Aerospace Engineering Celebrates 75 Years

The University of Maryland’s Department of Aerospace Engineering marked its 75th anniversary with an alumni dinner hosted on October 19. Celebrating decades of innovation, education and community, alumni, students, faculty, and staff gathered to reflect on the department’s history, milestones and future trajectory.

The opening reception offered attendees the chance to engage with current students from a variety of department organizations and competition teams. They shared their experiences and discussed their projects, offering alumni a glimpse into the department’s evolving student experience.

Alum Kevin Schoonover ’06 helped kick off the evening program as master of ceremonies and Department Chair Alison Flatau welcomed guests, reflecting on the department’s legacy and ongoing mission. She highlighted the importance of alumni engagement in supporting current students, like those in attendance that evening, through scholarships and mentorship, emphasizing how alumni involvement helps strengthen both the department and the greater Maryland aerospace engineering community.

“Together, we will continue to build on the legacy of the past 75 years, ensuring that this department remains at the forefront of discovery and impact for generations to come,” said Flatau.

David Van Wie '80, M.S. '82, Ph.D. '86, head of the Air and Missile Defense Sector and research professor at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, delivered the evening’s keynote speech. An industry leader, Van Wie spoke on the impact Maryland had on not only his career, but his life.

“While this is a very special story for me, I didn’t share it because I think it’s special, but rather because my guess is that this story is not so unique,” reflected Van Wie, after sharing his personal journey. “While we often talk about aerospace accomplishments and the technical advancements that come with our work, we should not forget the important role that the Department has in taking young men and women and providing them with the tools to accomplish amazing things.”

Van Wie reinforced his message, saying that the “department’s impact is not just on students, but also on their families, often across several generations.”

As the evening concluded, Flatau invited alumni to join her newly launched “Strive for 75” initiative, encouraging them to contribute $75 (or more!) in recognition of the anniversary to support future Maryland aerospace engineers. Through this milestone celebration, the department looks ahead to another 75 years of vibrant research, innovation, and a commitment to inspiring and supporting the next generations of talented Terp engineers.

To continue celebrating 75 years of aerospace engineering excellence at Maryland: