Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Northrop Grumman have announced the creation of the new Embry-Riddle Alumni Northrop Grumman Network — a mutually beneficial partnership between the university and the global aerospace and defense technology company. The alumni network has been codified as the 15th of Northrop Grumman’s formalized employee resource groups, assuring broad support for the success of the collaboration.
“I’m proud to support my fellow alumni as they support the defense and security of the nation and the world.”
Hank Reed (’97)
The official kickoff took place across two events at Northrop Grumman’s Melbourne, Florida, and Palmdale, California, locations. Attended by leadership from both entities, the inaugural events included a subset of Northrop Grumman’s nearly 2,200 Embry-Riddle alumni across its Aeronautics Systems, Mission Systems, Space and Defense divisions. Overall, the company employs approximately 23,000 employees across the globe.
Northrop Grumman’s Vice President of Mission Engineering Hank Reed (’97), who obtained his master’s degree from Embry-Riddle in Aeronautical Science, serves as the executive sponsor of the Northrop Grumman alumni network. “My lifelong passion for aerospace has been a driving force behind my professional pursuits, and Embry-Riddle played a pivotal role in my accomplishments,” Reed said. “I’m proud to support my fellow alumni as they support the defense and security of the nation and the world.”
Kelly Dowling, Embry-Riddle’s senior vice president of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, expressed her appreciation for the collaboration and mutual support between the two entities. “Our institution is honored to participate in this tremendous partnership. Northrop Grumman has always been both a beneficiary and supporter of Embry-Riddle talent. We couldn’t be more pleased to help create a way to support ongoing career development, networking, volunteer opportunities and lasting social culture. We thank Northrop Grumman for their engagement and collaboration.”
“This formal partnership will have lasting benefits for our organization. Embry-Riddle offers us the ability to hire exceptional aviation and aerospace talent while offering ERAU students the opportunity to join a leading team of industry professionals.”
Bob Devoe (’98)
Northrop Grumman Vice President of Business Management Bob Devoe (’98), who obtained his master’s degree from Embry-Riddle, addressed university and company representatives and alumni at the Melbourne campus. “This formal partnership will have lasting benefits for our organization,” Devoe said. “Embry-Riddle offers us the ability to hire exceptional aviation and aerospace talent while offering ERAU students the opportunity to join a leading team of industry professionals. Through this partnership, our over 2,000 ERAU alumni will also have the support to give back to their alma mater and honor their heritage as an Embry-Riddle Eagle.”
Embry-Riddle Aerospace Engineering alumnus Aline Rodrigues (’09), who leads Northrop Grumman’s Highly Immersive Virtual Environment (HIVE) lab, said that her time at Embry-Riddle had a lasting and profound impact on her, professionally and personally. “In addition to providing me with an outstanding technical education, Embry-Riddle helped me to learn how to learn,” she said. “My professors encouraged me to turn around to opportunity when it tapped on my shoulder. Without that advice and encouragement, I wouldn’t have had the dynamic, impactful and fulfilling professional experiences that have been offered to me.”
“I’m honored to support the future of both Northrop Grumman and Embry-Riddle in this important capacity.”
Dr. Steven Walden (’08)
The Embry-Riddle Alumni Northrop Grumman Network Board of Directors, led by board chair and Embry-Riddle alumnus Dr. Steven Walden (’08), will meet regularly and has several engagement opportunities already planned with the university. “I’m honored to support the future of both Northrop Grumman and Embry-Riddle in this important capacity,” he said. Alumni currently employed by Northrop Grumman are welcome to join the professional network by visiting: https://alumni.erau.edu/get-involved/networks. Contact alumni@erau.edu for more information.