The Stevens family

Changing Lives by: Reintroducing a rotary wing program for students at
K-State at Salina. The program was discontinued in the 1990s because the equipment was deteriorating and no funding was available to replace it. The heirs of Charles Stevens made a gift to the aviation department for the purchase of a Schweizer 300CBi helicopter to start a helicopter flight training program.

Why they gave: “We’re honored to use this opportunity to continue Charles’ memory,” said his widow, Debra Stevens. “He had a great love for all fields of aviation, from owning an FBO (fixed-base operation), to flying fixed-wing and rotary aircraft as a private pilot.”

Why it matters: Students at K-State at Salina will enjoy an educational experience that wasn’t possible before. The Stevens’ donation will not only broaden current students’ horizons, but bring new students to K-State at Salina in the future. Most importantly, these students will be thankful for someone who understands and helps them pursue their passion for aviation. The helicopter purchase will broaden the offerings of K-State at Salina’s aviation program. Within the last year, the department has added a glider to the fleet, started an aviation safety minor and launched a new avionics curriculum.

What people are saying: “K-State’s aviation department continues to grow to meet the needs of our students, as well as those of the aviation industry,” said Dennis Kuhlman, dean at K-State at Salina. “The helicopter program is just one more example of the relevant opportunities we're providing our students at K-State at Salina.”