EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University’s GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology hosted a trip for 10 students to visit the world-renowned Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation in Savannah, Ga. Gulfstream is a wholly-owned subsidiary of General Dynamics that designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports some of the world’s most technologically-advanced business jet aircrafts.

Students representing majors in aviation flight technology, aviation management technology, mechanical engineering and electrical and computer engineering learned about the aviation industry and the possible future internships and careers with Gulfstream and other aviation companies.

“Industry connections such as those we have with Gulfstream are vital to the success of our college and our students,” said Mohamad Qatu, dean of the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology at EMU. “Our students received a first-hand look at the inside operations of one of America’s premier aviation/aerospace companies. The visit provided students with a vision of their lives after graduation, and every single student who participated left thoroughly excited about their future career path. Gulfstream officials were very encouraging about internship and career opportunities.”  

Thanks to GameAbove, a group of dedicated EMU alumni, students were treated to a private jet flight to and from Gulfstream’s headquarters in Georgia, departing in the morning from Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti and returning at the end of the day. While at Gulfstream, students previewed mock-ups of aircrafts, explored plane cockpits, visited aircraft component testing labs and observed the assembly process of an airplane. They also met human resource professionals and other prominent representatives during the tour, and were encouraged to apply for future internship and employment opportunities.

“It was astonishing to see firsthand the inner workings of an industry leader in aviation,” said Aidon Olligschlager, aviation management major. “Gulfstream is the best of the best, setting the bar higher for aviation every day. Experiencing what the plane has to offer has inspired me to work hard enough to afford one of Gulfstream’s aircrafts, and I strive to work for a company as unique and successful as theirs.”

“The trip was a once in a lifetime experience,” said Preston Grew, an aviation management major in the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology at Eastern. “It was amazing to be able to fly in a G650 and to see how they are built. I can’t express how thankful I am for the opportunity.”

The Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation has produced more than 2,800 aircraft for customers worldwide since 1958. To meet the diverse transportation needs of the future, Gulfstream offers a comprehensive fleet of aircraft, while offering aircraft ownership services via Gulfstream preowned Aircraft Sales®.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 16,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.