Prescott Campus' 2016 OctoberWest Festivities to Include AOPA Fly-In, Aerial Performance
Career Expo, Hall of Fame and NIFA Honors, Eagle Networking Event, Golf Tournament and More At Annual Alumni Homecoming
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Prescott Campus will team up this fall with the world’s largest community of pilots and aviation enthusiasts at a one-of-a-kind homecoming event celebrating flight and its own graduates making their mark as leaders in aviation, aerospace, engineering, business and security & intelligence industries.
In addition to multiple on-campus and special events for its annual alumni homecoming celebration, OctoberWest, Sept. 29-Oct. 1, the campus will present a Wings Out West aerial demonstration during the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Fly-In at Prescott Municipal Airport on Saturday, Oct. 1.
“Embry-Riddle is excited to be a partner with our longtime friends at AOPA to bring this exciting Regional Fly-In to beautiful Northern Arizona,” said Embry-Riddle Prescott Chancellor Dr. Frank Ayers. “That we can celebrate this by bringing exciting aerial performers to the weekend and sharing our amazing STEM career opportunities at the Prescott Campus of America’s premier aviation university with our guests, makes it even more special.”
Some highlights of this year’s OctoberWest 2016 schedule include:
Thursday (Sept. 29)
- Industry/Career Expo (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.): Embry-Riddle graduates and current students can explore co-op and internship opportunities with some of the industry’s top employers in the Activity Center on campus. Business attire is required.
- eagleNIGHT Reception, Hassayampa Inn (6-8 p.m.): Alumni, faculty and staff can meet and mingle with graduating seniors at the Hassayampa Inn in Prescott.
Friday (Sept. 30)
- Alumni Golf Tournament (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.): 26th annual event at Talking Rock Ranch Golf Club.
- Industry/Career Expo (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.): Company interviews for current students and alumni throughout campus.
- Friday Fair (5 to 8:15 p.m.): Starting at 5 p.m. with food trucks, live music and more to conclude with a fireworks display at 8 p.m. on Lower Fields.
- Chancellor’s Alumni Hall of Fame Dinner and NIFA Ring Ceremony (5:30 p.m., invitation only): Dinner and presentation to honor Embry-Riddle Prescott graduates as well as the campus’ NIFA national championship team in the Student Union Hangar.
- Hypnotist (8:30 p.m.): Back by popular demand, Bruce McDonald will demonstrate the entertaining power of hypnosis in the Activity Center.
- AOPA Fly-in Barnstormers Party Presented by Jeppesen (6:30 to 9:30 p.m.): Event to kick off the fly-in with live music and more at Prescott Municipal Airport.
Saturday (Oct. 1)
- AOPA Fly-in at Prescott Municipal Airport: For complete schedule and more information, go to www.aopa.org/flyins/prc. Here are some highlights:
- Pancake Breakfast (invitation only) – 8 to 9:30 a.m.
- Exhibits Open – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Seminars, Safety Briefings and Aviation Product Showcases – 9:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Wings Out West Aerial Demonstration Presented by Embry-Riddle Prescott (noon): Returning Embry-Riddle Prescott alumna Melissa Andrzejewski (formerly Melissa Pemberton). Returning to Prescott is aerial pilot and EAA Oshkosh frequent performer Bill Stein in his Zivko Edge 540. Also performing is Skip Stewart, recipient of the 2013 Bill Barber Award for Showmanship and the 2015 Art Scholl Award, in his modified Pitts S-2S biplane, Prometheus.
- Homecoming Volleyball game vs. La Sierra University (7:30 p.m.): Prescott volleyball team takes on Riverside, Calif.’s La Sierra University in this Cal Pac matchup in the Eagle Gym.
“Prescott is a great destination for pilots, and we are excited to partner with Embry-Riddle on our first Arizona AOPA Fly-In,” said AOPA Senior Vice President and Embry-Riddle graduate Katie Pribyl. “AOPA has worked closely with Embry-Riddle for many years, and we are excited to bring together so many current and future pilots at a time when there are growing opportunities for good jobs in and around aviation. We look forward to a great weekend with many of the people who will make up the future of an industry that is vital to the American economy.”
Go to prescott.erau.edu, for updates to the OctoberWest schedule. Visit the Alumni Page for more on homecoming weekend.
About AOPA
Since 1939, AOPA has protected the freedom to fly by creating an environment that gives people of all ages the opportunity to enjoy aviation and all it has to offer. As the world’s largest community of pilots and aviation enthusiasts with representatives based in Frederick, Md., Washington, D.C., Wichita, Kan., and seven regions across the United States, AOPA’s events, initiatives, and services bring current and future pilots together and make aviation more accessible to everyone. To learn more, visit www.aopa.org.