Celebrating Legends: 2025 Hall of Honor & Diversity Award Recipients
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Honoring Excellence, Elevating Legacy
Each year, the Western Michigan University College of Aviation proudly recognizes individuals whose passion, leadership, and dedication have left a lasting mark on both the aviation industry and the WMU community. The Aviation Hall of Honor and the Excellence in Diversity Award are two of the college’s highest accolades—celebrating those who have not only achieved professional distinction but have also uplifted others along the way.
The 2025 honorees exemplify the spirit of innovation, mentorship, and service. From trailblazing alumni to champions of diversity, their stories inspire the next generation of aviators and remind us of the power of commitment and community.
Let’s take a closer look at this year’s remarkable recipients.
2025 Excellence in Diversity Award Recipient
- Jason Woo
WMU Alumnus, Founding Member of PAPA, FedEx Pilot
Jason Woo, a 2011 summa cum laude graduate of WMU’s College of Aviation, exemplifies global citizenship, professional excellence, and a deep commitment to diversity in aviation. Originally from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Woo’s journey to WMU was made possible through the Haenicke Institute for Global Education, which opened doors for international students to pursue flight training in the U.S. After earning his degree, Woo served as a flight instructor at WMU and later at Korea Aerospace University, where he taught in a complex airspace near North Korea and mentored students for whom English was a second language. His career spans multiple continents, including roles at Compass Airlines, Frontier, Delta, and currently FedEx, where he is an Oakland based 767 First Officer who mostly flies intra-Asian routes from their Guangzhou hub. Woo’s dedication to community service and mentorship is evident in his founding role with the Professional Asian Pilots Association (PAPA), a national organization that has awarded over $3M in scholarships (over $500,000 annually) and mentors hundreds of aspiring aviators. He also helped establish a WMU chapter of PAPA and continues to support student engagement through Aviation Outlook Day and mentoring initiatives. While at WMU, Woo served as a peer mentor in the STEM Program, supporting students in English, math, and science. His passion for aviation and education continues to inspire students and professionals alike. Fluent in five languages, Woo believes aviation has made the world smaller and more connected. Jason Woo’s career reflects integrity, service, and a commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in aviation—making him a distinguished nominee for the Excellence in Diversity Award.
2025 Hall of Honor Inductees
- Jennifer “Jen” (Richard) Prichard
WMU Alumna, Flight Instructor, and Mechanic, Military and Airline Pilot
Jen Prichard graduated from WMU in 1998 with a dual major in Aviation Sciences: Professional Pilot and Maintenance Management. As a student, she served as co-captain of the 1998 National Champion SkyBroncos Precision Flight Team and earned Top Pilot in the Nation honors at that competition. Jen continues to volunteer her time with the Flight Team as a coach and has held numerous judging positions at both the regional and national levels. After graduation, she put both of her majors to use by working at WMU as an A&P mechanic and flight instructor. Jen later left WMU to pursue a career in both the airline industry and the military. She flew for Mesaba Airlines, Endeavor Airlines, and currently flies the A320 for Delta Airlines. In 2003, Prichard was selected by the Michigan Air National Guard to attend pilot training for the A-10 and graduated Top Stick from Vance AFB. She continues to serve as a Lieutenant Colonel with the MIANG and has flown the A-10A, A-10C, C-21, and MQ-9. During her military career, she has held numerous leadership positions while amassing over 2,000 flight hours, 243 combat sorties, and 800 combat hours. Jen is a dedicated wife and mother of three boys, passionate about aviation, service, and family.
Greg Hamelink
WMU Alumnus, Aviation Maintenance Leader, Corporate Aviation Director, Educator, and Industry Advocate
Greg Hamelink has built a distinguished career in aviation, driven by a passion for excellence, mentorship, and service. With over 30 years of experience in corporate aviation and maintenance, he currently serves as Director of the Business Travel Center at Whirlpool Corporation, overseeing global aviation operations. Greg’s leadership journey includes 15 years managing Pfizer’s air shuttle operations, followed by key roles at Masco Corporation and Stryker, where he served as Chief of Maintenance for more than a decade. In 2022, he joined Whirlpool to lead its aviation and travel programs. A proud 1996 graduate of Western Michigan University, Greg earned a Bachelor of Science in Flight Operations and Technical Operations. His connection to WMU remains strong—he has served on the College of Aviation’s Industry Advisory Board since 2010 and returned to the classroom in 2022 as a part-time faculty member, sharing his expertise with future aviation professionals. Beyond WMU, Greg has contributed to the NBAA Maintenance Committee, participated in national workforce development initiatives, and spoken at aviation conferences and forums. He’s known for his ability to guide teams, ensure aircraft safety and reliability, and foster collaboration across the industry. Rooted in Southwest Michigan, Greg is a devoted husband to his wife Loretta and takes pride in giving back through teaching, service, and professional engagement. His colleagues and students know him not only for his technical expertise, but also for his generosity, encouragement, and commitment to building a stronger aviation community.
- 2005 WMU Air Race Classic Team
Sarah (Tower) Wagner & Erica (Ebenhoeh) White
In 2005, WMU’s College of Aviation proudly entered the Air Race Classic, the nation’s premier all-women’s cross-country air race. Representing the University were Sarah Wagner and Erica White, two standout aviators whose skill, determination, and teamwork made history for WMU and inspired future generations of women in aviation.
Erica White distinguished herself as a student pilot through precision and discipline, earning her place on the race team. After graduation, she built a successful career with L3Harris Commercial Aviation, which is now known as Acron Aviation, contributing to aviation systems and technologies. Erica remains a mentor and advocate for young aviators, especially women, continuing WMU’s legacy of leadership and innovation.
Sarah Wagner brought technical mastery and a competitive spirit to the 2005 race. She began her professional journey with Hantz Air in 2007, flying the Beechjet 400A, eventually transitioning into the Hawker 800XP. Her career progressed into leadership, and she now serves as Flight Operations Manager, overseeing client services, scheduling, and operations. Known for her meticulous planning and dedication, Sarah exemplifies the professionalism she showed as a student.
Together, Sarah and Erica’s participation in the Air Race Classic marked a milestone in WMU’s aviation history. Their achievements reflect the College’s commitment to excellence and its role in advancing women in aviation. Their careers continue to inspire, demonstrating the lasting impact of a WMU aviation education.