FAA Administrator Michael P. Huerta Delivers Commencement Address at Vaughn College

Vaughn College Announces 84^th Commencement Speaker: Michael P. Huerta, Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration

FLUSHING, N.Y., May 26, 2016 -- Vaughn College celebrated its 84^th Commencement on Saturday, May 21, 2016 in the William B. DeCota Hangar. Michael P. Huerta, Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), delivered the commencement address to more than 150 graduates. He was also awarded an honorary degree by President Dr. Sharon B. DeVivo at the ceremony.

Huerta is responsible for the safety and the efficiency of the largest aerospace system in the world. He oversees a $15.9 billion-dollar budget and more than 47,000 employees. He came to the FAA after a long career in transportation, including serving as a managing director of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City.

During his tenure at the agency, Huerta has leveraged his extensive experience in the private sector to help the FAA become more nimble and responsive to the rapidly changing demands in the aviation sector.

Under his leadership, the FAA is replacing its decades-old system of ground-based radio navigation beacons and radar sites with modern, efficient Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. At the same time, Huerta is managing the agency's efforts to safely integrate two new and exciting segments of aviation: commercial space operations and small unmanned aircraft, or drones.

"For the last four years, you've studied all the greats who came before you," Huerta told the graduates. "You've learned from your own mentors here at Vaughn. And now it's time to make your own contributions to the great legacy of American aviation."

Huerta holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of California-Riverside and a master's in public affairs, with a concentration in international relations, from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University.

"Vaughn College is proud to have had the administrator deliver the commencement address to our graduating students," said DeVivo. "Administrator Huerta shared with students his very similar story as a first-generation college student and his hopes for them as they take their place in the world as the next generation of leaders."

About Vaughn

Founded in 1932, Vaughn College is a private, four-year college that enrolls more than 1,700 students in master's, bachelor's and associate degree programs in engineering, technology, management and aviation on its main campus in New York City and online. The student-faculty ratio of 14 to 1 ensures a highly personalized learning environment. Ninety-two percent of Vaughn College graduates are placed in professional positions or choose to continue their education within one year of graduation. They work in 20 countries and all 50 states. The institution serves many first-generation college students and is recognized by the US Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. For more information, visit www.vaughn.edu.
 

CONTACT: Maureen Kiggins, director of public affairs
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