WASHINGTON, DC, March 23, 2005 – The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has selected two outstanding students to receive the 2005 Dr. Harold S. Wood Award for Excellence. “GAMA is pleased to be able to grant two of these awards,” said GAMA Interim President Ronald L. Swanda. “The competition was particularly fierce this year, but both of these students were clearly superlative candidates. Their love of aviation and their dedication to the field is evident in all of their impressive activities and achievements. ”

The annual award, in honor of Dr. Harold S. Wood, founder and past executive director of the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA), recognizes top students, enrolled in a NIFA member school, who demonstrate academic excellence while promoting aviation on campus as well as in their community.

Scott R. Winter is a senior majoring in Aviation with a minor in Aviation Weather at Minnesota State University. Mr. Winter is a CFI with a commercial pilot rating, who has maintained a 4.0 grade point average while working in the University’s Weather Analysis Laboratory as a teaching assistant. Mr. Winter is passionate about helping pilots enhance their understanding of weather phenomena by using visualization techniques. Active in the University’s Aviation Club as well as its Storm Chasers Club, Mr. Winter plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Aviation and eventually a career as an academic in a collegiate aviation department, after a few years of experience in the airline industry.

Stefanie Gates, a junior at Purdue University, is also a worthy recipient of this prestigious award. Ms. Gates has maintained a 3.97 grade point average and is certified as a commercial pilot with multi-engine land and single engine land and sea ratings. She recently became a CFI, and is committed to passing on her love of aviation to her students. Ms. Gates has been a member of Purdue’s Flight Team and has competed at NIFA for three years. She is an active member of the Louisville, KY chapter of the 99’s, and is the Hospitality Chairman for the 2005 Air Race Classic. Ms. Gates has also had leadership roles in Purdue’s freshman orientation program and the American Cancer Society’s local Relay for Life team. She intends to pursue a career as a professional pilot.