Camrin Coubertier (IG: @clarity.captured) Front Cover
Penelope Anderson
Camrin Coubertier
Dominic Popolo
Brandon Badraoui
Andrew Comparetta
Emilee Imler
Andrew Comparetta (IG: @comparetta.media) Back Cover
Contributors & Page Editors
Anya Cree-Newman
Andrew Comparetta
Rui Harrison
Brandon Badraoui
Camrin Coubertier
David Guerra
Dominic Popolo
Dylan Kowlessar
Emilee Imler
Kaden McVerry
Nick Childrey
Penelope Anderson
Rachael Tran
Sean McConoughey
Josh Walker
Fischer Schluesser
Advisors
Indira Diaz
Assistant Director of Student Government
SGA Executive Board
President sgapres@erau.edu
Vice President sgavpres@erau.edu
Treasurer sgatres@erau.edu
Chief Justice sgachfj@erau.edu
EIC, The Avion editor@theavion.com
Chief, ERT dbert701@erau.edu
GM, WIKD 102.5 general.manager@wikd1025.com
Chairperson, TNG chair@touch-n-go.org
Ander Turueno Garcia
Teshome S. Teshome
Bryce Farnham
Arianne Barlowe
Penelope Anderson
Abigail Weaver
Tallulah León
Sahil Singh
FEATURES
10
HSR CLASSIC
Experience what racing was like in the old days at Daytona International Speedways annual Historic Sportscar Race.
16
HOMECOMING CONCERT
In case uou missed it, the vibes were high at our Homecoming concert featuring DAYA and NEON TREES.
22
REDBULL FLUGTAG
A recap of Redbulls Flugtag event in which our very own Embry-Riddle team competed in.
RUI HARRISON
My journey at this school started long before I arrived in Daytona Beach. I still remember the first time taking a virtual tour of the campus, falling in love with the community, binge-watching every YouTube video I could find about ERAU, nervously applying for admission, and the joy of getting accepted. With the COVID-19 pandemic, my start date was deferred two semesters, and little did I know this setback would be just one of many bumps in the road that was, and still is, my college journey.
From day one, Embry-Riddle has been a place of challenges—intellectual, personal, of course, financial, and even social. I quickly learned that I was no longer the only kid who was driven, intelligent, and passionate, whether it be about aviation or other things. I was surrounded by a community of individuals who were just as, or even more intelligent than I was, and that meant things no longer came easily. Each success was to be tempered with failure, every “yes” balanced by a “no.” And in those instances where things didn’t go how I planned, I learned to ask better questions, work harder and smarter, and recognize that a setback often points you in a new direction you didn’t consider before.
Flight training was one of the most challenging yet rewarding things I’ve done in my life. Going from never having been in a general aviation airplane to earning all my flight certificates taught me precision and patience, but it also taught me something else: that smooth air and butter landings aren’t always guaranteed, but
that’s okay. Balancing the 5 a.m. flight block with classes, assignments, extracurricular activities, and the late-night shifts I worked to fuel moments with friends gave me a new appreciation for life at cruising altitude. Every hour I worked, whether in the cockpit or on the ground, reminded me of my overarching college goal—to walk out of this school as a stronger, more knowledgeable, and better version of my freshman self—and that I am proud of.
Embry-Riddle, thank you for showing me the beauty of balance. This journey has been filled with both academic rigor and unexpected adventures. Thank you for teaching me that life is a journey and that I need to enjoy the flight. My freshman self could only dream of a quarter of everything I got up to in college, whether in my personal or professional life. Between classes, exams, and work, I had to learn when to step back, when to say yes to a night out, and how to find that middle ground where I could experience both. I learned that, like fuel management, self-care matters because you can’t expect to fuel and uplift others if you aren’t supported to do so. Or, as one of my mentors told me, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.”
WORDS & DESIGN: DYLAN KOWLESSAR / Copy Editor
JULIA GASH
A Reflection of My College Journey: The Challenges, The Lessons, and More.
ERAU, thank you for teaching me to take chances and embrace the unknown. Sometimes, it felt like flying into the clouds without instruments, but saying “yes” to new opportunities, clubs, or conversations got me outside my comfort zone and showed me what I’m truly capable of and beyond. Thank you for teaching me that how far your world goes depends on how far you make it go. Just like on the flight deck, the unknown taught me just as much as the planned route did, and proved to me that there’s always more to discover on the horizon. I’ve realized that learning is endless, and life has a way of teaching you exactly what you need to know, just when you need it.
Most of all, thank you for reminding me that things will be okay and that I’ve made it through everything that life has thrown at me so far. Often, I stress out over things I can’t control, but staying true to what I know will serve me well. Embry-Riddle has taught me that problems come and go, that many “big” issues will not matter in a few years, and that most things just aren’t that deep. And if things don’t exactly work out, we can always reset and try again. Thank you for showing me that sometimes you can use autopilot and trust your equipment, but sometimes you have to hand-fly and trust your abilities.
Thank you for helping me find my voice and place on this campus. Thank you for the opportunities that made me discover hobbies, skills, and passions I didn’t know I had, whether it be in the classroom, design studio, library, photography shoots, pickleball courts, and beyond, and thank you for allowing me to turn so many “I want to do that!” statements into “I did that!” reflections.
Embry-Riddle, thank you for showing me the beauty of community. It’s easy to get wrapped up in academics and everywhere that you need to be. But I found a home in the friendships, communities, and the small moments that gave me strength when I needed it most. Thank you to everyone who served as my copilots, ground crew, and air traffic controllers, always ready to help me steer through crosswinds. The communities I discovered in Honors, Student Engagement, the Library, Housing and Residence Life, and more reminded me to push forward and that growth doesn’t happen without a little turbulence. I cherish these connections very much, and I feel prepared to navigate through whatever storms lie ahead.
Thank you so much for the memories, especially the ones I never expected to make. The late-night Waffle House trips, Bonus Bucks auctions, game nights, Disney adventures, nights with friends, crazy stories while at work, awards, sunrises on the beach, and so many more. So, so many more.
As I set up for my final approach to graduation, I realize that the next takeoff might feel like a solo crosscountry. I may not know exactly what’s in store, but I trust the training, the hours, and the people who have helped me get this far. I may be more ready than I think, and if not, I know I’ll find my way— Eagles always do. I’m battling a lot of emotions as the countdown to graduation ticks away, but I’m hanging on to the growth, the resilience, the friendships, and the memories of a campus that challenged me in every way and gave me the tools to take on anything ahead, even when they seem impossible.
To my classmates, mentors, friends, and every experience—thank you for shaping me. Thank you, Embry-Riddle, for every takeoff, every holding pattern, and every landing. You will forever be part of my journey. Here’s to clear skies, new adventures, and the countless destinations yet to come. See you real soon.
With all my love and gratitude,
HOMECOMING WEEKEND
Asthe fall air turns crisp and the campus is dotted with familiar faces, there’s an unmistakable energy that fills the air of Legacy Walk—it’s Homecoming Weekend. For current students, alums, and families alike, Homecoming is more than school spirit in celebrating home games; it’s a time to reconnect and celebrate the friendships and connections we’ve built here at school.
On Nov. 1, Embry-Riddle hosted a “concert eve” of sorts, as the Connolly Quad was full of local vendors who added flavor to our campus in a Homecoming Farmer’s Market. Students were outside roaming between the soap tent, jewelry stands, hot dog vendors, and so much more! If you were able to browse at the farmer’s market, then it was worth running a couple of minutes late to class.
Later that night, Legacy Walk and the Connolly Quad came alive with excitement as the campus transformed into an amazing Food Truck Festival and Skyline Social Brewfest. A dazzling array of trucks lined the walkway, each offering something more unique than the last. Skyline Social Brewfest offered its own layer of excitement, with craft beer enthusiasts enjoying a tasteful selection of brews. The two events combined into a lively celebration of food, drink, and community.
The energy only built from there, where a women’s volleyball game and men’s basketball game kept the ICI Center busy and packed with Eagles cheering all weekend long. The women’s volleyball broke the attendance record with 1,113 attendees cheering in their favor. Homecoming royalty was crowned during halftime to keep the fans screaming. Sumer Hernandez and Teshome Teshome were given their glossy sashes and sparkling crowns to carry for the rest of the night.
The vibrant atmosphere continued into Saturday, Nov. 2, as the weekend made its way to the main event—the highly anticipated concert featuring Neon Trees and Daya. Their exciting performances quickly became a crowd favorite, with students claiming it was the highlight of the entire weekend. As Touch-N-Go Productions packed up the stage at the end of the night and student/fans made their way back home, the 2024 Homecoming Weekend had come to a close. As we look ahead to next year, one thing is certain: the memories made this weekend will continue to inspire and energize the Eagle family, and we can’t wait to do it all over again. Until then, here’s to the lasting memories we made and the excitement of Homecoming Weekends to come as our fellow Eagles help vote next year’s production into planning.
The Avion's Travel Guide to...
New Orleans
The Avion went to New Orleans for the ACP/CMA College Media Convention. Check out some of our favorite places!
St. Louis Cathedral, located in the French Quarter, is renowned as the oldest active Roman Catholic cathedral in the U.S.
New Orleans’ streets come alive with performers, from knife jugglers to musicians, on every corner.
Bourbon Street comes alive at night with vibrant music, neon lights, and endless energy.
Explore New Orleans in style with historic trolleys, scenic ferries, and charming double-decker buses, each offering a unique view of the city.
THE AVION ASKS... What are you grateful for?
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on the things that fill our lives with meaning and joy. In the heat of busy schedules, exams, projects, and everyday challenges, we often overlook the simple things that make each day special. The holiday season reminds us that there’s much to be grateful for, from the love of family and friends to even the small wins we experience daily.
Gratitude has a way of bringing people closer together and helping us see the beauty in our lives. If you don’t do it every day, take a moment to appreciate the gifts all around you; it makes a difference. This week, I asked students, “What are you grateful for?” Their responses reveal the people, moments, and experiences that mean the most to them. As you read through their responses, you might just feel inspired to stop, savor, and give thanks for the blessings in your own life.
Thank you, our readers, for your remarkable support while we rolled out this series of The Avion Asks. While I hope this series will return next semester, I encourage you to keep thriving, exploring, and sharing the stories that make us all who we are.
JAYDEN BONNICK
Freshman, Aeronautics
NAOMI CANN Freshman, Aeronautics
SHERAAN MARTIN Sophomore, Human Factors Psychology
CHLOE CHRISTOVICH Senior, Aviation Business Administration
I’m grateful for being able to wake up every day, see the people who I love, who care for me, being able to walk Earth and enjoy the beauty that God that given to us, and the ability to get an education. I am grateful for my family and friends, and being on campus as a freshman has really opened my eyes to how college life is in person instead of being online.
DOMINIC CARMICHAEL
Freshman, Interdisciplinary Studies
My parents. My mom is the one who got me into and through college right now. I wouldn’t be here without her. My dad is the one who pushes me to do great things, and my siblings, too, who help me out.
I’m grateful for just being given the opportunity to come to Embry-Riddle in the first place. Since I was young, becoming a pilot has always been my dream, so I’m grateful for the fact that I’m here studying aviation to eventually become a commercial pilot. Outside of academics, though, on a more personal level, I would say I’m really grateful for my friends and family, and my culture— everything that makes me who I am.
I’m grateful for all the opportunities that I am blessed to have. My grandparents came from third-world countries to the U.S. to make sure that their children and grandchildren’s lives have a lot of opportunities, and I am forever grateful for that. I am grateful to be surrounded by amazing people in college; I am grateful to have found my place and for the opportunity to continue to keep growing.
AIDAN
“TOMMY”
THOMAS Sophomore, Aeronautical Science
I’m grateful for all my friends that I’ve made at Embry-Riddle. I’m grateful for a God who cares about me and loves me unconditionally. I’m thankful for those who love me and those who teach me new things every day.
I am grateful for the opportunity to be here every day. I am grateful for the good, bad, sad, and happy times. I am grateful for my friends from my time as an RA, and for my buddies in the SGA. I am grateful for my Greek life peers and for my fellow classmates. All of this has brought me to where I am today, and I couldn’t have asked for anything more.
RUI HARRISON Junior, Aerospace Engineering
I am grateful for my parents. They have been unbelievably supportive through every stage of my life. They have enabled me to travel across the world and pursue my dreams and my passion. They are the most caring and hardworking people I know, and I will be forever grateful for their efforts.
JACK FRANKIE Senior, Aviation Business Administration
I’m grateful to Embry-Riddle for the education, opportunities, and community. Through the university’s support of attending conferences, professional events, and airshows, I’ve been able to network with industry leaders and gain valuable experience that has prepared me for my upcoming graduation.
Flight Certifications
SPRING to FALL 2024
PRIVATE PILOT (121)
Emily Mary Mildred Anhalt
Erick Jose Jimenez Rijo
Gangseok Son
Glyen Michael Farmer III
Hogeon Lee
Jackson David Ducar
Jean Paul Bravo Marchese
Karthik Sai Reddy Mereddy
Leonardo Andres Hernandez Gomez
Leonardo Roque
Liam Martin Moss
Liam Timothy Carter
Lillian Grace Hearn-Johnson
Logan Paul Thrower
Luca Jordan Ostuni
Lucca Ramos Zattera
Luke David Beaupre
Mackenzie Hope Scott
Madison Lee Proodian
Madisyn Lynn Altieri
Makayla Elizabeth Bunnell
Marina Michelle Roger
Matteo Nathan Rousseau
Matthew Karim Phillips
Max Wilhelm Keil
Mehana Leinaala Silva
Michaela Claire Harris
Miguel Antonio Hernandez San Juan
Miller Monroe Cleave
Min Ho Kim
Minseo Park
Mohamed Assouab
Montrell Jajuan Pettway
Myungho Lee
Nestor Antonio Contin Martinez
Nicholas Aaron Haldas
Nicholas Amedeo Shuchman
Nicholas Anton Beitia
Nicholas Damon-Lee Bates
Nolan Andrew Martin
Nyah Marissa Kinsey
Orion Henri Guibord
Owen Andrew Rogers
Pablo Gonzalez Montagut Tanure
Patrick James O’Connor
Paul Eduardo Alva
Peter Leonard Stewart Jr
Prem Hemang Sutaria
Quang Hieu Dinh
Rachael Quynh Nhu Tran
Rachel Elizabeth Webb
Ray James Olson
Ricardo Noel Matos
Robert Anthony Carcel III
Robert Donald Krute
Robert Jahnoy Forbes
Robert William Lockhart III
Roman Llantada Tan
Roshan Daniel Baviskar
Ruben Van Der Walt
Ryan Andrew Harrell
Ryan Avery Zastrow
Ryan Matthew Wright
Ryo Abe
S’Ven Tahjae Morley
Sabrina Jane Wiseman
Sanghyun Stuart Lee
Sean Donald Gallagher
Sean Francis Devlin
Sean Ryan Meyers
Sean Steven Carbaugh
Sebastian Nemer Cabrera
See Yoon Lee
Seongho Cho
Seoyeon Rha
Seungwoo Ham
Sewun Kim
Shiu Ki Sze
Siwei Wang
Skye Lauren Carl
Starling Moises Martinez
Sungdo Baek
Sunghyun Moon
Tae Wook Ko
Tae Yoon Cha
Taegyu Lee
Talal Jameel Tounsi
Tanner Andrew Rubick
Tanner McCoy Jones
Taylor Dale Varner
Trenton Matthew Haulman
Tzu-Hsiang Hsu
Vadim Victor Dashkovskiy
Vidar Erik Johansson Emmert
William Edward Forzani
Xander Douglas Fisher
Yeji Ju
Yifan Li
Yoonjae Kim
Younghyung Choi
Yunho Bae
Zachary Ferenc Kouba
Zackary James Kile
Have fun flying in the clouds! Kemuel Pollyman is now instrument-rated!
Watch out in the sky! Rachael Tran is now a private pilot!
Who’s ready to make some money? Alana Bicoy earned her commercial pilot certificate!
Adam Michael Matherne
Alana Fiona Bicoy
Celimar Ortiz Rivas
Changjong Baek
Charles Ian Coant Jr
Damon Welber
De Hi Han
Drew Nathaniel Smedley
Dukhwan Kim
Dylan Riley Cornejo
Elias Swecker Beardsley
Elijah Anthony Grenne
Emily Constance Brenning
Emily Elizabeth Medina
Emily Lauren Flynn
Emin Ali Gun Sazak
Emma Elizabeth Weaver
Emma Kathleen Adam
Eric David Isaacs
Erik Ants Tomson
Essam Omar A Alzubaidi
Ethan Dean Travers
Ethan Richard McDonald
Eyad Abdullatif A Mominkhan
Ezra Richard O’Connell
Faisal Hsham A Alkowaileet
Felipe Suarez
Frank Daniele Weihenig
Frank Domenic Basile III
Gage William Gasper
Garrett Dean Snyder
Gavin Tietjen Botwinick
Gilhoon Park
Giovanni Bisi Gunderson
Grace Ann Varghese
Grace Elizabeth Morris
Hannah Elizabeth Weiss
Henry Richard Reedy
Hossam Ahmed Mohamed Mohsen
Mohamed Elsawaf
Hudson Christopher Garber
Hunter Fitzgerald Lisle
Hussain Mohammed M Ajeeb
Hyejung Choi
Hyeongcheol Im
Hyeongyong Kim
Hyeonjin Kim
Hyunjun Kim
Isabelle Brooke Bonn
Jack Alexander Cronan
Jack Henry Meier
Jack William Farley
Jackie Lynn Pryor
Jackson William Ural
Jacob Marcus Nasser
Jacob Michael Zielinski
Jacob Rubin
Jacob Tyler Dunaway
Jacoby Calvin Hendricks
Jadon Ulysses Wilson
Jadyn Joanne Harjung
James Domenic Sorenson
Jamie Francisco Arizaga Mackliff
Jangkun Kim
Jarad Michael Etheridge
Jared Jackson Banks
Jason Bradley Weldon
Jay Michael Keeley
Jaydon Daryl Grumbine
Jeonghyun Kim
Jeongjea Cho
Jeremy James Ficsor
Jeremy Kang
Jerry Dean Sartin II
Jiho Kim
Jihun Moon
Jinchul Shin
Jinwoo Gil
Joaquin Arturo Duque Balarezo
John Alan Macdonald
John Matthew Tundidor
John Peter Barrotti-Andrade
Jonathon Alex Batista
Jonghyeon Cho
Joonha Lee
Jose Luis Gonzalez
Joseph Cecilo Vega
Joseph Michael Jordan
Joseph Patrick Orlando V
Joseph William Jannelli
Joshua Peyton Rosen
Juan Elias Ortiz-Mercado
Julian Fernando Segovia
Jun Bum Hun
Junghwan Kim
Junho Kim
Junhyung Park
Junjie Huang
Junoh Kwon
Junseo Kim
Junwon Kim
Jusgin Ryan Brenner
Kameron Michael Peterson
Kate Nicole Kershner
Ke-Huan Huang
Keaton Craig Walberg
Kijun Chung
Kohei Kimura
Koree Elsa Bostrom
Laisha Marie Duran Marinez
Landon Hillenbrand-Eckenrode
Landon Scott Cone
Lee Dimitri Eugene Southworth
Levi Wilkin Weir
Liam Patrick Gavigan
Logan Harle Easter
Logan McCabe Donaldson
London Matthew Kreide
Lucas Abraham Piedra Pantosin Congratulations
Raymon Xu
Time for a commercial break! Congrats to Rebecca Nordstrom on her commercial pilot certificate!
Harrison Feltey handled the pressure of his commercial checkride well!
Weaver just earned her commercial pilot certificate!
