Dowling College Takes First Place at National Intercollegiate Flying Association Competition
 
(Brookhaven, N.Y.) The Dowling College Flying Lions took first place at the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) SAFECON competition that took place October 23-27, 2009 in Schenectady, NY. Dowling’s School of Aviation student team brought home more than 20 trophies and acquired more than 220 total points. Dowling College competes in Region VII with a total of 9 schools. The first place finish entitles Dowling College to compete in the Nationals, May 17-22, 2010 hosted by Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN.
 
The Flying Lions were created one month ago and trials took place over two days. The top Dowling College flight students were selected for the team and practiced daily leading up to competition. Dowling College was considered the underdog in this event due to the short timeframe for developing the team. With the help of approximately 12 volunteers, including School of Aviation alumni, personal donations, and a lot of sweat equity, the Flying Lions accomplished the ultimate and can now claim the “best pilots” in the Northeast.
 
“The Flying Lions beat all odds by coming together as a team and believing in each other. Dowling College made history this week and I am extremely proud of the students, coaches, and volunteers. I am also very thankful to School of Aviation staff and alumni for donating funds and believing in the vision. I have never been more proud of a group of individuals and am excited about the future direction of the flight team,” said Dr. John Wensveen, Dean, School of Aviation.
 
For additional information on Dowling College’s School of Aviation please visit: http://www.dowling.edu/school-aviation/
 
About Dowling College
Dowling College is an independent, coeducational college that serves more than 6,500 students at its historic Rudolph Campus on the banks of the Connetquot River in Oakdale, NY, and the 105-acre Brookhaven Campus in eastern Long Island and a business center located near the Nassau-Suffolk border in Melville. Dowling offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in several disciplines through its four schools: Arts and Sciences, Aviation, Business, and Education.