Wheaton resident Alex Kwiatkowski lands aviation scholarship

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Alex Kwiatkowski, second year flight management major at Lewis University, was awarded the Regional Airline Association Scholarship.

ROMEOVILLE, IL (05/29/2013)(readMedia)--  Alex Kwiatkowski, second year flight management major at Lewis University, was awarded the Regional Airline Association Scholarship. The RAA represents North American regional airlines, and the manufacturers of products and services supporting the regional airline industry, before the Congress, DOT, FAA and other federal agencies.

The $3,000 scholarship will contribute toward his flight training fees. The Wheaton resident is currently in the process of completing his Instrument rating. While studying at Lewis University, Kwiatkowski plans to earn his Instrument, Commercial, Multi-engine, and Certified Flight Instructor ratings and certificates. He said, "I have been blessed with an absolutely incredible flight instructor, Thomas Muntzenberger. Tom is always willing to meet outside of scheduled flight blocks to help me progress in my aspirations to be a professional pilot. Tom also pushes me to be the best student I can be, and I could not have asked for a better teacher and mentor."

Kwiatkowski is highly involved in the aviation community at Lewis University. He noted, "I am truly grateful for everyone Lewis has put in my life. I would not be where I am today without all the support I get from them, and words cannot describe how lucky I am to have found Lewis and the aviation community."

He is an active member of the Lewis University Flight Team, competing in the 2013 national SAFECON competition hosted by the National Intercollegiate Flying Association. He also acts as president of the Lewis University chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives. In addition to his involvement in organizations, Kwiatkowski also works as a student employee for the Lewis University flight department, aiding in the dispatching of aircraft as well as management of the hangers and aircraft parking.

Kwiatkowski is grateful for the experience and support he has received at Lewis University. He said, "Lewis and the Aviation Department has been helping me all along the way. Megan Zahos has always been there to give me guidance and go above and beyond to help me succeed. If there were any questions I had or if I ever needed advice, she was always there to give me the help I needed."

In addition his extra-curricular activities, Kwiatkowski maintains an excellent academic standing, being recognized on the Dean's List for the entirety of his three semesters at Lewis University.

"Overall, Alex has proven to be an actively involved student, possessing high standards of academic achievement and a drive to become a professional in the aviation industry," commented Meghan Zahos, Lewis University assistant chief pilot.

Scholarship recipients are selected on a variety of criteria, including academic achievements, work experience, extracurricular or community activities and faculty recommendations. Applicants also submitted a brief essay on their career goals and interests in the airline industry.

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 offers a master's degree in aviation and transportation as well as bachelor's degrees in aviation flight management, aviation administration, aviation maintenance management, air traffic control management, aviation security and transportation administration.

Lewis University is a Catholic university in the Lasallian tradition, offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 6,500 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.