2013 Women in Aviation Conference: Broncos Stampede into Nashville!

Published by Tom Thinnes on Thu, Mar 28, 2013

Wow! What a week.  This year's Women in Aviation conference was the best Bronco attended event of the last fire years.  Over 20 current students galloped down to Tennessee to network, interview, and gain valuable exposure.  Students were able to attend presentations on the state of the aviation industry, meet members from organizations such as the Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance (AWAM),  and network with other students from other collegiate aviation programs.

Anne SchroederIn addition, the College reconnected with a handful of alumni and friends.  It was a great opportunity to catch up with some of old friends and find out where they are and what they have been doing.  Specifically, we wanted to know what they are doing and if they could share a fond memory of Western Michigan University and the College of Aviation.  Here is what they had to say:

• Anne is a member of the class of 2004 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Aviation Flight Science.  She is currently a first officer for Delta Air Lines, and is flying the Airbus A320 and A319.

• Anne stated she wouldn't have a job if it wasn't for Western Michigan University and the College of Aviation.  She still stays in contact with many of her instructors, who have continued to help guide her career even after she graduated from the aviation program.

• For more information on Anne, please read our previous story on her, located here.

• Candice Young

• Candice graduated in 2005 with a double major in Avaition Flight Science and Science and Administration.  Currenly, she is a first officer of an Embraer 145 at ExpressJet.

• Some of her fondest memories of WMU revolved around her time as president of the WMU Women in Aviation chapter.  She also had a great laugh remembering the time she got lost on her first solo to Benton Harbor, MI.  Although all she needed to do was follow I-94, there was still some navigational errors in the first flight.  Needless to say, her skills have greatly improved!

• Courtney Barnhorst (Hedlund)

• Courtney gradutated in the winter of 2004 with a degree in Aviation Flight Science.  Since completing her tenure as a WMU Bronco, she has since earned her wings and is currently a captain at Pinnacle Airlines.

• Reflecting on her experiences at Western Michigan University, Courtney remembered fondly taking the Seneca and flying up and down the coast of Lake Michigan.  However, this memory was quickly overshadowed by the time she took her boyfriend on a night flight.  Not only did she impress her with her piloting abilities, she also dazzled him with the ability to remotely turn on the airport lights from the aircraft.  As you would imagine, this boyfriend would eventually become her husband!

• Mike Grimes

• Mike is a member of the class of 2006, graduating with a degree in Aviation Flight Science.  Currently, he works for Skywest Airlines and is a first officer type rated in the CRJ 200, 700, and 900.

• The overall experience at Western Michigan University helped Mike successfully navigate his career path.  Opportunities such as: becoming a CFI at WMU, being around as the University transitioned to its Cirrus fleet, spending time as a standards instructor, earning his float plane rating, and taking the JET Course.  Additionally, he enjoyed the diversity of training offered at WMU and the great networking experience while a student.

• Shannon Cunningham

• Shannon graduated in the year 2000, with a degree in Aviation Flight Science.  Currently, Shannon is a first officer for Pinnacle Airlines and is flying a CRJ 900.

• A fond memory of Shannon's is the arrival of the Boeing 747, donated to the University by Northwest Airlines.

• Scott Johnson

• Graduating in 2001 with a degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology, Scott is currently a captain for PSA Airlines, flying CRJ 200 and 700.

• Scott's most interesting memory at WMU also centered around the donated 747.  However, his is focused on the plane leaving the Battle Creek airport.  It was a sad day watching this formerly magnificent plane being trucked away and slowly disappearing.  At one time, he actually saw the plane getting axed.

• Christyna Assink

• Christyna is a member of the class of 2004, graduating with a bachelor of science in Aviation Science and Administration.  She currently flies for ExpressJet as a first officer on an Embraer 145.

• For Christyna, the 747 was also an amazing, strong memory.  Equally strong are her memories of being around people who shared similar interests and goals.  This provided a memorable and great experience at Western Michigan University.

• Major Curt "Kid" Martin

• As a graduate of Western Michigan University's College of Aviation, Curt has propelled his passion for aviation becoming a pilot for the Indiana Air Guard, where he is an A10C instructor pilot.  In addition, he also flies for NetJets Aviation piloting Gulfstream 450s and 550s.

• Andrew Csondor

• Andrew graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology.  Currently he is employed by Delta Air Lines as a Records Maintenance Coordinator II.  Additionally, he serves on the board of directors for AWAM.