New Endowed Chairs to Drive Innovation

Flexjet Chairman Kenn Ricci, his wife Pamela, and their family have endowed two faculty chairs at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to promote innovation in aviation, aerospace, and space. The Ricci Family Chair and the Flexjet Chair for Aviation, Aerospace or Space Innovation will support research, attract faculty, and encourage innovation among students.

Mr. Ricci said: “We want to encourage bold thinking about the growth and advancement of aviation. In creating these two chairs — the Ricci Family and the Flexjet Chair for Aviation, Aerospace or Space Innovation — we are supporting the kind of educators who will instill an ethos of problem-solving in their students — which inevitably will lead to innovation.”

Ricci, who joined Embry-Riddle’s Board of Trustees last year, made the donation as part of the university’s centennial campaign Imagine What’s Next, which focuses on expanding faculty research and attracting top academic talent.

Embry-Riddle Board of Trustees Chairman Mori Hosseini said: “Trustee Kenn Ricci’s visionary leadership and extraordinary generosity have set a new standard for philanthropy in aviation and aerospace education. The establishment of the Ricci Family Chair for Innovation and the Flexjet Chair for Innovation ensures that Embry-Riddle will continue to inspire and equip future generations of leaders in our field. The commitment of Trustee Ricci and Pamela Ricci will fuel innovation and excellence, advancing our mission and the entire industry for decades to come.”

The endowed positions will provide stipends and research funds to support faculty members specializing in aviation, aerospace, or space innovation.