The 2015 Aviation Alumni Gathering was a success. Friday September 18 evening, about 100 SIU Aviation alums and friends gathered in the Priester Aviation in Chicago for a great reunion of fun, reminiscing and learning about the latest happenings on campus. Interim Provost Ford, and SIU Foundation CEO, VC Salmo attended this event showing strong university support for our aviation programs. Provost Ford addressed the audience and invited the Flying Salukis and Air Race Classic 1st Place winner Jessica Reed onto the stage with their trophies. Clarence C Copping, a proud and successful Saluki and pilot, senior captain at United Airlines, and SIU Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, provided a warm welcome and touching speech at the event. AVMAF Interim Chair John Voges and AVT Chair Mike Burgener gave aviation alums updates in faculty, students, and past and present projects in both departments. In particular, John Voges announced the official kick-off of the ADS-B fundraising initiative at this alumni event.