Aviation News Item: 11519

16th Aug 2010

Source: kansas.com

Velma Wallace has been named the first recipient of the Wichita Aero Club Trophy honoring those with strong ties to the Wichita area who have made significant achievements or contributions in the aviation or aerospace industries.

Wallace, a Wichita native, is the wife of former Cessna Aircraft chairman Dwane Wallace. Dwane Wallace died in 1989.

Velma Wallace is a single-engine and multi-engine pilot and remains active in Wichita and in aviation through her involvement with Wichita State University's College of Engineering.

More than 200 students have been named Wallace Scholars at WSU.

"Her influence has been felt throughout the aerospace community because of the ongoing interest and personal relationships she has maintained with Wallace Scholars over many years," said Wichita Aero Club executive director Dave Franson.

Many engineers at Wichita's aviation companies have been helped by the scholarships, Franson said.

Wallace will be honored at the Wichita Aero Club's ball Sept. 18 at the Wichita Airport Hilton. The trophy will be awarded annually.

Tickets to the ball may be purchased by calling 316-681-4471 or 316-641-5962 or by going to www.wichitaaeroclub.org. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The Wichita Aero Club was founded in 2008.

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