Norwood, a member of the SIU Board of Trustees, was the first black pilot hired by United Airlines and the first to achieve the rank of captain. He will make his last flight this Monday before he retires from United.

More than 400 fans cheered Tuesday as United honored Norwood’s achievements in aviation and education by painting his name on the side of the United 727 at the Take Flight exhibit of the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.

Never in our wildest dreams did we think this was going to happen, Norwood’s wife Molly said. He has always worked so hard and said if you have a dream, you should set your goals and work hard. Then you can achieve just about anything.

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Norwood gave this advice as part of National Black History Month to 100 youngsters at the museum.

During the ceremony, I wanted to make a positive impression on those kids’ lives, Norwood said. They could run into choices that are either good or unhealthy; instead, they could make the right choices if they work hard and take advantage of every opportunity.

Born in Centralia, Norwood said he was inspired to fly by a Lincoln Elementary School teacher who was a member of the Tuskegee Airmen, a black fighter squadron.

Norwood attended SIUC, where he began his flying experience in a Cessna 172 through the University and as an ROTC cadet.

He was the first black SIU quarterback and was inducted into the University’s Hall of Fame.

He graduated with a degree in chemistry in 1959 and served six years in the Air Force flying with the Strategic Air Command.

In 1965, a year after the Civil Rights Act was passed, Norwood said he was hired by United Airlines.

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When Bill was first hired, there was a lot of pressure on his career as a pilot, Molly said. Many people were waiting for Bill to do something wrong, but there were others who had faith in Bill’s flying abilities.

Bill said he saw some passengers leave the plane because they saw him sitting in the pilot’s seat, she said. However, negativism wasn’t a big issue for Bill.

Connie Huff, of United Airlines, said Norwood won numerous honors over the years, including United’s 1991 Community Relations Award and the airline’s Flight Operations Division Special Achievement Award.

He said he currently flies DC-10s between Chicago and Honolulu for United and has flown Boeing 727s, 757s and 767s throughout his career as a commercial pilot.

In addition, Norwood said he has served as a trustee of SIUC since 1974, and he is on the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

SIU President Ted Sanders said Norwood is a great asset to the University and the Board of Trustees.

As chair of the Academic Matters Committee, he’s done a good job, Sanders said. He also is a highly involved alumnus at SIUC, which makes him a more effective board member.

Molly said people from all over the country are flying in for his Feb. 17 retirement party at the Hyatt Regency Hotel at O’Hare Airport in Chicago.

Many of our guests are his Air Force and football buddies, she said.

John Edwardson, president and chief operating officer of United, will lead United executives, pilots, employees and friends in saluting Norwood for his achievements and his contributions to higher education.

Norwood said he plans to spend more time with his family after retiring.

Joe Shacter, executive assistant to the president of Museum of Science and Industry, said the ceremony was not only exciting but that hopefully it served a purpose for children who want their dreams to come true.

We are thrilled with the inspirational message Captain Norwood delivered to the children surrounding him, he said. This is exactly the kind of ceremony that we have in mind as we celebrate Black History Month and influence young minds through the museum’s annual exhibitions.