Business Leaders, Legislators and Augusta Officials to hold May 31st Celebration Launching UMA's New Aviation Program.

Augusta, Maine - Over 150 community members are expected to attend the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) and Maine Instrument Flight’s (MIF) Open Hangar Community Celebration on Friday, May 31st from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

To be held at Maine Instrument Flight by the Augusta State Airport, the Open Hangar Event is being held to celebrate the launch of UMA’s new Bachelor of Science in Aviation.

Developed in partnership with MIF, the Aviation program will enable students to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree and five pilot FAA certifications. The program is the first of its kind in Maine and is expected to help meet a growing demand for pilots nationally and internationally.

The formal celebration, highlighted by remarks from Senator Roger Katz, Kennebec Valley Chamber President Peter Thompson, Augusta Mayor William Stokes and others, will take place from 11:15 to 11:45, followed by refreshments, information tables, and drawings for free flights for prospective students. Several of MIF's planes will also be on display in the hangar.

For more information and to register visit: uma.edu/openhangar.

Event Program:

11:00 – 11:15      Sign in. Visit our information tables. Register for a free flight drawing.

11:15 - 11:45      Celebration

Senator Roger Katz

Brenda McAleer, UMA Dean of Professional Studies

Bill Perry, President, Maine Instrument Flight

Peter Thompson, President, Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce

William Stokes, Mayor, City of Augusta

Sheri Fraser – UMA Dean of Enrollment Services

Celebration Close

11:45 – 1:00       Refreshments/Flights/Information Tables