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A group of graduating AERO students at commencement with their graduate caps

Alumni & Friends

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The University of Michigan started the first collegiate aeronautics program in the United States in 1914, just 11 years after the Wright Brothers’ first controlled, powered flights at Kitty Hawk.

Since then, the Department has graduated more than 6,000 aeronautical and aerospace engineers. Our alumni have gone on to distinguished careers in essentially all areas of the aerospace enterprise, in related fields, in government and in academia.

Five were astronauts who orbited Earth. Three went to the moon.

Ed White (MSE 1959) made the first spacewalk by an American.
Jack Lousma (BSE 1959, PhD 1973) commanded Skylab and piloted the third space shuttle flight.
Jim McDivitt (BSE 1959, PhD 1965) commanded Apollo 9 and was Manager of the Apollo Spacecraft Program for Apollo 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16.
Clarence “Kelly” Johnson (BSE 1932, MSE 1933) is widely considered one of America’s greatest aircraft designers. He went on to establish the legendary Lockheed Skunk Works, and led in the creation of aircraft such as the P-38, the F-104, the U-2 and the SR-71.

More than 20 alumni have been employed with SpaceX and were involved with the Dragon mission.

Learn more about our history: read Bicentennial website stories.

Sydney Hamilton talks about a career in aerospace engineering.

Alumni Spotlight: “You know your heart and you know your passion. So you call the shots. It is your future and nobody else’s. So don’t be discouraged by anyone.”—Sydney Hamilton, Aerospace Engineering, BSAE ‘13.

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Our alumni span the globe, and their accomplishments and involvement are critical to helping us move the department forward. There are many ways for Aerospace Engineering alumni to stay connected.

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Join us in our quest for bold ideas and life-changing solutions. Together, we can solve the problems of tomorrow.

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Whether you’re on-campus or on the other side of the world, you can meet other alumni, and most importantly, make a difference in the lives of Michigan Engineering students.

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MICHIGAN AEROSPACE ALUMNI NEWS

UM Aero alum Jennifer Duke in a Michigan hat on a sunny day by a rapid river.

Alumni profile: Jennifer Duke

Knowing aviation was her future, Duke leveraged expertise in aerodynamics to lead operational fleet design at Pratt & Whitney

Alum Lily Arcusa is building a new Air Force One

A non-traditional U-M student, Arcusa shows how U-M prepared her for a stellar career

Industry Advisory Board Profile: Kathryn Elliott

Elliott on finding inspiration in gas turbine engines, restarting her career and being a change agent.

Aisha Bowe posing with astronaut equipment

Aisha Bowe goes to space

U-M Alumnae selected for Blue Origin launch

Mourning a legend in space exploration

Jim McDivitt, U-M Alum and Astronaut

Debra Facktor wants you to go to football games and always be learning

Aero alumna leading Airbus U.S. space systems shares her experience and advice

Albrecht on overcoming obstacles, hands-on experience, and why she gives back to Aero

A conversation with accomplished alumnus, Karen Albrecht

Michigan Aerospace welcomes new members to the Industry Advisory Board

8 industry leaders join to help shape the future of aerospace at the University of Michigan

Space startup success in the upper peninsula

University of Michigan alumnus and CEO of Orbion Space Technology Dr. Lyon (Brad) King is no stranger to out-of-this-world technological advancement. From the company’s upper peninsula headquarters, the Orbion team has developed revolutionary small satellite propulsion systems designed to make spaceflight more simple, affordable and reliable for any in-space maneuvers. Read More >

trudy kortes sitting on U-M North Campus Sign

Trudy Kortes on the power of public speaking, space technology, and a long commute

Alum and IAB member leads NASA technology demonstration program

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male student adjusts a plane that he is testing
David Hershey, Aerospace Engineering BSE Student, adjusts a plane that he is testing in the Aerospace Wind Tunnels.

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