and memories and to master the keys to my future, while developing a keen awareness of the value of relationships and community.”
Radtke enrolled in the University of Cincinnati and its Professional Pilot training program in the fall of 1996, as UC’s Presidential Scholar. Upon graduation in 1998 from UC Clermont College, with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aviation Technology, Radtke transferred to the UC College of Business, earning his bachelor’s degree in finance in 2000.
After a year as a professional airline pilot, Radtke decided he preferred the experiences and rewards of general aviation education. He returned to Sporty’s in 2002 to head its flight school and direct the University of Cincinnati’s Professional Pilot Program as president of Sporty’s Academy.
Radtke is an Airline Transport Pilot, Master Flight Instructor, Advanced Ground Instructor and Member of the Board of the National Association of Flight Instructors. He serves as editor of a flight training blog at LearnToFlyHere.com and regularly contributes articles to industry publications. He and his wife, Kelly, also a UC graduate, have two daughters, Lauren and Cara, and reside in Clermont County.
Now in its 52nd year, Sporty’s has grown from a one-man operation launched by Hal Shevers to the world’s largest pilot shop and an iconic general aviation brand. Sporty’s operations extend to airport management, avionics installation and repair, aircraft maintenance, a residential airport community, new aircraft sales and flight training, including for the University of Cincinnati’s professional pilot program. Located at Clermont County/Sporty’s Airport (I69), Sporty’s is philanthropically dedicated to expanding the general aviation community with both pilots and skilled technicians.
For more information: Sportys.com