As John Quincy Adams once said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” I feel incredibly blessed to work for an institution that produces leaders. This spring, more than 1,200 new Embry-Riddle Eagles crossed the stage to receive their diplomas.
Just like the 125,000 graduates before them, they are ready to prove their worth and make a difference for their companies, families and communities, and ultimately for our planet.
New Leadership
In this issue of Lift, we welcome the university’s sixth president: P. Barry Butler. I am proud to say that our newest leader, like those who came before him, cares about Embry-Riddle. With a keen focus on our students’ academic excellence, he is dedicated to delivering an unparalleled educational experience. He values alumni and their ongoing engagement and philanthropic support — and he loves aviation. Furthermore, President Butler wants to meet you. We will announce dates and locations for future presidential receptions in the coming months.
All-Alumni Team
Our dedicated all-alumni team is planning and looking forward to another year of outstanding networking and outreach events. Meet our team here: alumni.erau.edu/team. This past fiscal year we met over 6,000 alumni and friends at more than 100 events. Helping us is a team of volunteer Alumni Network Leaders located in communities across the globe. Find the network nearest you: alumni.erau.edu/networks.
Our biggest set of events of the year — Homecoming — is fast approaching. Make plans to join us in Prescott, Ariz. (Oct. 5-7), and Daytona Beach, Fla. (Oct. 12-14). Activity-packed weekends are scheduled for all Eagles, regardless of campus affiliation. For more: alumni.erau.edu/homecoming.
Put Your Compassion to Work
In addition to being strong leaders, Embry-Riddle alumni are known for being compassionate. Each November our alumni put their good will to work in their communities during the Eagles Help campaign. Different alumni groups organize to complete a variety of service projects. We love sharing our alumni involvement in Eagles Help on the university’s social media channels. Please send your community service stories and photos to eralumni@erau.edu or use #EaglesHelp when posting them online.
I am proud of who we are, and I am excited about our strategic initiatives and growth for the future. We could not do it without your continued contributions of time, talent and treasure — and more importantly, your passion to be the best: Lead on.
Respectfully & Forever an Eagle,
Bill Thompson (’87, PC)
Executive Director
