Flyers who mean business
Paul E. Richter Jr. Memorial Scholarship honors TWA co-founder and supports pilots who have a head for business
A scholarship that will soon provide a wealth of support for budding Embry-Riddle pilots began with a discovery of hidden treasure.
The “treasure” was a collection of papers and memorabilia from the life of Paul E. Richter, Jr., aviation pioneer and co-founder of TWA. The “discoverers” were his daughter, Ruth Richter Holden, and granddaughter, Susan Holden Walsh. After poring over Richter’s rich history and developing a deeper appreciation for his contributions to aviation, the two decided to contribute $25,000 to establish the Paul E. Richter, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Endowed Fund. 
“We want to support students to grow their own vision like my grandfather did, and we agreed this scholarship at Embry-Riddle would be the best way,” says Susan Walsh.
The fund will provide financial support to aeronautical science students at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott and Daytona Beach campuses, with a preference given to those who declare a minor in business administration. The preference for business minors honors Richter’s passion and belief in TWA, an “airline run by flyers.”
“With this scholarship, we hope to produce airline leadership, so that we can have more airlines ‘run by flyers,’” says Ruth Richter Holden. “I love the idea that Embry-Riddle teaches its students both flying skills and quality management. I have hopes for the future that this type of aviation will return.”
Ruth sees the parallels in her father’s historical contributions and those of students today pursuing their dreams. “We care so much about Embry-Riddle because it represents the same qualities that my dad would appreciate. His is a great story and I know he would greatly approve of this scholarship.”
For more on Richter’s extraordinary contributions to aviation, see From Daredevil to TWA.
