65th Annual AeroCrash Carries On Long-Standing Aviation Tradition

A snapshot from the 1960s, when Aerocrash was held in Santa Cruz (Glynn Falcon image).

By Amanda Holst, Public Affairs Assistant

Alpha Eta Rho, the business fraternity for aviation majors, hosted its 65th annual Aerocrash April 21-22 as a way to celebrate graduation and connect alumni to new members.

“This event gave them a chance to hang out with the friends they don’t see as much anymore since graduating,” said Briana Peterson, club president. “It’s a relaxing weekend where we can all just be together and have fun.”

Students in SJSU’s aviation program prepare for careers in aviation management, avionics, maintenance management, operations and professional flying.

The two-day annual alumni camping trip and barbecue took place at Big Basin State Park in Santa Cruz.

Approximately 45 participants gathered in the redwoods state park and rallied up a good time through camping and outdoor sports. Carly Smith, aviation operations ’10, was one of 10 alumni present.

“One of our goals is to promote closer affiliation among the students,” Smith said. “It’s really great for us to see how the chapter is progressing and who is being involved.”

The weekend concluded with an alumni barbecue, providing another opportunity for current members to network with alums in the aviation field.

For Glynn Falcon, adjunct professor, Alpha Eta Rho adviser and an aviation alum who graduated in 1971, the annual weekend offers a chance for alumni to show appreciation and be a part of SJSU aviation history.

“Alpha Eta Rho is the glue which cements the Aviation Department together,” Falcon wrote. “They are active, involved, inventive and ahead of their time.”