WASHINGTON, DC, April 9, 2004 – The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) has selected Joshua Bochnowski, a senior at Purdue University, as the 2004 Dr. Harold S. Wood Award for Excellence recipient. “GAMA is pleased to name Joshua Bochnowski as this year’s recipient for his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment in pursing a career in aviation,” said GAMA President & CEO Ed Bolen.
The annual award, in honor of Dr. Harold S. Wood, founder and past executive director of the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA), recognizes a top student enrolled in a NIFA member school who demonstrates academic excellence while promoting aviation on campus as well as in the community.
Joshua Bochnowski is a pilot with a 3.97 GPA at Purdue University School of Aviation. A member of the University Flight Team, he has participated in NIFA competition for the past three years and is currently the coach of the Navigation Event. Bochnowski is one of only four students chosen to co- pilot the university’s Beechjet. He currently interns in the training center at Chautauqua Airlines, and was formerly the first ever corporate aviation intern for The Coca-Cola Company. As the public relations officer of the Purdue School of Aviation Technology Student Council, he has organized fundraisers and blood drives, as well as overseeing aviation education for schoolchildren in the community. Borchowski has been on the Honor’s list every year while at Purdue and is a volunteer tutor through the Phi Eta Sigma Scholastic Fraternity. Upon finishing his degree at Purdue, Mr. Borchowski hopes to be a flight instructor.