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Heritage Symposium is homecoming for AFIT Alumni

  • Published
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  On Sept. 21 and 22 the Air Force Institute of Technology held its 2nd Heritage Symposium.

The symposium, while open to the public, was an opportunity for AFIT alumni to celebrate the institute's achievements over the past 90 years and examine its vision for the future.

Dr. Robert Calico, past dean of the AFIT Graduate School of Engineering and Management and current President of the AFIT Foundation, said "It has been an absolute delight to see the impacts AFIT has made and continues to make and great to see the success attained by so many AFIT alum."

The two-day event featured speeches from alumni who have significantly impacted American military, science, technology, and industry, they included: Lt. Gen. Allen Peck Air University commander, Maj. Gen. David Eidsaune, Air Force Material Command Strategic Plans Programs and Analyses director, Dr. Guion Bluford, the first African American in space, Dr. Kevin Ford, NASA Astronaut, and Mr. Joe Zeis, Dayton Development Coalition.

During Dr. Kevin Ford's speech, he made a presentation of an AFIT flag that he carried into space aboard the space shuttle Discovery during mission STS-128. "It is a wonderful gift from the people of this country to receive an AFIT technical education" said Ford "This flag is presented in appreciation of the AFIT inspiration and education, by the astronauts and
engineers who have been carried to the stars.".

In conjunction with the Heritage Symposium several events were held spotlighting past AFIT graduates and their many accomplishments.

On Sept. 21, a rededication of the Icarus statue ended the symposium's first day. The Icarus statue, formerly housed within the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force entry atrium, was moved to the AFIT campus. The statue was a gift to AFIT from the AFIT Foundation to memorialize those AFIT graduates who lost their lives while in service to our country.

Brigadier General Walter Givhan, AFIT, commandant, welcomed home the statue, along with Dr. Calico and distinguished guests. "Some have questioned the choice of Icarus as a memorial to our fallen graduates, but I find it perfectly fitting," General Givhan said.

General Givhan recounted the Greek myth of Daedalus and his son Icarus.

"Icarus dared to fly and demonstrated courage and creativity in so doing. He flew to gain freedom, these AFIT graduates served to defend our freedoms," he said. "We do not succeed without failing occasionally and trying again. It is only appropriate we dedicate this Icarus Memorial in honor of the fallen AFIT graduates who gave their lives that we might remain strong and free."

The statue will reside permanently on the AFIT campus, where it was originally intended.

Events of the symposium ranged from golf outings to tours of the AFIT campus and research facilities. But the moments most apparent were the hardy handshakes and smiles of the alumni greeting old classmates and reacquainting with past professors and faculty.

Dr. Calico reminisced "I started teaching at AFIT in the 70's. Among my students then was Dr. Bluford. At that time he was only 1 of 30 students in a class" Doctor Calico said. "Now, he is a shining example of AFIT success, just as these young, high quality, motivated, current students, represent the future AFIT success."

The Heritage Symposium ended on the evening of Sept. 21st with a distinguished alumni awards banquet recognizing two distinguished AFIT alumni: Retired Gen. Robert T. Herres and Dr. Ray O. Johnson.

General Robert T. Herres (retired) earned dual master's degrees in electrical engineering and public administration from AFIT and The George Washington University, respectively, in 1960. He was the first Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice chairman serving from 1987 until his retirement from the Air Force in 1990. General Herres passed away July 24,
2008. His award was presented posthumously. General Givhan read a letter of acceptance from Mrs. Shirley Herres.

Dr. Ray O. Johnson holds a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from Oklahoma State University and a Master's and PhD degree in Electrical Engineering from AFIT. Dr. Johnson is currently the Lockheed Martin Corporation, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer.

The Distinguished Alumni award recognizes and honors those AFIT graduates who have distinguished themselves through high levels of career achievement. Since 1979 more than 30 alumni have been honored.