Eagle Donor Q&A: Shelley Rossell

Shelley Rossell (’94, DB) majored in aerospace engineering at Embry-Riddle, but realized later that she preferred working in information technology (IT).  

“The longer you work, you start to figure yourself out,” said Rossell, who currently works as a senior IT manager at TD Bank in New Jersey. “I felt like my talents lay in technology.”

As a student at Embry-Riddle, she was active in crew and bowling, a member of the Senior Class Council and a student ambassador for the alumni engagement office. She also made lifelong friends.

“I met my best friend Jenn (Bailey) Snively (’93, DB) at Embry-Riddle and she now lives in the same area [New Jersey],” she said. “We met in the spring of my freshman year and she is an air traffic controller.”

While she ultimately chose a non-aviation career, Rossell, who grew up near McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey, loves all things flight, and she wants to help current students reach their aviation goals. A longtime donor to the university, she gives regularly to the Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship Fund and the Daytona Beach Campus' Fund for Excellence.

We spoke recently to her about her Embry-Riddle experience and the importance of philanthropy.

Why do you give to Embry-Riddle?

I think Embry-Riddle is a great school and provides a lot of opportunities for people looking for a career in aviation, in whatever form. There is great sense of community.

What do you hope to achieve with your donations?

I am looking to help others reach their dreams through their attendance at Embry-Riddle.

What interests you most about Embry-Riddle?

Its capabilities to be a foremost force in all things aviation.

What are you most passionate about and why?

I’m a nerd. I like science fiction and Comic-Con. I think that is one of the cool things about ERAU, even though we all have something in common, we have a very diverse alumni and student body.  

What are your best memories of being a student at Embry-Riddle?

I have fond memories of trips for crew. We would go on road trips for regattas throughout the Southeast United States. I also have a lot of memories of late afternoon crew practice.

What does philanthropy mean to you?

It’s about helping others achieve their goals. You had an opportunity and you want to give back to help others.

What other organizations or causes do you support?

The American Liver Foundation. I am a former Hepatitis C patient. I also support the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps. It was an organization that I wanted to join as a kid. Now that I am older, I volunteer with the group.

What would you say to encourage others to give to Embry-Riddle?

The memories and the experience I have gained at Embry-Riddle are priceless; I want to give back so that others can have the same experience.