DSU Aviation Scholarships Fund (Non Foundation)

Hey fellow Flying Okra,

I'm Jeremy Hollis, 2003 DSU Flight Operations Graduate and FedEx 757 Captain. The last time I was on campus I got a chance to sit down with Joe Saia, Interim Department Chair, to discuss the state of the program and all of the exciting new developments. The program is currently thriving and demand for flight training is at an all-time high. A fleet of brand new Cirrus aircraft are on the way, an Agricultural Application Aviation program is being added to the curriculum offerings, and ROTC candidates keep the planes in the sky during the summer in a rapid certification program.

During our chat, Joe brought up his vision for the program and a desire to reach out to us, the Aviation Alumni, to give back to the program that helped us establish our careers. He initially discussed a $10,000 endowment as the desired format. But I had to be honest with Joe, I've got a son that's currently in the program and it would be difficult parting with $10,000, while also funding his education and flight training. I figured there's got to be another way to give back that takes into consideration everyone's personal financial needs. What if we pool the money in a collaborative effort?

I would like to propose to each of you to donate any amount with the end goal of us raising $10,000 to be distributed as multiple $2,500 scholarships to deserving Delta State University Aviation Flight Operations students. If each of us were to give just $100, we could easily reach the goal of $10,000. I'll start the fund off with $1,000 of my own money. (This is in NO way related to the Alumni Foundation.)

The plan is to take donations during the months of February and March 2023. Beginning March 1, I will start accepting applications from DSU Flight Operations students for scholarship consideration. The scholarships will be announced and awarded at the Delta State University Commercial Aviation Open House on March 31, 2023.

Jeremy Hollis

[email redacted]