UNO Aviation Institute 2025 Honors Convocation
This signature annual event honored more than 20 students for their outstanding academic and professional accomplishments through a series of prestigious scholarships. Among them, six students—Tyler Thieman, Adeline Peetz, Caden McDermott, Samuel Kennedy, Trevor Denker, and Alex Duman—were awarded Southwest Airlines Student Scholarships. These awards represent an important partnership with Southwest Airlines’ Destination 225° program, which supports aspiring pilots by reducing financial barriers and advancing pathways to professional aviation careers.
In total, 22 scholarships were awarded, highlighting the depth of talent and commitment among UNO Aviation students. Additional recipients included:
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Aviation Student of the Year – Kyndall Vargas
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Durham Undergraduate Scholarship – Ella Stamp
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Chris A. Hawks Memorial Scholarship – Jacob Ginn
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David L. LaMar Memorial Scholarship – Cullen Leitner, Nicholas Hinkel
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Chambers Family Aviation Scholarship – Nicholas Hinkel
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Robert E. and Rosita C. Wolsmann Scholarship – Samantha Stojanvo
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Don Smithey Scholarship – Natalia Meyer
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Densel K. and Melba J. Acheson Scholarship – Kymberli Rodriguez
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Russell C. Ross Memorial Aviation Scholarship – Landon Scott
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Robert Azer Memorial Scholarship – Lana Huetson
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Jamie Barrett Memorial Scholarship – Fatuma Abdullahi, Shay Sinnard
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Larry M. Smith Memorial Scholarship – Cullen Leitner
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Nebraska Aviation Council Scholarship – Chloe Schrick
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Arlene V. Steier Memorial Scholarship – Maria Juan
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Bruce Tuttle Memorial Scholarship – John Arthur
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Jet Linx Aviation Institute Golf Classic Scholarship – Mercedes Silva
The evening also celebrated two industry changemakers whose leadership has shaped aviation education nationally. Captain Brad Monda, Managing Director of Southwest Airlines’ Destination 225° program, received the Otto F. Bauer Distinguished Service Award for his instrumental role in building career pipelines for aspiring pilots and strengthening UNO’s industry partnerships. The Frank E. Sorenson Award for Pioneering Aviation Education was awarded to Dr. John Bartle, former Dean of the College of Public Affairs and Community Service, whose leadership from 2012–2024 helped elevate the Institute to national prominence.
As Director Scott Vlasek reflected in his closing remarks:
“Tonight we celebrate not only our students’ accomplishments but the spirit of innovation and mentorship that powers our Institute. May the sky never be their limit, but only their starting point.”
The 2025 Honors Convocation underscores the Aviation Institute’s enduring commitment to student success, industry engagement, and leadership in aviation education.
For more information, visit aviation.unomaha.edu or contact Scott Vlasek at svlasek@unomaha.edu.
