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Last October, Southwest Airlines celebrated one of its all-female crews by snapping a picture and posting to their social media. Although this is not the first time Southwest―or any other airline, for that matter―has unintentionally staffed an all-female crew, from pilots to flight attendants, it demonstrates a paradigm shift.

March 8, 2018 is International Women’s Day, where people worldwide celebrate women, honor their achievements, and push for gender parity. This is a holiday that’s near and dear to the women at Vaughn College, who are pioneers in traditionally male-dominated industries.

An Eye for the Skies

Rebecca Van Vlack, class of 2020, has worked her way to becoming a contracted cadet with the United States Air Force and is also an up-and-coming aviator at Vaughn College, paving the way for aspiring female pilots.

Her love for aviation dates back to her childhood, when she would see her father, a flight captain in the Unites States Marine Corps, live out his dream and quickly found that was her path as well.

Van Vlack enrolled in the aircraft operations bachelor’s program at Vaughn nearly two years ago. Upon enrolling, she immediately joined the Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (ROTC) and fell in love with the Air Force. “It was then that I knew I was on the right path,” says Van Vlack. She was recruited after only one year as a contracted cadet, acting as a testament to her dedication and passion.

She is currently working towards her instrument rating and completing her flight training at The Heritage Flight Academy in Ronkonkoma, New York, along with other Vaughn aviation students.

A Futureproof Career

Today’s global pilot shortage is fueling students like Van Vlack to earn their wings. She says more women are joining the military than ever before, and this interest may be leading them to pursue careers in aviation. With thousands of pilot seats to fill in the coming years, she believes the deficit may open new doors of opportunity for women pilots.

A Soaring Future

As a contracted cadet, Van Vlack will earn the ranking of second lieutenant in the United States Air Force when she graduates in the spring of 2020. She hopes to someday earn her commercial pilot’s license, however her current goal is to graduate and explore her career in the Air Force. “Vaughn is preparing me to fulfill my dreams,” said Rebecca. “The experience both in the air and on the ground is priceless.”

Learn more about the College’s aviation programs and see how a degree from Vaughn can prepare you for a soaring career in this in-demand field.

Landing a career in a field that offers job security, transferability and longevity in a top-trending market is every student’s dream, and the very essence of being futureproof. Vaughn College has captured this notion by providing students the education and opportunity of today, so they can engage in the careers of tomorrow.

What it means to be futureproof

As one of the country’s premier aviation institutions, Vaughn graduates have a competitive edge to obtain jobs in the industry’s hottest markets. Vaughn’s career placement rate speaks for itself―with an impressive 97 percent of the College’s graduates securing jobs, 82 percent of those in a related field or continuing their education within one year.

Futureproof careers at Vaughn

Here is a snapshot of Vaughn’s academic programs and a peek into some futureproof careers the College has to offer:

Pilot or flight instructor

The worldwide pilot shortage is projected to reach crisis levels, with the industry seeking approximately 117,000 new pilots over the next 20 years and a staggering 637,000 new pilots worldwide, according to the Boeing Pilot Outlook. This astounding statistic literally positions Vaughn aviation graduates in “the pilot’s seat,” as pilots and flight instructors will be in high demand for the next 20 years and beyond.

Mechanical engineer

The new age of manufacturing and technology is keeping engineers in high demand within a realm of industries. According to U.S. News and World Report, mechanical engineers rank second among the best engineering jobs, with the need of over 14,000 new positions to be filled over the next six years. The engineering and technology programs at Vaughn offer a range of studies that are laser-focused on today’s most sought-after careers. Students seeking a bachelor’s degree in engineering can chose among three programs: electrical engineering, mechanical engineering and mechatronic engineering—which encompasses the three disciplines of computer programming, electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. For students geared more toward technology, Vaughn offers four bachelor’s degree programs in the fields of engineering and technology, including mechanical engineering technology (aeronautical), mechanical engineering technology, computer-aided design (CAD), electronic engineering technology (avionics) and electronic engineering technology (general electronics). In addition, Vaughn offers three associate degree programs in the engineering technology field, including aeronautical engineering technology, animation and digital technologies, and electronic engineering technology avionics.

Airport management

Conveniently adjacent to New York’s LaGuardia Airport, Vaughn provides an unsurpassed learning environment for airport management students. The airport management degree program prepares students for the various functional areas of aviation and business management. These include airport management, airport operations, aviation regulations, environmental issues, economics, accounting, finance, public relations and planning. For students who are looking to further their education, Vaughn offers a unique master’s degree program to take their airport management degree to the next level.

Aircraft technician

As air travel remains―at unprecedented levels―the preferred method of transportation, the demand for aircraft technicians continues to skyrocket. Boeing forecasts the industry will need as many as 679,000 new technicians worldwide by 2035 to maintain and repair aircraft, making this a strong, futureproof career. Graduates of Vaughn’s Aviation Training Institute (ATI) have landed rewarding careers with major commercial and cargo airlines, as well as The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the Metropolitan Transit Authority, among other well-known companies.

The careers of tomorrow begin today

It’s never too late to become futureproof. Vaughn College opens doors to the future by providing students the opportunity to reach their goals and fulfill their dreams.

The holiday season is a special time of year for many―but what is perhaps most rewarding is the joy one receives from giving back.

Vaughn students make a difference

The season of giving goes beyond simply making donations. It is the rewarding feeling one gets knowing their time and compassion is making a difference and touching the lives of others. Over the years, Vaughn College students have shown their dedication to giving back to their community, and this year is no different. In the spirit of the season, on-campus clubs at Vaughn are organizing charitable events for the purpose of spreading kindness in their community.

Children’s Holiday Party

The Alpha Phi Delta fraternity chapter at Vaughn has pulled out all the stops, as they will be hosting a holiday party this month to put smiles on the faces of kids in a local children’s hospital. Debra Cassidy ’20, a sophomore at Vaughn and president of the Student Government Association, says the fraternity is planning an exciting event to bring joy to children who may be spending the holidays in the hospital, apart from their families. “I’m proud to be a Vaughn student,” Cassidy said. “Vaughn is a community-based college and we all feel a common connection to give back to our community, especially during the holidays.”

Coat Drive

As the weather turns cold, there are many who do not have coats to stay warm. The Circle K International (CKI) chapter at Vaughn recognizes this need and has kicked off their seasonal coat drive, which will run through the end of January 2018. Student members of Circle K are collecting outer wear for the colder winter weather, as well as coats, scarves, hats and gloves. They have placed drop boxes at convenient locations throughout the campus to make the drop-off process easy for those who can donate. All donations will be distributed locally where the need is greatest.

“It’s wonderful seeing fellow students and faculty giving back to our community,” said Jacqueline Oricchio ’20, a sophomore and president of the Circle K International chapter at Vaughn. “Even the smallest donation can mean so much for those who go without.”

CKI is a collegiate service organization led by Kiwanis International that raises funds for various charitable causes. Their philosophy is to promote service, leadership and fellowship by helping the community through a host of service projects.

Ongoing Good Will Happenings

Vaughn is dedicated to helping the community throughout the year. The College holds blood drives at least once every semester to help the local blood banks. “It’s a great feeling knowing the Vaughn community could possibly be saving someone’s life someday,” Cassidy said. “If there’s a need, then Vaughn is there to help.”

To keep up-to-date on all Vaughn College initiatives and to hear the latest innovations in engineering, technology, management, aviation and more―check out the Vaughn College monthly newsletter. (Sign up below.)

Veterans Day is observed every year on November 11 to honor and thank our veterans for their service and fearless bravery to protect our country and its citizens.

Recognizing one of its own

This month, Vaughn College recognizes Nicholas Jordan, a retired United States Marine Corps sergeant and sophomore at Vaughn, who is earning his degree in aviation maintenance management.

In 2008 Jordan enlisted in the United States Marine Corps to serve his country and enrich his life. He explains how, while still a high school student, the experience of the events that took place on September 11, 2001, motivated him to join the military and be a part of something bigger than himself.

“I was deeply affected by the attack on our country on 9-11,” Jordan said. “I knew I wanted to do my part to provide security for the American people.” Jordan was deployed twice during his five years of active duty. In 2009 he was deployed to Afghanistan and in 2011 on the U.S.S. Enterprise. During that time, he worked as a hydraulics mechanic and says he learned the discipline and skills that have taken him to where he is today.

Life at Vaughn

In 2015 Jordan enrolled at Vaughn to further his career. At 30 years old, he said he’s part of the “older scene” on campus and quickly realized there were other students his age who were also vets. He discovered the Veterans Organization at Vaughn, and is currently the president. “Veterans are a unique breed,” Jordan explained. “It was important for me to have a ‘home base’ on campus where my fellow vets can meet. We motivate each other to do well. It’s our comfort zone,” said Jordan.

The aviation maintenance management program at Vaughn has set Jordan on a clear path to a successful future. He said the program is not easy, but his military disciplines keep him focused and on track. “The faculty is right there to help when you need them. It’s great to know there’s a support system where everyone wants to see you succeed. Vaughn does that for me.”

Jordan plans to graduate in 2019 with his bachelor’s degree. He states that going to college is not only an investment in himself, but an investment in America. “Military personnel are trained with discipline. It’s all about putting good leadership where it matters.”

When asked about Veterans Day, it didn’t take long for Jordan to respond. “I have pride in my country. The military turned my life around and I feel blessed knowing I served my country as a United States Marine.”

Don’t miss the change to learn more about Vaughn’s engineering, technology, management and aviation programs at our Open House on Saturday, November 11 and 18. Space is limited – reserve your spot today!

Emily German ’18 is living proof that childhood passions can be the building blocks to an exciting future. As a senior in the mechatronic engineering program at Vaughn College, German recalls the days that led her to fulfill her dreams and explains how her major at Vaughn helped her land the job of a lifetime.

Building the dream

As a child, German played with LEGO^® blocks and was fascinated with how she could put them together to build whatever she imagined. Throughout middle school and high school, she nurtured that passion and discovered culinary arts, where she pursued her interest in becoming a pastry chef.

Seeing how German had a talent for processing and developing designs, her mother encouraged her to take an engineering course in her junior year of high school. She broadened her scope of engineering classes during her senior year and the rest, as they say, is history.

Discovering Vaughn

“It all started with a handshake,” German explained. While exploring institutions at a college fair in her senior year, German discovered Vaughn College and said the Vaughn recruiter was the only one who shook her hand. She learned about their mechatronic engineering program and was excited to hear how they offered a curriculum that combined mechanical, electrical and computer engineering―all in one. “It was the perfect fit for me.”

Taking an active role

German wasted no time getting involved on campus. She tapped into her athletic side and joined the tennis, cross country and basketball teams. It was in her leadership roles, however, as president of the Society of Women Engineers, Vaughn Chapter (SWE) and former president of Circle K International, Vaughn Chapter that proved instrumental in furthering her success at Vaughn.

“We heard about an opportunity to attend the Society of Women Engineers (SWE’s) annual conference and career fair,” German said. “Vaughn was generous in funding our trip and the office of career services pulled out all the stops to help us prepare for the conference.”

Opening doors of opportunity in the automotive industry

German was focused on landing an internship at the SWE national conference, but she never could have expected what happened next. With more than 300 companies represented at the conference, German set her sights on companies in the automotive industry. Daimler was at the top on her list when she discovered they were the only company with a mechatronic engineering department. Cialis for prostate problems is prescribed by urologists and andrologists for the treatment of urological pathologies, accompanied by painful urination and erectile dysfunction. This drug not only restores sexual function in men, but also relieves swelling in the tissues of the penis and accelerates blood circulation. Cialis at http://www.pjfperformance.net/cialis-price-online-pharmacy/ has established itself as an effective way of increasing potency (no matter the severity of the inflammatory process).

“I approached the company with my résumé and was excited to discuss my major in the field with them,” explained German. “They offered me the internship on the spot. I truly believe my mechatronic engineering education gave me the upper hand over other applicants. It’s a very specialized area that set me apart from the rest.”

Making the move

Last summer, German moved to Portland, Oregon where she worked for three months at Daimler, streamlining the process of developing new features for their line of trucks. “I worked with the engineering architecture group within the mechatronic engineering department,” German said. “There are about seven groups within the department, and I expanded my scope to gain a better understanding of how each engineer’s task serves a larger function.” She said she realized then how the knowledge she gained at Vaughn was instrumental in how she applied it in the real world.

Landing the job

German returned to Vaughn this fall to begin her senior year. She was shocked to receive an email from her internship supervisor at Daimler. “He asked me to call him as soon as possible,” German said. “I didn’t know what to expect. I had a knot in my stomach.”

German was offered a full-time position at Daimler after graduation next spring. To add to her surprise, her manager said she could choose her position within the mechatronic engineering department. “I have Vaughn to thank for welcoming me so warmly at the college fair and being there every step of the way since then to help carve the path to my future.”

International travel at a young age inspired Yichuan (Edison) Luo ‘15 to explore the aviation management industry. When he was in middle school, his family moved from his hometown of Shanghai, China to California. Traveling back and forth between the two international cities during his school years piqued Luo’s interest in aviation, but it wasn’t until a high school trip to the East Coast of the United States that Edison knew he found his niche.

“I fell in love with New York City and knew I wanted to move there to attend college,” said Luo. “My passion for the aviation management sector, combined with the location of Vaughn College in the city, was the perfect fit for the two things that were driving my passion at the time.”

Luo enrolled in the airport management program at Vaughn in 2012, where he embraced his courses and excelled in the program.

“I chose airport management so I could learn about one of the most global businesses in the world,” Luo explained. “The courses at Vaughn allowed me to appreciate other strategic backgrounds in the mainstream business sector.”

During his time at Vaughn, Luo launched into his field as vice president of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) student chapter.

“We organized two luncheons and invited over 10 industry experts in the aviation industry, including airport managers, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials, National Security Agency (NSA) members and aviation educators,” said Luo. “It was an instrumental opportunity to hear them share their industry insights, knowledge and personal experiences with the students.”

The chapter didn’t stop there. They organized four field trips for a group of over 20 members and students to airport terminals, air sides (sections of the terminals where aircraft can be observed), land sides (sections of the terminals where the public has unrestricted access), and airline headquarters for educational events.

Luo graduated valedictorian of his class in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in airport management. At 24 years old, he’s living back in his hometown of Shanghai, where he works as an analyst at a global information technology firm that specializes in market research.

“My work has given me the grounding to appreciate some of the strategic drivers behind the cyber and technology industry,” Luo explained. “One of my major clients is a worldwide national defense, aerospace and cybersecurity service provider. I am currently writing about the current trends, risks and products in the aviation, national security and cyber industry.”

Although Luo says he continues to learn about the many other aspects of the aerospace industry, the knowledge he learned at Vaughn, particularly in airport management and air traffic control, gave him a solid foundation to build his career.

“The professors and faculty at Vaughn were more than just that; they were mentors and friends and for that I am truly grateful.”

If you are interested in a career in aviation, and want to learn more about Vaughn, and the incredible opportunities we offer, please take a look at our prospective students page.

At 23 years old, Vaughn College graduate Terry Cetoute (’16) says his degree in mechatronic engineering and experience at the College helped him blend his passions to land the job he has today.

Growing up in Miami, Fla., Cetoute recalls working closely with his father, from whom he learned carpentry and discovered how things were built, and explained how he always had an interest in engineering. It wasn’t until one of his high school teachers encouraged him, however, to pursue either the fields of engineering or aviation that he seriously considered pursuing a degree.

“I’ve always been adventurous and up for a challenge. That’s when I began searching for the perfect college to fit my needs and personality,” Cetoute explained. He discovered Vaughn and said he knew the College would be the launching pad to his future. He started in mechanical engineering but soon turned his sights to mechatronic engineering.

“I joined the robotics team in my freshman year and was hooked,” said Cetoute. He was elected vice president of the team and remained in that position for the next two years—and that team ultimately won the world championship title at the 2016 VEX Worlds Competition. He went on to explain how the mechatronic engineering program molded his interests and gave him a foundation to build on. “The computer programming aspect to the mechatronic engineering program was instrumental in positioning me as a strong candidate for a job,” Cetoute said. “Since mechatronic engineering involves mechanical, electrical and computer engineering, I received a well-rounded education to put me ahead of other job candidates.”

Student life at Vaughn played a major role in his time there. “My love for sports and the outdoors gave me an outlet to explore the extracurricular activities offered at Vaughn,” Cetoute said. He joined the tennis and cross-country teams to nurture his athletic side and says the athletics department at Vaughn was welcoming and helped him keep sports in his life while he earned his degree. “I definitely made the most of my experience living on campus.”

Regarding the professors, Cetoute claims the faculty was the core of his success at Vaughn. “The professors were great at balancing education and being mentors to the students,” he says. “They were always ready to make time for us and made the material relatable so we could understand how it applies to the field.” He explored other resources at the College and visited the career services department for help with his resume. “I began researching jobs prior to graduation and needed to build a strong resume,” Cetoute said. “They did a great job helping me outline my information and putting it all together.” Prior to graduation, he put his resume to work and applied for a job at JTEKT Toyoda Americas Corporation, a top machine tool service and supplier for the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, South America and Latin America.

Cetoute currently works as a field service technician for Toyoda in Wixom, MI. “We provide the programming and machine tools used mainly for the automotive industry,” he proudly states. His passions for the outdoors, exploration and travel have come full circle with his new position. “It takes me to new places, where I put my knowledge to work in the field,” he says. “I couldn’t ask for a more perfect job.”

Learn more about Vaughn College’s Mechatronic Engineering Degree.

It’s hard to pinpoint what the most important job in the world is. Brain surgeons, rocket scientists, physicists, intelligence agents and world leaders have very significant positions. But there is one job that many of us have that is immeasurably rewarding, despite its non-existent paycheck—being a parent. It’s not an easy job, especially when you have to juggle all of your other responsibilities with it. This Father’s Day, we’re celebrating one of our own students who is working especially hard, both at home and in school, to build a brighter future for his family.

Being a devoted family man has new meaning for Thomas Dekenipp ’19, a 30-year old Vaughn College engineering major who will be celebrating his first Father’s Day this month. Dekenipp and his girlfriend, Jaime, welcomed their daughter, Harper, last November and Dekenipp said being a dad is the greatest gift he could ever receive.

“I come from a large family,” Dekenipp said. “We all grew up in the same apartment building in Brooklyn, which kept us very close. So, it means so much to me to be starting my own family.”

After high school, Dekenipp enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he worked for six years as a helicopter mechanic in the 82nd Airborne Division. “I didn’t realize I had an interest in engineering until I joined the Army,” Dekenipp explained. “The Army opened doors for me and sparked an interest to seek a degree when I returned stateside.” Dekenipp completed two tours in Afghanistan and was honorably discharged in 2011. Soon after, he decided to return to Afghanistan to work for the next 18 months as a contractor. Upon returning, Dekenipp wanted to pursue his degree under the GI Bill, but realized he needed to find a school that offered the Yellow Ribbon Program―a provision of the GI Bill that can help students attend private colleges at little or no cost―to help cover the additional tuition expenses. That’s how he found Vaughn College. Dekenipp is now a junior at Vaughn, where he is pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering technology and computer-aided design, and feels grateful to have the opportunity to further his career. “Attending Vaughn was a nice transition from the military,” said Dekenipp. “There’s a good number of vets who attend Vaughn so I feel right at home. The faculty is welcoming and is extremely supportive in helping their students further their success.”

With his first Father’s Day around the corner, Dekenipp said he’s been reflecting on past Father’s Day’s with his own dad. Dekenipp recalls how his dad loved to cook and can remember the wonderful aromas emanating from the kitchen while music played in the background. “It was a very warm and welcoming feeling,” Dekenipp recalls. “I’m excited to recreate those memories for Harper. I only want the best for my family,” Dekenipp said humbly. “I’m confident my degree from Vaughn will set me on a path to success to give them a beautiful life. It’s important to me to set a good example for my daughter,” he continued.

When asked what his plans are for Father’s Day, Dekenipp laughed and said Jaimie is keeping it a surprise. “Whatever we do, I know I’ll be surrounded by my amazing family. I’m blessed to be a dad and Harper is the reason I can celebrate. She’s ‘Daddy’s Little Girl.’”

Happy Father’s Day!

Pursuing her passion has paid off for Vaughn College graduate, Jessenia Diaz ’10, as she landed her dream job as an air traffic controller at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens County, New York.

During her high school years, Diaz decided she wanted to become an air traffic controller. “I read articles about the air traffic control shortage at that time and saw an opportunity in the field,” said Diaz. “I researched schools in my area and discovered Vaughn. The rest is history.” Diaz applied to Vaughn and was awarded scholarships to help pay for her education. In addition to studying for her bachelor’s degree, Diaz said she put her money to work for her and earned a certificate in Vaughn’s flight dispatch program and took a series of courses in the Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative program, a partnership between the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Vaughn.

“My professors at Vaughn helped me tremendously,” Diaz stated. “Some of my teachers were actual air traffic controllers from local airports. The kind of hands-on experience that they passed down to us was priceless.”

In December 2010, Diaz graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in airport management and general management, won the Board of Trustees award at spring convocation and was selected as the student commencement speaker for 2011.

“As a first-generation college graduate in my family, it was not only a proud moment for myself but for my family.” After graduation, she was hired by the FAA and attended a three-month basic air traffic control training program in Oklahoma while awaiting to see where she would be placed for an air traffic control position. “I was so excited to hear that I would be working at JFK airport,” Diaz said excitedly. “I was going back home.” After training for two years at JFK, she is now a fully-certified air traffic controller.

Working as an air traffic controller comes with enormous responsibility. “We are the pilot’s eyes and ears on the ground,” said Diaz. “Pilots may have the best equipment on the plane, but they depend on us to navigate them from the ground.” She describes her job as exhilarating and says that no two days are ever the same.

“I love my job and wouldn’t trade working in New York for anything,” Diaz said. “My time at Vaughn gave me the knowledge and experience to get me where I am today.”

Questions, comments, or want to learn more about Vaughn’s Aviation Management Bachelor Degrees and Air Traffic Control Program?  Contact us today!

In fall 2015, Fray Holness ’20, began his first week at Vaughn College. He was a transfer student from Kingston, Jamaica, and was looking to expand his education to land a successful career in aviation management. Vaughn was his clear choice for many reasons, but when he experienced the welcoming atmosphere during orientation (known as “Welcome Week” at Vaughn), his decision was only validated.

What Attracted Holness to Vaughn?

Holness was always on the fast track with one clear focus in mind: aviation management. He earned his associate degree in air transportation management in Jamaica, moved to New York in 2015, and then quickly enrolled in the fall semester at Vaughn to earn a bachelor of science in aviation management.

“I found there were few institutions that offered a double major in my field,” Holness said. “Vaughn’s airport/airline management program meshed with my interests and was the perfect fit for me.”

He also moved into the on-campus residence hall to get the full Vaughn experience.

How New Student Orientation gets you on the right track

Whether you’re an international transfer student like Holness, or just starting out, Vaughn’s Orientation is designed to get students completely prepared to dive right in and have a successful first year. Orientation is an opportunity for new students to meet fellow classmates and new friends, as well as get personal time to ask Vaughn faculty and Academic Advisers any questions they have. It also takes care of all new student logistics such as building fall class schedules, tour the campus, and getting your official school ID and parking passes.

What Holness Got out of the Experience

As an international transfer student, Holness has a unique perspective on what prospective students should do during Orientation.

Here are his top two suggestions on how to get the most out of the experience:

• Get involved and meet as many people as you can. Holness explains how Orientation was the perfect opportunity for him to seek out on-campus activities and clubs as a way to meet new people. “It’s a great way to promote a positive and inviting atmosphere on campus and bring students together,” Holness said.
• Ask other students and academic advisors for tips. This Includes finding out what classes to take and what activities are available that could complement your education. “We are all here to learn, and every student is in the same boat navigating new waters,” Holness said. “Vaughn is a very welcoming campus, with students and faculty that are always willing to listen and offer advice. Never think you can do everything on your own.”

Achieving Success 

During Orientation, Holness quickly realized that the networking and job opportunities he’d be exposed to at Vaughn would be invaluable. He knew his degree would be the stepping stone he needed to meet his long-term career goal of designing and building airports. “Companies look to Vaughn to recruit its students, knowing they have all the necessary knowledge, education and training to succeed in whichever field they choose,” explained Holness.

As he enters his junior year, Holness says applying to Vaughn was the best decision he ever made. “Vaughn prepares us with the knowledge we need not just for now, but in the future.”