Saint Francis University Opens Aviation Education Center

Saint Francis University in Loretto, Penn., recently held a Blessing and Dedication ceremony for its new Aviation Education Center at the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport, according to a news release. The building’s opening coincides with the inaugural year of the university’s FAA-certified Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) program. The program’s goal is to boost regional workforce development in the aviation vertical.

“The FAA certification and this state-of-the-art facility represent significant achievements for both Saint Francis University and the regional community,” said university president Fr. Malachi Van Tassell, TOR. “We are eager to support critical workforce development through our partnerships and the Aviation Education Center.”

The Aviation Education Center will play home to the school’s aviation education and training programs. The new AMT program is the only FAA Part 147 aviation maintenance technician school in the county, the news release reports, and addresses the local and national need for maintenance workers.

Local news reports that the space currently provides a hangar converted into a classroom, a single-propeller aircraft, and a 1,500-pound CF34 jet engine. Funding came from a $500,000 state grant, $1 million in Appalachian Regional Commission funds, and $70,000 from Cambria County for the facility’s structural needs.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Minnesota District Completes Renovations to 3 Schools

    South Washington County Schools in Woodbury, Minn., recently completed major renovation projects to three of its schools, according to a news release. The district partnered with Kraus-Anderson for construction services, and the upgrades were part of a larger referendum that voters approved in fall 2024.

  • California District Opens New Robotics Center

    The Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD) in Cupertino, Calif., recently held a Grand Opening ceremony for a new, district-wide Robotics Center, according to a news release. The 14,500-square-foot facility was designed by Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA); Landmark Constructors served as the builder and Blach Construction as general construction manager.

  • Michigan District Breaks Ground on Sheridan Road School

    The Lansing School District in Lansing, Mich., recently broke ground on the new Sheridan Road School, according to a district news release. The school will measure 61,525 square feet and serve students in grades 5–8.

  • Photo courtesy of Kraus-Anderson

    Concordia College Completes Memorial Auditorium Renovations

    Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., recently completed a $2.5-million renovation project to Memorial Auditorium, a news release reports. The college partnered with Kraus-Anderson for the project’s construction and ICON Architectural Group for its design.