On August 12, Atlas and the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) welcomed U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy to the Aviation Technology Division at Merrill Field to announce Atlas’ renewed scholarship supporting aspiring pilots and aircraft maintenance technicians. The event brought together government, industry and education leaders around a shared goal: preparing the next generation of aviation professionals.
Experiencing Alaska’s Aviation Hub
The day began with a “walk and talk” tour of the UAA Aviation Technology facilities, where Secretary Duffy visited the hangar, tarmac and the Air Traffic Control Tower simulation. These stops provided an inside look at how students are being trained with real-world skills to meet the critical demand for pilots, mechanics, and air traffic professionals.
Connecting with Students and Faculty
Following the tour, the Secretary joined Atlas leaders, UAA faculty and students for a meet-and-greet reception.
Conversations with scholarship recipients and aspiring aviation professionals highlighted the direct impact of partnerships like the one between Atlas and UAA.
“President Trump and I are on a mission to make our airspace the envy of the world,” said Secretary Duffy. “I applaud Atlas Air Worldwide for doing their part to contribute to this mission.”
A Shared Commitment
The event culminated in Atlas Air’s announcement of the renewal of the Atlas Air Scholarship, which helps offset education costs for UAA students pursuing aviation careers.
“I was excited that DOT Secretary Sean Duffy accepted Atlas’ invitation to participate in the announcement,” said Camille Fleenor, Vice President Government Affairs. “His visit was an excellent opportunity to showcase Atlas’ commitment to this shared goal at our largest station.”
For Captain and Regional Chief Pilot Tyler Cresswell, the moment reinforced Atlas’ local connection:
“Over the past year I have enjoyed meeting our Atlas Air Scholarship recipients, hearing their stories and goals, and how our scholarship has made a positive impact in their life. I’m inspired by Atlas’ commitment to developing our hometown talent right here in Anchorage.”
Looking Ahead
The renewal of the Atlas Scholarship reflects our responsibility to invest in future talent, support our community, and help shape the future of aviation.
For more details — including perspectives from Michael Steen, Atlas Air Worldwide CEO, and Ray Weber, UAA Dean of the Community & Technical College — read the full press release here.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy speaks with Atlas Air regional chief pilot Tyler Cresswell and UA President Pat Pitney as he tours UAA’s Aviation Technology Center on Merrill Field and Atlas Air announces its continued support of needs-based scholarships to UAA, bringing its total contribution to $100,000.
Atlas Air regional chief pilot Tyler Cresswell announces Atlas Air’s continued support of needs-based scholarships to UAA, bringing its total contribution to $100,000, as U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy tours UAA’s Aviation Technology Center on Merrill Field.
UAA administration, faculty, students, and the Atlas Air team (L-R: Sean Kelly, Camille Fleenor, Tyler Cresswell, Dan Pixey, Kevin Miller and Brett Jones) take a group photo after joining U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on a tour of UAA’s Aviation Technology Center on Merrill Field.
Atlas Air regional chief pilot Tyler Cresswell with UAA interim chancellor Cheryl Siemers, UAA piloting student and Atlas scholar Wesley Limbocker, Chief Pilot and Director of Flight Operations Cassie Martin, CTC Dean Ray Weber, maintenance professor David Helmso, and Senior Flight Instructor Nate Martin.
