Guitarist turned aviation activist to address WMU students

KALAMAZOO—Ravi, an accomplished pilot and former guitarist for the 1990s band Hanson, will present a guest lecture for Western Michigan University students from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, in 1720 Chemistry Building.

All WMU students are welcome to attend the talk, which was presented to students last fall and is being sponsored again by the College of Aviation.

A frequent motivational speaker, he is known in aviation circles as "The Raviator." During his WMU talk on "Rejuvenating Aviation From the Ground Up," he will provide his unique perspective on the aviation industry as well as discuss the challenges he has encountered in his efforts to bring renewed passion to the aviation industry.

Ravi

Ravi combines his love of flying and music to help change the perception that aviation is in decline and to inspire pilots and other aviation professionals to re-connect with their dream of being part of the aviation industry.

He regularly presents featured talks to professional organizations and at universities and major air shows. His articles have been published in journals such as the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association's Flight Training magazine.

Ravi was born in Washington, D.C., and is a member of the Nehru-Gandhi family, India's political family dynasty. His businessman father partnered with Apollo 17 astronaut Eugene Cernan to form an airline, but Ravi chose to begin his professional life as a musician.

He shot to worldwide fame at a young age as Hanson's guitarist, performing in front of thousands of fans as well as at the White House and on TV shows such as "Saturday Night Live," "David Letterman" and "Jay Leno" before appearing as a solo artist.

For more information about Ravi's talk, contact Tom Thinnes, recruitment and outreach manager in the WMU College of Aviation, at @email or (269) 964-5768. Visit www.theraviator.com for more information about Ravi.