Celebrating Those Who Keep Aviation Moving Forward
One of best events at the College of Aviatoin each year is the WMU Aviation Recognition Dinner. It's an opportunity to pause for a moment, look around, and celebrate the people who have made aviation better through leadership, service, innovation, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
This year's honorees represent everything that makes the aviation community special. Their careers have taken them into military aircraft, airline flight decks, government agencies, aviation classrooms, community outreach programs, and leadership positions that have shaped the future of our industry.
On Friday, November 6, 2026, the College of Aviation will proudly recognize Ramone Crowe, Jr. as the recipient of the Aviation Excellence in Diversity Award and induct Steve Jones, William E. Gehman, and Aaron Knobloch into the WMU Aviation Hall of Honor.
Aviation Excellence in Diversity Award
Ramone Crowe, Jr.
For more than three decades, Ramone Crowe, Jr. has dedicated his career to making aviation more accessible to the next generation. Whether through his work with the Federal Aviation Administration, the City of Detroit Airport Department, Aerospace Career Pathways, or the Aviation Career Exploration (ACE) Camps, his mission has remained remarkably consistent: introduce young people to aviation and help them believe that they belong in it.
His efforts have impacted thousands of students, particularly those from communities historically underrepresented in aviation. Many future Broncos first learned about career opportunities in aviation through programs he helped build and expand. Through his leadership, advocacy, and commitment to inclusion, Ramone continues to open doors and strengthen the future of our industry.
Hall of Honor Inductee
Steve Jones
Many of the advancements that helped transform WMU Aviation into the nationally recognized program it is today can be traced back to leaders like Steve Jones. A graduate of the United States Naval Academy, combat naval aviator, United Airlines captain, and former Executive Director of Flight Operations at WMU, Steve built a career centered on professionalism, safety, and excellence.
During his time at WMU, he helped modernize flight training, played a pivotal role in the selection of technologically advanced training aircraft and simulators, and strengthened relationships with airline partners that created new opportunities for students. Just as importantly, he invested personally in countless students, helping them prepare for interviews, careers, and successful futures in aviation.
Hall of Honor Inductee
William E. Gehman
Few individuals have done more to advance aviation throughout the State of Michigan than William E. Gehman. A 1965 graduate of Western Michigan University's Aviation Engineering program, Bill devoted his career to strengthening airports, expanding air service, improving aviation infrastructure, and ensuring aviation had a seat at the transportation table.
Beginning as an airport engineer and eventually serving as Director of the Michigan Bureau of Aeronautics and Director of the Michigan Aeronautics Commission, Bill led initiatives that became national models. He developed innovative airport preservation programs, expanded access to aviation for communities throughout Michigan, created an all-weather airport access program, and helped establish the Michigan Business Aviation Association.
His impact was recognized with induction into both the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame and the Michigan Transportation Hall of Honor, fitting honors for someone who spent a lifetime championing aviation across the state.
Hall of Honor Inductee
Aaron Knobloch
From a farm near Allegan, Michigan, to leadership roles affecting aerial firefighting operations across the United States, Aaron Knobloch has built a remarkable aviation career grounded in service, safety, and leadership. A 1993 WMU Aviation Technology and Operations graduate, Aaron distinguished himself academically before going on to serve his country as a naval aviator and instructor.
Following his military service, Aaron joined the U.S. Forest Service, where he rose through the ranks to become one of the nation's leading authorities on fixed-wing aviation operations. He helped develop mission standards that exceed FAA requirements, oversaw pilot credentialing programs, and played a critical role in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of aerial firefighting operations nationwide.
While many may never know the full impact of his work, the communities, property, natural resources, and lives protected through those efforts stand as a testament to a career dedicated to serving others.
Save the Date
These four individuals took very different paths through aviation, but they share something in common: they made our industry stronger, safer, more accessible, and better for the people who followed behind them. Whether through military service, aviation education, airport development, industry leadership, mentorship, or creating opportunities for the next generation, each has left a lasting mark on aviation and on the lives of countless others. Simply put, this is an extraordinary group of honorees.
On Friday, November 6, we'll have the opportunity to do something we don't do nearly often enough in aviation: pause for a moment and celebrate the people whose dedication, leadership, and service helped get us where we are today.
I hope you'll join us at the Aviation Recognition Dinner as we recognize Ramone Crowe, Jr., Steve Jones, William E. Gehman, and Aaron Knobloch. Their achievements deserve to be celebrated, their stories deserve to be shared, and this is one event you won't want to miss.
Come help us honor these remarkable aviation professionals and celebrate the very best of Bronco Aviation. 🐎🟤🟡