Andrew Leonard, a graduate student at UND in Grand Forks, has been named Outstanding Center of Excellence Student of the Year by the Federal Aviation Administration. This is the first time a UND student has won this award.
According to the Grand Forks Herald, Leonard was nominated for the award by Kim Kenville, the director of Aerospace graduate studies. In her nomination letter, Kenville stated that Leonard is committed to academic achievement, is willing to assist others, and is doing valuable and original research.
Leonard is from Dent, Minn., which is roughly 30 miles north-east of Fergus Falls, where he is part owner/operator of East Silent Resort, along with his family. Andrew also serves on the Otter Tail Country Tourism Board. In addition, Andrew carries a 4.0 grade point average at UND. He currently holds a private pilot license, something he’s had since 2007, and is working towards his commercial license. Andrew is also a graduate research assistant, in which he teaches undergraduate courses in long-range navigation, airline operations and management, among others.
Leonard will be recognized at an awards banquet when he ventures to Washington, D.C., on January 9th.
