Will Receive Honorary Doctorate Degree

Daniel Webster will welcome back friend of the College and former member of the NTSB, John Goglia, as keynote speaker for the College’s 36th Commencement on Saturday, May 14, 2005. John, who has more than 30 years experience in the aviation industry, was a speaker for the Daniel Webster’s “Issues in Aviation” program in 2000.

Departing the NTSB after nearly a decade of service, John joined the faculty of Saint Louis University, where he is professor of aviation science at the College’s Parks College of Engineering, Aviation and Technology and director of the Center for Integrated Emergency Management. In addition to teaching, research and advising, John is senior vice president of government and teaching programs for the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association, continuing to pursue initiatives that address safety internationally. He maintains an office in Washington, D.C.

“John is a vibrant, engaging, and energetic speaker who will bring a wealth of experience wherever he goes,” said President Hannah McCarthy. “He represents the spirit of integrity and professionalism. We are extremely pleased that he will be returning to Daniel Webster as this year’s commencement speaker.”

John Goglia, 59, is a Boston native. According to a recent article in the St. Petersburg Times, “Goglia grew up so close to Boston’s Logan Airport that he never needed an alarm clock. He was awakened every day at 7 a.m. when the airline mechanics began their engine run-ups.”

John has held numerous positions in the airline industry and was involved for more than 20 years as a union flight safety representative on accident investigation teams prior to being named by President Clinton to the NTSB in 1995. He also operated his own aircraft service company for more than a decade.

During his NTSB tenure, John was one of five board members who governed the agency and determined the cause of accidents. He was the board’s first and only airframe and powerplant mechanic, playing a key role in focusing international attention on the increasing significance of aircraft maintenance in aviation accidents. He is recognized as the “Father of Human factors” for aviation maintenance technicians.

A long-time champion of aviation education, John was also a founding member and chair of the National Coalition for Aviation Education, an aviation industry organization that advances education among America’s youth and aviation workforce. He was an original member of the steering committee to establish the International Society of Aviation Maintenance Professionals, an organization dedicated to advancing safety and professionalism throughout the aviation maintenance industry.

Aviation Maintenance renamed its annual recognition as the “John Goglia Time Out for Safety Award,” also in 2004. The Society of Automotive Engineers presented him with its Aerospace Chair Award for outstanding leadership in 2003 and its Marvin Whitlock Award for outstanding management accomplishment in 2002. An outspoken advocate for greater compassion and sensitivity in dealing with surviving families of victims of transportation accidents, John was the recipient of the 2001 Aviation Safety Award from the National Air Disaster Alliance. He was recognized as the FAA’s Aviation Maintenance Technician of the year in 1994, as well as by the Professional Aviation Maintenance Association with its prestigious Joe Chase Award.

John Goglia is an internationally recognized speaker, author, and expert in aviation maintenance and aircraft operations, having lectured at world symposiums and served as contributing editor to several industry periodicals.

FMI: www.dwc.edu