Daniel Van Dyke

Daniel L. Van Dyke

WMU Alumnus, Professional Pilot

Mr. Daniel L. Van Dyke’s interest in flying began as a young boy, helping his father build and fly model airplanes in Jenison, MI. He earned his private pilot license in high school and upon graduation, pursued his aviation education at Western Michigan University, graduating in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in aviation flight science. After building hours as a flight instructor and fueling airplanes at Avsat Inc. in Benton Harbor, Van Dyke was hired to fly a Beechcraft King Air for All Phase Electric. Eventually, Van Dyke returned to Avsat to fly a Sabre Liner 65 jet which the company managed for private individuals. He was very thankful to have established a career as a pilot and felt blessed for the opportunity to realize his life’s dream. Van Dyke’s life was so enriched by his love for flying that it seemed only fitting to his widow, Robin, that a memorial scholarship be established in his name. Robin Van Dyke’s hope that scholarship funds would be awarded to students who hold the same passion for flying as her late husband has been realized for the past several years. Van Dyke’s memory will continue to live on through the college and the numerous students who have benefited from Robin Van Dyke’s generosity