51³Ô¹ÏÍø

The College of Aeronautics and Engineering at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø celebrated outstanding achievement and dedication at its annual Envision Awards on May 1, 2026, recognizing distinguished alumni, corporate partners, faculty, staff, and students.

Distinguished Alumni Award

Wayne Ostrosky (Engineering) '95: Wayne Ostrosky, a 1995 Industrial Technology graduate, has spent more than 30 years at Swagelok, rising to his current role as Vice President of Operations. A champion of the college's partnership with Swagelok and a recently appointed member of the CAE Advisory Council, Wayne continues to invest in the future of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering while exemplifying the professional excellence this award was created to recognize.

Sharon Wilder (Aeronautics) '88: Sharon Wilder, a 1988 professional pilot graduate, built a distinguished 30-plus year career in aviation, retiring at the captain rank with UPS. A devoted supporter of her alma mater, she continues to give back through her volunteer work with the 1G3 alumni group. Sharon's career excellence and enduring loyalty to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø make her a worthy recipient of the college's highest honor.

Distinguished Contributor Award

Mary Rivett '72: Mary Rivett's $1.8 million estate gift, the largest individual donation in the history of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering, established both an endowed scholarship fund and the Mighty Things Innovation Fund in honor of her late husband Ron, a fellow 51³Ô¹ÏÍø alumnus. A retired NASA professional and member of the college's Engineering Advisory Council, Mary's generosity will support CAE students and fuel innovation for generations to come.

Outstanding Faculty Award

Carl Harrison exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond for students. Known across the College of Aeronautics and Engineering for his approachable demeanor, genuine investment in student success, and active involvement in student organizations and summer camps, Carl fosters a learning environment built on curiosity, critical thinking, and support.

Outstanding Mentor Award

Dr. Tao Shen mentors students at every level, from College Credit Plus to graduate research , building an environment where curiosity drives learning and students develop real engineering skills. His influence is lasting: several CCP students he mentored chose to enroll at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø for their undergraduate studies. Through consistent guidance and genuine investment in student growth, Dr. Shen shapes the next generation of engineers in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.

Outstanding Staff Award

Since returning to his alma mater as a flight instructor in 2011, Stephen Pfanner has become an indispensable part of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's flight program. Now serving as Chief Flight Instructor, he has logged more than 3,800 flight hours in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø aircraft and guided hundreds of students through the most demanding phases of their aviation education, leading with quiet consistency and an unwavering commitment to student success.

Van Deusen Award

Ronald Dilley '59: Ronald Dilley, a 1959 51³Ô¹ÏÍø alumnus and lifelong aviation enthusiast, established the Ronald Dilley Aviation Scholarship, a $60,000 gift supporting College of Aeronautics and Engineering students pursuing careers as professional pilots. His generosity reflects a deep loyalty to his alma mater and a lasting belief in the next generation of aviators.

Young Alumni Award

Maddie Wilson-Smith '18 : Maddie Wilson-Smith graduated from 51³Ô¹ÏÍø in 2018 as the first female to earn a B.S. in Applied Engineering: Mechatronics, and she hasn't slowed down since. Now a department manager and national leader in the metal casting industry, she serves on multiple professional boards and has helped raise more than $40,000 in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø student scholarships through her work with the Foundry Education Foundation.

Corporate Hall of Fame

The College of Aeronautics and Engineering (CAE) is proud to recognize outstanding, notable and accomplished alumni and friends of CAE. The past recipients of Alumni Awards are listed below.

2026 Recipients

2024 Recipients

2022 Recipients

2021 Recipients

2019 Recipients

2018 Recipients

2017 Recipients

2016 Recipients

2015 Recipients

2014 Recipients

2013 Recipients

2011 Recipients

2010 Recipients

2009 Recipients

2007 Recipients

2006 Recipients

2005 Recipients

2004 Recipients

2003 Recipients

2002 Recipients

2001 Recipients

2000 Recipients

1999 Recipients

1998 Recipients

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes an alumnus or alumna who has made distinguished and outstanding contributions to his or her profession or field of interest over the course of 25 or more years.

This award recipient has brought benefit to their community and honor to the College of Aeronautics and Engineering by embodying the values and spirit of what the college stands for.

This award is the highest honor bestowed by the college.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a graduate of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering or an alumnus of one of the predecessor programs.
• Must have achieved broad recognition for extraordinary creativity, advancement of knowledge or technology, performance or the advancement of mankind through application of their College of  Aeronautics and Engineering education.
• Must have demonstrated exemplary service to the college.

The Professional Achievement Award recognizes an outstanding alumnus or alumna of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering who has achieved exceptional accomplishment in their career and has brought distinction to themselves and the college through the benefits of vocation and leadership in their professional community.

The winner of this award will have been recognized at the regional or national level for accomplishments.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a graduate of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering or an alumnus of one of the predecessor programs.
• Exemplary professional or career achievement rooted in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering education.

The Young Alumni Award recognizes an outstanding alumnus of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering who is 35 years old or younger.

This award is given to an alumnus who has demonstrated excellence in their professional field and/or has demonstrated service to their community, the public or humanity, embodying the values, spirit and pride of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø and the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a graduate of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering or an alumnus of one of the predecessor programs.
• Must be 35 years old or younger as of Dec. 31 of year nominated.
• Exemplary professional achievement and/or demonstrated service on a local or national scale, rooted in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering education.

The Distinguished Contributor Award recognizes an outstanding contributor or partner who has consistently provided financial support for the College and or its programs.

This award recipient has created a lifetime legacy through their commitment to the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.

This award recognizes significant service to the college by any alumnus, staff member, faculty, or friend of the university who has given their time, expertise or leadership generously, thereby ensuring the prolonged welfare of the institution for future generations.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a graduate, staff member, advisory council member, faculty, or friend of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering or one of the predecessor programs.
• Must exemplify service to the CAE community.
• Must have invested time or treasure in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering scholarships, programs, or projects.

Nominations accepted; recipient selected by Dean of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.

The Outstanding Faculty Award recognizes outstanding contributions in a specialty area.

The award recipient will be selected for significant contributions in the field of basic or applied research, creative production, or other scholarly achievements.

They will have achieved recognition among colleagues in the discipline for productive research or creative work; will have made a concerted effort toward the advancement of his or her scholarly discipline; possess the highest ideals of scholarship; seeks intellectual and professional growth, as a member of a specialized discipline and as a participant in the academic affairs of College of Aeronautics and Engineering.

They demonstrate an interest in fostering the intellectual growth of students, stimulate and promote student scholarship, and is active in professional associations.

This award recipient contributes to the institutional welfare of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.

Eligibility Criteria

• Nominees for this award hold a regular appointment in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering at the rank of instructor or higher.
• Faculty members awarded in a given year are not eligible for selection in the same category for a 3-year period.

The Outstanding Mentorship Award recognizes faculty and staff members who demonstrate exceptional dedication to student mentorship and development within the College of Aeronautics and Engineering. This award celebrates individuals who go above and beyond their regular duties to foster student growth, provide guidance, and create meaningful mentoring relationships.

Outstanding mentors in our college demonstrate a sustained commitment to student development that extends far beyond the classroom or office. These individuals actively create inclusive and supportive learning environments where students feel empowered to explore their academic and professional interests. They invest significant time and energy in guiding students through academic challenges, career planning decisions, and professional networking opportunities.

The ideal candidate serves as both an advocate and role model for students, demonstrating measurable impact on student retention, academic achievement, and professional placement. Their mentorship often leads to transformative outcomes for students, whether through research opportunities, internship placements, or personal growth. Through their dedicated guidance, these mentors help shape the next generation of aerospace and engineering professionals.

Eligibility Criteria

• Nominees for this award must be current faculty or staff members in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering
• No previous receipt of this award in the past three years

Nominations accepted; recipient selected by Dean of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.

The Outstanding Staff Award recognizes outstanding contributions in advancing the vision, mission, and core values of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.

The award recipient exhibits excellence in their performance and is an outstanding contributor to the college community.

They create and disseminate knowledge in a friendly and supportive atmosphere for the benefit and welfare of all people, exhibit exceptional work performance, regularly participate in college events, and are helpful to colleagues.

This recipient is a proven leader.

Eligibility Criteria

• Nominees for this award have worked full-time for the College of Aeronautics and Engineering for a minimum of two years.
• Staff members awarded in a given year are not eligible for selection in the same category for a 3-year period.

The Van Deusen Award is presented to an individual who is an alumnus or friend of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.

They have made a significant contribution to the college and its programs in the form of financial investment, time serving on a committee, or service as a member of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering Advisory Council.

Eligibility Criteria

• Must have invested time or treasure in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering scholarships, programs, or projects.
• Must be a graduate or established friend of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering or an alumnus of one of the predecessor programs.