Celebrating 50 Years of Aviation: Alumni Feature - Jaime Edrosa (C'97)

Jaime Edrosa (C'97) always had an interest in aviation, which was sparked by childhood flights to Europe. While flying alone with his sister, the siblings were regularly asked if they would like to see the cockpit. Edrosa remembers jumping at that opportunity every time. He also remembers his father taking him to sit next to the perimeter fence for the parallel 22 runways at the John F. Kennedy International Airport to watch the planes land.

Edrosa credits UD's aviation program for providing him with essential knowledge and skills, some of which he still refers to today. One of his favorite UD aviation memories was flight training with Polly (Rademacher) Kadolph (C'91, MBA'05), associate professor of aviation, who pushed him when he needed a nudge and was always there to support him in his journey. Enrique Santamaria and Lana Santamaria, both former Spanish professors at UD, also provided him with a sense of diversity through language and education. Edrosa is also thankful for faculty who contributed to his education and who supported students through scholarships.

"I learned a lot from Ted Rebholz, former aviation department chair, and was honored to receive a scholarship that he sponsored," Edrosa said.

During the summer of his senior year, Edrosa interned at the Metropolitan Airports Commission in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After graduating from UD, he taught ESL at schools in the Galena, Illinois. Shortly after September 11, 2001, Edrosa transitioned back to aviation, working at St. Louis Lambert International Airport and then spending over 17 years at the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority in various positions. His career continued to evolve, working in education, construction at airports, air commerce with Amazon Air, and airport management at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Edrosa now manages the entire operation at Cincinnati Municipal Airport - Lunken Field.

Outside his job, Edrosa is actively involved in the aviation world through mentoring with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).

"I have met and shared my experiences with UD student members at AAAE conferences," he said. "I am always proud to see UD represented at those events and our industry in general."

When meeting with UD students, Edrosa emphasizes the abundance of resources available to aspiring aviation professionals, encouraging them to reach out for help, advice, or information, and offers his own support to anyone with questions.

For Edrosa, UD and its aviation program were instrumental in his success, and he is considering returning to UD for a graduate degree to further enhance his career.

Blue Skies and Tailwinds, Spartans - see you at Homecoming 2024, October 3-5!