Widick, a University flight instructor since 1987, received the Flight Instructor of the Year Award from the Federal Aviation Administration Great Lakes Region which spans seven Midwestern states.

He was selected by his peers from a list of hundreds of eligible flight instructors from the region.

Jean Biggs, assistant professor in aviation flight who won the award in 1986, said Widick’s quality performance as a flight instructor helped Widick capture the award.

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Widick is a professional instructor who deserved the award, Biggs said. I am glad he received the award because it shows what kind of faculty we have here at SIUC.

Widick manages over 50 flight instructors, mechanics, fuel service people, and oversees the maintenance of 33 SIUC aircraft’s, while training about 250 pilots at any given time, Biggs said.

Widick said he was not expecting to receive the award but feels honored that he did.

I was so surprised to get the award, I did not even know two minutes before that I was getting it., Widick said Getting the award was an honor of a life time for me.

I got interested in flying when I was just a youngster, I have always loved flying., Widick said.

Ronald C. Reeder, director of SIUC’s flight services said, Widick is an asset to the aviation program.

Three FAA officials from Springfield flew to Carbondale Aug. 14 to present the award to Widick.

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