AK
Alex Kwiatkowski
  • Aviation Flight Management
  • Class of 2015
  • Wheaton, IL

Alex Kwiatkowski of Wheaton helped Lewis University Flight Team to second-place finish at regional competition.

2014 Nov 24

The Lewis University Flight Team advanced to the national level competition for the sixth consecutive year by taking second place at the NIFA Regional 8 SAFECON competition. Lewis University took second overall and in flight and ground events with the help of Wheaton resident Alex Kwiatkowski who competed in Power Off, Short Field, Message Drop (Drop Master) and Computer Accuracy.

The regional event was held Oct. 28-Nov. 1 at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Ill., with Lewis University as one of five universities competing. The other schools include Indiana State University, Purdue University, Quincy University and Southern Illinois University.

This year's competition concluded with Lewis University finishing in second place overall. Southern Illinois University finished first, followed by Purdue University in third, Indiana State University in fourth and Quincy University in fifth place.

Lewis University will advance to the National SAFECON Competition in May 2015 at Ohio State University. At the 2013 competition, Lewis University earned the Loening Trophy, which is annually awarded to the outstanding all-around collegiate aviation program in the nation.

"Once again, the Flight Team has shown its commitment, fine competence and great effort in achieving excellent results in the regional competition," stated Brother James Gaffney, FSC, President. "Their accomplishments reflect the University's emphasis on academics, aviation skills, professionalism and a comprehensive safety program."

In addition to Lewis University's team honors, several Flight Team members earned individual awards. Lewis students Jack Mullen of Naperville tied for first place in Top Pilot Award and second place in Ground Trainer, Cody Marks of Orland Park placed third in Navigation (Pilot), Matthew Pall of Orland Park earned third in Navigation (Observer), and Kevin DeBoissiere of Columbia, Md. finished in third place in Simulated Comprehensive Aircraft Navigation.

The Lewis University flight team members include Nathan Bennett-Swanson, Kyle Budewitz, Michael Calloway, George Chiampas, Geoff Culloton, Daniel Curran, Kevin DeBoissiere, Douglas Jette, Kyle Kuiper, Alex Kwiatkowski, Cody Marks, Kyle Meyer, Jack Mullen, Ethan Olson, Matthew Pall, Ben Schmaltz, Kayan Todiwalla and Calvin Warren.

The coaches of the flight team include Megan Zahos, Robert Beckmann and Karyn Wojcik.

Since 1932, Lewis University has led the field of aviation education by preparing students from around the world to succeed in the aviation industries. An on-site airport, experienced and industry-leading faculty, personalized learning, degree programs that provide you with specialized experience and a well-rounded business, management and liberal arts education have made Lewis University's aviation program one of the most respected in Illinois.

Lewis University is a Catholic university in the Lasallian tradition offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 6,700 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally connected, and socially responsible graduates. The seventh largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. Visit www.lewisu.edu for further information.