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February 10, 2012
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Aviation and Aerospace Department receives Loening Trophy for best collegiate program
The Department of Aviation and Aerospace Science is soaring high and has the prestigious Loening Trophy to prove it.
The College’s name joins the likes of Harvard, Stanford and Ohio State University on the 27-pound silver trophy, which the department formally received Jan. 30.
More than 60 people gathered under a tent outside of the Seventh Street Classroom building to honor the Precision Flight Team, which won the trophy at the May 2011 SAFECON (Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference). The day was proclaimed Metro State Aviation Aerospace Day by the Denver City Council and Mayor Michael Hancock. The team was also recognized earlier in the day by the Colorado General Assembly.
“There are only two Colorado schools to win the Loening Trophy, the Air Force Academy and now Metro State,” says Metro State President Stephen Jordan.
Peter Bro, a representative of the National Intercollegiate Flying Association, who presented the trophy at the ceremony, says the team earned the honor.
“These are the ambassadors of the future of aviation,” Bro says.
The Loening Trophy was first awarded in 1929 when aviation pioneer and inventor Grover Loening saw a need to annually recognize the most outstanding collegiate aviation program. The flight team’s presentation to the Loening judges included the department’s record on academics, community involvement, aviation skills, safety and an ability to advance the profession.
Denver has the second largest aerospace economy in the country. And Metro State is an important component in maintaining that economy. “Metro is a key provider of the workforce of the future,” said Lt. Gov. Joe Garcia.
