NE North Dakota News

Last week, leaders from the city, county, and University of North Dakota (UND) gathered to initiate the construction of a new flight operations building for UND's aviation program. This $36 million project is entirely funded by private donations and will replace the current facility built in 1974. The new building will offer 28,000 square feet of space, including a dispatch center, debriefing rooms, and an aviation bookstore. Construction is set to begin this month and is expected to take about 18 months.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, UND President Andy Armacost quoted a line often attributed to Leonardo da Vinci: “Once you have tasted flight, you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward.” He connected this sentiment to the spirit of aviation at UND and its Odegard School.

Robert Kraus, dean of the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences, highlighted the school's growth since its founding in 1968. From a small fleet at its start to over 15,000 alumni professional pilots today, Kraus sees the new facility as evidence of continued progress.

Kraus noted that when he joined UND over four years ago, he identified a new flight operations building as a key need for the school. He expressed hope that future students would be inspired by this new gateway into their educational journey.

The facility is also intended to serve as a symbol of excellence for UND's aviation program. Kraus emphasized its visibility to those flying into Grand Forks International Airport and thanked donors who made it possible. Among them was Seymour “Si” Robin, who pledged $5 million toward the project and led the groundbreaking ceremony. Robin has been recognized for his long-standing support of aviation education.

Kraus also acknowledged other contributors like Chuck Ahearn from the James C. Ray Foundation, which supports opportunities in aviation education in honor of benefactor James C. Ray.