A Lifetime of Inspiration
David M. Vinson’s life will continue to inspire others through the David M. Vinson Memorial Endowed Scholarship.
From the very beginning, the family of David Vinson (’84, DB) recognized David’s fascination for aviation and his determination to pursue it. “…from the time he could walk he was looking up, and as soon as he could hold a pencil he was drawing airplanes,” recalls his sister, Pam Aldrich. “His favorite word was the sound made by an engine taking off at full throttle.”
Despite disabilities and life-threatening obstacles, David pursued his dream of flying at Embry-Riddle and inspired many along the way. Today, in memory of his example, his family has established the David M. Vinson Memorial Endowed Scholarship to ensure that his life continues to inspire other determined students at Embry-Riddle.
“We know that he would be proud and thrilled that we set up a scholarship at his school to help young people like himself receive career training in all things related to aviation,” says Aldrich. “It is our hope that the David M. Vinson Memorial Endowed Scholarship will allow David’s determination and unyielding high standards to be fulfilled through students equally passionate about learning and achieving.”
His determination and high standards were evident throughout his life – even in the face of a brain tumor that was discovered while pursuing his aeronautical engineering degree at Embry-Riddle. After undergoing intense surgery, David was still focused on finishing his degree. “His number one goal was to return to Embry-Riddle for his diploma and he accomplished that in 1984,” says Aldrich.
His mother, Jewel Vinson, recalls how David’s fondest years were spent at Embry-Riddle. “David was never happier than while he was at Embry-Riddle,” she recalls. “His love for it continued even in his hospital room, where he brought his diploma with him.”
After graduating, David “cheated death” for 27 more years and pressed on toward his life-long goals. Although he lost most of his vision, was unable to walk, and endured additional surgeries, he “kept on, focusing with every fiber of his being to get his life back,” Aldrich says.
Because David’s life was marked by so many inspiring moments, his family knows the scholarship in his honor will inspire others to overcome their challenges to reach their goals. “I know he would be pleased that we created this scholarship, because he wanted more people to be able to do the work that he wasn’t able to do,” says Vinson.
Read a special remembrance of David Vinson’s life, as written by his sister Pam Aldrich.
