The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), through NBAA Charities, offers a wide range of scholarships that support young people seeking careers in business aviation. This week at NBAA’s Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas, NV, 18 students will be receiving the following awards:
UAA Janice K. Barden Aviation Scholarship
The UAA Janice K. Barden Aviation Scholarship is named for the late founder of Aviation Personnel International, who was active in the aviation community for decades and received NBAA’s John P. “Jack” Doswell Award for her lifelong achievement in support of business aviation. This year’s recipients are:
- Victoria Calderon, a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University majoring in aeronautical science with a minor in business.
- Mary Mitchell, a student at Baylor University working toward her certifications as a helicopter pilot.
- Andrew Daly, a student at Kansas State University, Polytechnic Campus majoring in aeronautical technology.
- Dione Bernard, currently working toward her associate’s degree at Daytona State College, with plans to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
- Quinton Clymer, studying to become a professional pilot at Kansas State University.
Al Conklin and Bill De Decker Business Aviation Management Scholarship
The scholarship was initially created to honor the memory of Al Conklin, a U.S. Air Force veteran and business aviation leader for more than 60 years. Today, the scholarship also honors Bill de Decker’s contributions to business aviation, for which he was honored in 2014 with NBAA’s John P. “Jack” Doswell Award. Together, Al Conklin and Bill de Decker first published the Aircraft Cost Evaluator in the 1970s and later founded Conklin & de Decker, an aviation information company that provides aircraft operating cost and performance data. This year’s recipient is:
- Connyr Bennett, a student at Utah Valley University majoring in aviation science – professional pilot.
William M. Fanning Maintenance Scholarship
Named in honor of retired NBAA staff member William M. Fanning, who was active in maintenance issues during his nearly 20-year tenure at the association, the Fanning Scholarship recognizes individuals who are studying to enter the field of business aviation maintenance. This year’s recipients are:
- Leoga Fofung, a student at Tulsa Technology Center majoring in aviation maintenance.
- Geoff Shannon, a student at Texas State Technical College in Waco majoring in aviation maintenance.
Fred and Diane Fitts Aviation Scholarship
Awards made available by Fred and Diane Fitts are presented to aspiring business aviation schedulers or dispatchers, maintenance professionals, pilots or flight attendants. The scholarship selection committee focused on applicants that are able to express their dedication to furthering the business aviation industry. This year’s recipients are:
- Nobi Buntin, a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University studying to become a pilot.
- Stephanie Tarbous, a student at Georgia Northwestern Technical College studying aviation maintenance technology.
- David Byers, a graduate of the University of North Texas, who plans to use the scholarship funds for Universal Weather & Aviation’s Dispatcher’s course.
- Beatrice Zhang, is a corporate flight attendant who plans to use the scholarship for Aircare FACTS Training.
Lawrence Ginocchio Aviation Scholarship
The Lawrence Ginocchio Aviation Scholarship was created in 2001 by NBAA Charities, along with the family and friends of the late Lawrence Ginocchio, to honor his outstanding personal contribution to business aviation. This year’s recipients, selected for demonstrating honesty, integrity and selflessness, are:
- Luke McKenzie, a student of University of North Dakota majoring in aviation management.
- Brian McClure, a student of Southwestern Illinois College majoring in aviation flight training and aviation management.
- Natalie Sourbeck, a student of California Baptist University studying aviation management.
- Kym Trice, a student majoring in aerospace management at Broward College.
- Peter Nelson, an aviation science major at Utah Valley University.
Eddie Queen Business Aviation Management Scholarship
Along with Signature Flight Support, NBAA Charities created the Eddie Queen Business Aviation Management Scholarship to honor the memory of Eddie Queen, a Signature Flight Support line service technician for 58 years. It is awarded to students pursuing a career in business aviation management at NBAA/UAA institutions who show an exceptional commitment to customer service. This year’s recipient is:
- Nicolaos Hoffbauer, a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University majoring in aviation maintenance management.
NBAA Charities offers monetary and training scholarships for both students and aviation professionals, such as flight department managers, pilots, maintenance technicians, schedulers, dispatchers, flight attendants and flight technicians. These scholarships, which total nearly $100,000 annually, are administered by NBAA standing committees and would not be possible without the generous financial support of NBAA member donors.
To learn more about the numerous scholarship opportunities offered by NBAA Charities, contact Molly Hitch, manager of professional development, at (202) 783-9353 or scholarships@nbaa.org. Learn more about NBAA’s scholarship program.
