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Charles Durham Distinguished Guest Lecture Series

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Debby Rihn-Harvey 2025 Poster

Durham Distinguished Guest Lecture Series

The Durham Distinguished Guest Lecture is an annual event hosted by the Aviation Institute. This event brings prominent leaders from the aviation industry to campus, offering students, faculty, and the broader community a unique opportunity to engage with experts and learn about the latest developments in aviation.

Each year, the keynote speaker is a respected figure in the industry—whether an executive, innovator, or aviation pioneer. In addition to delivering the keynote address, the speaker is awarded the prestigious Bill Shea Award, which recognizes their outstanding contributions to the aviation field.

Named in honor of Charles Durham, a key supporter of the Aviation Institute, this lecture series reflects UNO’s commitment to providing educational enrichment and fostering meaningful connections between students and industry leaders.


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Introducing the 2025 Distinguished Guest: Debby Rihn-Harvey

Debby Rihn-Harvey is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished aerobatic pilots in the United States, with a competitive record that spans decades. She has earned multiple U.S. National Aerobatic Championships, represented the U.S. in 13 World Championships, and holds more world-level aerobatic competition medals than any other American. Her aviation lineage runs deep—her grandfather built aircraft in the 1920s, and her father taught her to fly—setting the stage for a career marked by precision, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Beyond competition, Rihn-Harvey has made significant contributions to aviation education and safety. She is an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner and an Aerobatic Competency Evaluator for the International Council of Air Shows. She also co-manages Harvey & Rihn Aviation, a flight school based in La Porte, Texas, offering training from private pilot through advanced aerobatic instruction. Her legacy is not only one of competitive success but of mentorship, advocacy, and raising the bar for the next generation of aviators.

RSVP For the Durham Lecture Here!

Previous Distinguished Guests

Dave Roth

Dave Roth, 2024

Chief Executive Officer, Omaha Airport Authority

Lauris Mickelsen, 2023

Lauris Mickelsen, 2023

Vice President of Safety and Compliance at airBaltic
Jamie Walker

Jamie Walker, 2022

Cheif Executive Officer, Jet Linx Aviation

2024 - David Roth, CEO, Omaha Airport Athority

2024 – Lauris Mickelsen, Vice President of Safety and Compliance airBaltic and former UNO
Exchange Student

2023 – Steve McCoy, Madeline Sullivan, Sidney Due, Jen McIntyre – UNO Alumni Panel

2022 – Jamie Walker, CEO Jet Linx Aviation

2021 – Did not Host the Durham Event

2020 – Did not Host the Durham Event

2019 – Did not Host the Durham Event

2018 – Mike McCasky, Managing Director of Flight Training, United Airlines

2017 – Rob Britton, Managing Director, Advertising, American Airlines

2016 – Did not Host the Durham Event

2015 – Dr. Rich Swazey, FAA and Former UNO Student

2014 – Did not Host the Durham Event

2013 – Mr. Stephen Forte, COO Virgin American

2012 – Ambassador Duane Woerth, ICAO

2011 – Robert “Hoot” Gibson, Retired NASA Astronaut

2010 – George T. Whitesides, President & CEO of Virgin Galactic

2009 – Catherine M. Lang, FAA Acting Associate Administrator for Airports

2008 – Colleen C. Barrett, President Emeritus Southwest Airlines

2007 – J. Robert Duncan, Duncan Aviation

2006 – Vern Raburn, Eclipse Aviation

2005 – Shane Osborn, Silverstone Group

2004 – Jack Olcott, General Aero Company

2003 – Tom D. Crouch, National Air & Space Museum Smithsonian Institute

2002 – Michael S. Kudlacz, TSA Security Director Omaha

2001 – Donald L. Smithey, Executive Director, Omaha Airport Authority

2000 – John Goglia, NTSB Board Member

1999 – Robert J. Gilliland, SR-71 Test Pilot

Col, Rich Graham, USAF (Ret.) SR-71 Pilot

Marta Bohn-Meyer, NASA Flight Engineer SR-71

1998 – Col. Robert K. Morgan, Memphis Belle Pilot

1997 – Daniel S. Goldin, NASA Administrator

1996 – Col. Francis S. “Gabby” Gabreski, US Army Air Forces and USAF Fighter Ace

1995 – Dr. Thomas Q. Carney, University of Purdue

1994 – Dick Rutan, Military Aviator, Test Pilot, and Piloted the Voyager Aircraft

1993 – Astronaut Wally Shirra, Naval Aviator, Test Pilot, Mercury Seven Astronaut

1992 – Captain Al Haynes, United Airlines Flight 232

1991 – Captain Mimi Tompkins, Aloha Airlines Flight 243

1990 – A. Scott Crossfield, Naval Officer and Test Pilot

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