Donors Power Embry-Riddle's Design/Build/Fly Success
This year, donors directly contributed to the stellar performance of Embry-Riddle students in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics’ Design/Build/Fly (DBF) competition. The Daytona Beach Campus team’s winning aircraft flew six laps while carrying 117 passenger dolls. Meanwhile, the Prescott Campus team’s entry efficiently transported 48 passenger figurines and a 4.5-pound medical cabinet. These achievements, showcasing urban air mobility and emergency medical transport, were driven by support from Embry-Riddle’s Philanthropy Councils.
Competitors received more than financial backing — they had mentors who provided encouragement and resources to push aerospace design boundaries. Since their founding, Embry-Riddle’s Philanthropy Councils have raised over $600,000 in membership contributions and pledged an additional $1 million to support hands-on experiences like this competition.
Jeff Williams (’83), a member of the Daytona Beach College of Engineering Philanthropy Council, emphasizes the importance of giving back. “I support projects like the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics’ Design/Build/Fly team for many reasons — one being that I benefited from scholarships at Embry-Riddle, so this is my way of giving back. It’s not just about financial support. I value connecting with students and sharing insights to help them avoid challenges I faced.”
Fueling Student Success
This level of donor engagement propelled the Daytona Beach Campus team to its first victory in the competition’s 28-year history, outperforming 92 other universities. The Prescott Campus team also secured a top-10 finish, placing eighth overall. These milestones highlight the growing connection between donor support and student success at Embry-Riddle, where competitive experiences are made possible by philanthropy.
Zachary Herman, chief engineer of the Daytona Beach Campus team, underscores the impact of donor support: “No single person can design a winning aircraft. The backing we received allowed us to push boundaries and make DBF a safe place to fail, learn and ultimately succeed.”
Building Careers Through Opportunities
These victories are more than trophies — they open doors to career-defining opportunities. Team Propulsion Lead Ashley Brown and Project Lead Andrew Bunn have secured positions with Piper Aircraft and Gulfstream Aerospace. Their involvement in DBF, supported by donors, shaped their career paths.
“The experience you gain from working with DBF is unlike anything you will learn in class,” says Brown, who added that the team had more female members this year than ever before. “We push ourselves harder every day, pull long hours, work together and all support each other.”
At the Prescott Campus, philanthropy fueled early success. The Prescott team’s aircraft, “PABLO” (Public Airborne Biomedical Lifting Operations), was designed by a team of freshmen and sophomores. More than 10 of these students secured internships as a direct result of their participation in the competition.
Catalyst for Real-World Achievements
The 2024 DBF competition shows that donor engagement at Embry-Riddle goes beyond financial support — it’s about giving students the resources and mentorship to turn classroom theory into real-world achievements. These opportunities prepare students for long-term success, equipping them with the technical skills and professional networks needed to excel in aerospace.
Phil Rosnik (’86), a member of the Prescott College of Engineering Philanthropy Council, sees interacting with students as a highlight of his year. “Embry-Riddle produces graduates who are not just well-credentialed but also capable, thanks to hands-on experience in labs and through clubs like DBF,” he says. “These clubs, central to the Embry-Riddle experience, help students build technical and teamwork skills. The practical skills they gain give them a clear edge when competing for jobs.”
For more information about the College Philanthropy Councils and Giving Circles, please visit our Giving Councils and Circles page.