The Donald Smithey Scholarship was established in 2001 to recognize Mr. Smithey’s inspiration in the creation of the Aviation Institute. The focus on aviation administration is in recognition of his extraordinary and visionary leadership when he was the Executive Director of the Omaha Airport Authority. Our community prospered under his direction with air service that is unparalleled in the nation by similar size communities.
Students meeting the following criteria shall be eligible for this scholarship:
- Must be pursuing a degree in Aviation.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Pursuing a career in aviation.
- Candidates must be enrolled in the Spring semester at UNO, AND the following Summer or Fall semester.
- This scholarship will be awarded for one academic year, but past recipients may reapply for the scholarship.
Past Winners
2019-2020: Ian Kinslow
2018-2019: Rebecca Cheek
2017-2018: Tyler Stansberry
2016-2017: Yan Yin Lo
2015-2016: Madeline Sullivan
2014-2015: Seth Dobbins
2013-2014: Mallory Huntimer
2012-2013: Ethan Schaecher
2011-2012: Jeremy Martin
2010-2011: Michael Billinger
2009-2010: Joseph Rotterdam
2009-2010: Howard Davis
2008-2009: Joseph Rotterdam
2007-2008: Joseph Rotterdam
2006-2007: Leigh Hedrick
2005-2006: Patrick Schmoker
2004-2005: Nicholas Smay
2003-2004: Amy Thelen
2002-2003: Stephen McCoy
2001-2002: Sami Vasistha