Evan Krueger

Since coming to SIU a whole three months ago, I’ve learned a whole bunch of new things.  It really is a culture shock coming from high school and going into the college environment.  For those of you who are not in college quite yet, don’t let that intimidate you; it’s a fantastic thing.  With your new freedoms will come a plethora of new responsibilities.  Sounds exciting doesn’t it?  One thing that I will suggest to any brand new freshman (whether you come to SIU or not) is to get involved.  I know you’ve probably heard everyone and their mother tell you this but it’s true.  As my first semester of college begins to wrap up, this is my number one tip.  Okay, so you’ve decided to get involved but you’ve got some questions.  Let me take this opportunity to tell you about the different aviation groups you can get involved in at SIU:

Alpha Eta Rho

Alpha Eta Rho

Alpha Eta Rho is a professional, co-ed fraternity for those with a passion for aviation.  Alpha Eta Rho welcomes anyone with a passion for aviation including pilots, mechanics, management majors, and everyone in between; you don’t even need to be in the aviation program!  For those of you who have already decided that Greek life is not for you, don’t discount this fantastic fraternity.  Alpha Eta Rho is nothing like a typical college fraternity.  They do everything from weekend camp outs to trips to the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum.  Becoming an active member of Alpha Eta Rho also opens networking opportunities to other members and alumni.  For more information about Alpha Eta Rho, visit http://ahp.aviation.siuc.edu

Aviation Ambassadors

If you’ve ever been on one of SIU’s many career days, you have the Aviation Ambassadors to thank.  The Ambassadors is a small organization of students whose passion is to not only introduce and educate prospective students about SIUC’s Aviation Flight program, but also to spread their enthusiasm of aviation to people of all ages and interests. This is accomplished by participating in various community activities, aviation career days, and personal airport tours.  Ambassadors put on the United Airlines, American Airlines, and Corporate/GA Career days every year by organizing, coordinating, and providing volunteers.  More information about the Aviation Ambassadors along with an application to join is available at http://ambassador.aviation.siuc.edu/

Aviation Management Society

Aviation Management Society

SIU’s Aviation Management Society is an organization for any and all aviation enthusiasts.  AMS comprises a large number of Aviation Management majors, but all majors are welcome. With a bit of intuition and a large amount of will power, AMS goes a long way to provide opportunities that broaden horizons and set new standards.  AMS meets once a week with each meeting being unique.  The meetings usually start with a recap of the current aviation news followed by an activity or guest speaker.  Many trips are also hosted by AMS ranging from a visit to a corporate flight department to a tour of an air traffic control center.  Visit http://ams.aviation.siuc.edu/ to learn more about SIU’s Aviation Management Society

Flying Salukis

The Flying Salukis were one of the deciding factors when I chose to attend SIU.  The Flying Salukis is SIU’s competitive flight team.  Contrary to popular belief, there is much more to the flight team than just flying.  The Flying Salukis compete in National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) events; a regional competition in the fall, and a national competition in the spring (if eligible).  There are a handful of different events that the team competes in ranging from precision landings to a flight simulator event to a flight computer event.  There’s even an event for aircraft recognition.  Only a handful of people are taken each year with tryouts beginning the first couple of weeks in the fall.  The tryouts are open to all students interested in flight that have the drive and dedication to compete at a high level.  The Flying Salukis won the national championship title last year and placed first in this year’s region VIII competition.  The Flying Salukis website is http://flyingsalukis.aviation.siuc.edu/

Rotor and Wing Association

The Rotor and Wing Association of America is the largest Aviation Technologies student organization at SIU.  It was founded in 1982 by students in the Department of Aviation Technologies and Dr. Charley Rodriguez. While it’s original interest was focused on rotor-craft, the focus of the club quickly expanded and now includes promoting all aviation.  Rotor and Wing does a fantastic job of engaging the community in aviation activities by doing things like hosting paper airplane contests.  They also reach out to high school students and local youth programs like 4-H, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts.  They also host fantastic chili cook outs too.  Check out http://rwaa.aviation.siuc.edu/ for more info about the Rotor and Wing Association.

Women in Aviation

Women in Aviation

Women in Aviation is a organization that promotes and celebrates the ladies involved in aviation.  Just like the other registered student organizations (RSOs), Women in Aviation plays a very active role in the Carbondale community.  They run a program for kids called “Let’s Wing It” that occurs every spring aimed at inspiring the youth to get involved in aviation.  They also attend the national Women in Aviation conference where thousands of dollars in scholarships are given out.  Don’t think that Women in Aviation is restricted to women only.  Men are welcome and encouraged to join as well.  You can keep up to date on Women in Aviation information at http://wia.aviation.siuc.edu/