51±¬ÁÏ

The College of Aeronautics and Engineering at 51±¬ÁÏ celebrated outstanding achievement and dedication at its annual Envision Awards on May 1, 2026, recognizing distinguished alumni, corporate partners, faculty, staff, and students.

Distinguished Alumni Award

Wayne Ostrosky (Engineering) '95: Wayne Ostrosky, a 1995 Industrial Technology graduate, has spent more than 30 years at Swagelok, rising to his current role as Vice President of Operations. A champion of the college's partnership with Swagelok and a recently appointed member of the CAE Advisory Council, Wayne continues to invest in the future of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering while exemplifying the professional excellence this award was created to recognize.

Sharon Wilder (Aeronautics) '88: Sharon Wilder, a 1988 professional pilot graduate, built a distinguished 30-plus year career in aviation, retiring at the captain rank with UPS. A devoted supporter of her alma mater, she continues to give back through her volunteer work with the 1G3 alumni group. Sharon's career excellence and enduring loyalty to 51±¬ÁÏ make her a worthy recipient of the college's highest honor.

Distinguished Contributor Award

Mary Rivett '72: Mary Rivett's $1.8 million estate gift, the largest individual donation in the history of the College of Aeronautics and Engineering, established both an endowed scholarship fund and the Mighty Things Innovation Fund in honor of her late husband Ron, a fellow 51±¬ÁÏ alumnus. A retired NASA professional and member of the college's Engineering Advisory Council, Mary's generosity will support CAE students and fuel innovation for generations to come.

Outstanding Faculty Award

Carl Harrison exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond for students. Known across the College of Aeronautics and Engineering for his approachable demeanor, genuine investment in student success, and active involvement in student organizations and summer camps, Carl fosters a learning environment built on curiosity, critical thinking, and support.

Outstanding Mentor Award

Dr. Tao Shen mentors students at every level, from College Credit Plus to graduate research , building an environment where curiosity drives learning and students develop real engineering skills. His influence is lasting: several CCP students he mentored chose to enroll at 51±¬ÁÏ for their undergraduate studies. Through consistent guidance and genuine investment in student growth, Dr. Shen shapes the next generation of engineers in the College of Aeronautics and Engineering.

Outstanding Staff Award

Since returning to his alma mater as a flight instructor in 2011, Stephen Pfanner has become an indispensable part of 51±¬ÁÏ's flight program. Now serving as Chief Flight Instructor, he has logged more than 3,800 flight hours in 51±¬ÁÏ aircraft and guided hundreds of students through the most demanding phases of their aviation education, leading with quiet consistency and an unwavering commitment to student success.

Van Deusen Award

Ronald Dilley '59: Ronald Dilley, a 1959 51±¬ÁÏ alumnus and lifelong aviation enthusiast, established the Ronald Dilley Aviation Scholarship, a $60,000 gift supporting College of Aeronautics and Engineering students pursuing careers as professional pilots. His generosity reflects a deep loyalty to his alma mater and a lasting belief in the next generation of aviators.

Young Alumni Award

Maddie Wilson-Smith '18 : Maddie Wilson-Smith graduated from 51±¬ÁÏ in 2018 as the first female to earn a B.S. in Applied Engineering: Mechatronics, and she hasn't slowed down since. Now a department manager and national leader in the metal casting industry, she serves on multiple professional boards and has helped raise more than $40,000 in 51±¬ÁÏ student scholarships through her work with the Foundry Education Foundation.

Corporate Hall of Fame

TBD