Source: Raylene Alexander, 785-826-2940, raylene@sal.ksu.edu
Prepared by: Abigail Cruise, 785-826-2642, acrouse@sal.ksu.edu
Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2007
GARMIN DONATES NAVAGATIONAL EQUIPMENT TO K-STATE AT SALINA
SALINA -- A recent donation by a navigation and communications device company will help students in the new avionics certificate program at Kansas State University at Salina learn about installing and repairing navigational systems in aircraft.
Garmin International, based in Olathe, donated $25,000 of navigational equipment to the K-State at Salina program. Raylene Alexander, assistant professor of aviation, leads the avionics certificate program, which is its inaugural year. Alexander brings more than 27 years of experience to K-State at Salina and was the first female certified as an aircraft electronics technician through the National Center for Aircraft Technician Training.
Garmin makes navigation and communication devices for automotive, aviation, marine, outdoor recreation and wireless applications.
Alexander says Garmin has been an integral part of building the avionics program at K-State at Salina and the company's donation will keep students involved in current technology.
"Garmin was in on the beginning," said Alexander. "It is because of Garmin's donation we can include some of the latest technology in glass cockpits."
The company will continue its support of the avionics certificate program in future training for K-State at Salina students, as well as a maintenance trainer and free future maintenance on the donated equipment.
"Garmin's continued support in future donations, including technical and educational, makes this a valuable contact," Alexander said.