Elizabeth City State University is making significant strides in improving its aviation education programs thanks to a generous $50,000 contribution from the Friedrich family. This investment will support the new Aviation Speaker Seriesaims to enrich the academic experience for students pursuing a career in aviation.
Information about this was given at the quarterly meeting of the Management Board held last week ECSU Interim Chancellor Catherine Edmonds Friedrich expressed his gratitude for his family’s commitment to supporting student development. The series will run quarterly and invite industry leaders to share their expertise on a variety of aviation topics.
Emphasizing the importance of this initiative, Edmonds said, “We are deeply grateful to the Friedrich family for this generous donation that will have a profound impact on the lives of our students. This gift reflects a shared commitment to train the next generation of aviation leaders. By providing our students with industry-relevant conversations and opportunities, we ensure they have the tools they need to succeed in their academics and future careers.”
The Aviation Speaker Series will provide keynote presentations and encourage student engagement through interactive question-and-answer sessions and personal networking events with guest speakers.
Kevin Wade, ECSU’s vice chancellor for student affairs and interim vice chancellor for university development, was instrumental in launching the program. He emphasized the series as a pathway to student success, adding, “This series is more than lectures—it’s a pipeline to success for our students.”
Suggested discussion topics include career paths in aviation pilot training, drone technology innovations, the impact of women in aviation leadership, sustainable practices in aviation, and advances in aviation mechanics and engineering.
A passion for aviation
Stephen Friedrich, chief commercial officer of Embraer Executive Jets and a member of the ECSU board of trustees, reflected his family’s motivation behind the donation. Emphasizing the importance of exposing students to the various aviation sectors, he noted, “This way, we will help students gain a broad knowledge of the industry and find inspiration as they look for career opportunities.”
Friedrich shared his lifelong connection to aviation, recalling how witnessing the moon landing ignited his passion for the field. His extensive career, which began in aviation finance and progressed through senior management positions at Rolls-Royce, furthered his commitment to empowering future aviation professionals.
The speaker series supports the Aviation Science program and will benefit all ECSU students and engage the broader community.
