Published by Tom Thinnes on Fri, May 02, 2014
Three quarters of a century. A drop in the bucket when thinking about the galactic calendar, but pretty significant when talking about the history of aviation. 75 years ago aviation was barely an industry; at worst – a fad, at best – the next best thing. Standing on the precipice those many years ago, only those with vision, fortitude, and instinct were brave enough to trust their instincts and launch themselves head first into this brave new world.
Fortunately for the fledgling “Western State Teachers College,” in 1939 the Michigan State Board of Education authorized and approved a two-year, non-degree curriculum in Vocational Aviation Mechanics. As the first instructor of the new program, Elmer C.“Buck” Weaver began his tenure for both the mechanics program and the pilot training initiative, which was sponsored by the federal government and included the ground school portion of the Civilian Pilot Training program.
Flash forward to 2014 and much has changed. The growing teachers college has long since evolved into Western Michigan University, while that small two-year program has morphed into the third largest aviation program in the United States and is consistently being viewed as one of the premiere aviation programs in the country.
Sitting in her office where she masterfully directs the business and finance portion of Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation, Dace Copeland can’t help but think of diamonds. In addition to her normal duties at the College, Copeland volunteered to chair the 75 Years of Aviation committee. When thinking about her involvement, she quickly began waxing poetically about her involvement, “There are many facets to the College of Aviation – we are made up of so many great parts and it is important we celebrate all that we were, all that we are, and all that we can become.”
From a traditional sense, the 75 year anniversary has always been associated with the diamond. Much like the luminous gem associated with the “dodranscentennial” celebration of the College of Aviation, the aviation program has grown with time, while undergoing a lot of pressure. As those associated with aviation know, the industry is not easy, it is subject to a lot of ups and downs. However, aviation education at Western Michigan University has managed to sustain its course, and continues to climb. As Copeland states, “WMU has been teaching aviation for 75 years. That is a very important milestone. We started from something small and have grown into the program we are today. By looking at the history of the program, we are able to see the changes that were made, how those impacted our students and graduates, and help us direct the program into the future.”
Change is inevitable in any industry. Aviation, with its roots deeply entrenched in science, technology, engineering and math, lives in a world engulfed by change. The aviation program at Western Michigan University is no stranger to change. As Copeland recalled, “Some of the most visible changes have occurred with our flight program. Ever since we began offering a degree in flight, as aircraft and technology have evolved, our fleet has evolved too. This has continued into the modern era with the adoption of our current Cirrus SR 20 fleet. We have always believed in the importance of cutting edge technology to give our students a competitive advantage. By integrating the most advanced technology into the curriculum, we provide our students the tools to make themselves a highly sought after commodity.”
In addition to celebrating the importance of this milestone, Copeland also reinforces how it impacts a multitude of stakeholders. “This celebration is important to a lot of different groups: alumni, current students, the WMU faculty and staff, our industry partners, and both the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek communities. This celebration helps us demonstrate to all of these constituents what the College of Aviation is made up of. How we have, and continue to add to each of these groups. There are many facets that have helped to make the aviation program at WMU what it is today. Our celebration provides the College of Aviation and opportunity to demonstrate to each of these groups how they have helped us shine.”
The celebration is also a special time to reach back and connect to our alumni. With 75 years of aviation education at Western Michigan University, alumni from the program have had an opportunity to make a big impact on the field of aviation. According to Tom Thinnes, Director of Recruitment and Outreach for the College of Aviation, “Reaching out and connecting with our alumni is one of the greatest things about my job. It provides me the chance to hear great stories and understand first-hand the impact the graduates from WMU have had in the aviation industry.”
This impact is felt in all areas of the aviation world: maintenance, flight, management, military, business, etc. Graduates of the aviation program from WMU have been “out there doing it” for these past 75 years. “Getting our alumni involved also helps demonstrate the fortitude of our program to our current students,” stated Copeland. “When they hear from our alumni, there is a sense of well-being about the program. It helps to solidify their decision to attend WMU and see the success of former students in the program.”
Just as important as all of these ethereal benefits, there is another reason to take part in the 75 year celebration. “Fun!” exclaimed Copeland. “I think getting involved, reaching back to the alma mater, and taking part in some or all of the planned activities are a great way to have some fun. We all get caught up in the daily grind. Taking time from that and reconnecting with old friends, faculty, staff, or seeing how the aviation program has evolved is a great way to step outside the confines of our daily lives.”
Additionally, as alumni get involved, there is the non-tangible effect their involvement has on current students. Many people in aviation know the importance of networking, with many jobs being won and many barriers being broken down through the power of connection. According to Copeland, “We have been trying to do a better job of reaching out to our alumni. It is great when our alumni reach back to us.” The involvement of our alumni continues to grow; many have come back and taken part in events like Aviation Outlook Day or have served as class presenters. “This connection between alumni and our current students helps to motivate those students currently sitting in class,” said Copeland. The alumni enlighten the students about the career and the pathway they will need to take. Sometimes the road is rocky, but it is a valuable message the students need to hear.
The diamond anniversary of Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation is shining brightly. Its radiance has been created by a multitude of facets, all highlighting the program and helping it grow into the program it is today. To celebrate, the College of Aviation is hosting a variety of different events and you are invited. Events range from our Alumni and Friends Cookout at AirVenture in July, to our 75 year Gala in October. For a complete list of events, please click here or visit our website. If you are unable to attend but wish to make a financial contribution, please click here. Your donation will help ensure the success of the 75 Year Celebration and the future of the College of Aviation.
Embrace the past, enjoy the present, and envision the future. The past 75 years were great. The next 75 are going to be amazing. Buckle up; it’s going to be one heck of a ride!