Partners for Success

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation is a longtime supporter of Embry-Riddle student projects and programs. In 2018, the corporation helped fund improvements to the senior aircraft design lab and provided financial assistance for co-op interns and other student-focused priorities.

“We love seeing the students excel and succeed, and we love seeing a school that we have such a great relationship with grow,” says Cassie Batayias, Gulfstream college programs manager and a member of the College of Business Industry Advisory Board at the Daytona Beach Campus.

Gulfstream's support dates back to 1984, however, its 2018 gift is its largest to date.

James Scott, director of development at Embry-Riddle, says this recent gift will help the university purchase new equipment, including 3D printers for the Daytona Beach Campus' Senior Aircraft Design Lab. The new technology will complement the design course curriculum and enhance learning for senior students, who are completing capstone projects, according to Scott.

In addition to partnering with the university through philanthropy, Gulfstream employees donate their time and expertise. Each year, Gulfstream engineers work directly with students to help them define their capstone projects. They regularly conference with students over the phone, and at the end of the term, the engineers visit the campus for face-to-face meetings with students.

“There is another gift they have given without hesitation for more than 15 years and that is valuable time doing design evaluations,” says Jim Ladesic, professor of aerospace engineering and associate dean of the College of Engineering at the Daytona Beach Campus. “Our students learn from them and they (Gulfstream) get to know our students. Gulfstream has been a great friend and colleague in trying to work collectively together.”

The 2018 Gulfstream gift will also help support the Career Services Co-Op Assistance Award Program, which assists students with co-op or internship expenses; the Society of Women Engineers club; and the Veteran Student Services office (VSS). VSS provides resources to more than 650 GI Bill-eligible students.

The Business Eagles program will also receive Gulfstream funds this year. The College of Business program aims to help launch high-performing students into competitive aviation and aerospace careers.

“We have some wonderful history with the university,” Batayias says.