By Mike Greife,
April 24, 2017
WARRENSBURG, MO – Carl Wegener, a University of Central Missouri senior aviation major
from Harrisburg, was named the UCM Student Employee of the Year during the annual
awards reception April 12.
Wegener was one of 28 students nominated by faculty, staff and administrators for
the honor. He has been employed in aviation maintenance at the university’s Max B.
Swisher Skyhaven Airport since April 2014, assisting FAA-certificated mechanics in
light maintenance, inspection card items, aircraft towing, taxiing and securing, aircraft
engine runs and hangar housekeeping and organization.
In his nomination of Wegener, Steve Quick, director of aircraft maintenance, noted
that, in addition to being an exemplary employee who exceeds expectations, Wegener
also exceeded the the requirements for his professional pilot major by also obtaining
his FAA mechanic's certificate in addition to his pilot certificates. Obtaining his
mechanic’s certificate required a minimum of 30 months of hands-on experience in a
wide range of maintenance on aircraft. He also completed additional coursework to
learn more systems and passed the required FAA oral and practical test examinations
to be awarded the FAA airframe and powerplant certificates.
Quick noted that by acquiring the multiple FAA certifications, Wegener has obtained
skills and the qualifications for multi-disciplinary career opportunities, an achievement
unprecedented at UCM in more than three decades.
Wegener received a $500 award as Student Employee of the Year.
In addition to Wegener, UCM senior Asia Casey, a student writer in University Relations,
was named the second place recipient with a cash award of $250, and Jennifer Hermanson,
employed by the Office of Enrollment Management, received the third place award of
$100.
