Jetrader - Summer 2015 - 48

ISTAT foundation

Foundation Forges Ahead Under

New Leadership
Damon J. D'Agostino
ISTAT Foundation
Chairman
It is an honor to accept the role as the ISTAT
Foundation chairman for 2015-2016. Over
the past four years, I have witnessed the
ways in which the foundation has served
the aviation community, and I am excited
to lead the effort going forward. The foundation is comprised of many impressive
people; it is humbling to work with such
a diverse mixture of talent. First and foremost, I would like to thank the previous
chairman, Todd Freeman; his leadership has
allowed me to hit the ground running. I
would also like to acknowledge our outgoing trustees Mark Dunnachie, Joe Ozimek,
Murrae Ross-Eskell and Warren Willits for
their work and contributions during their
tenure. At the same time, I am excited
to welcome our newest trustees: Robert
Agnew, Robert Gates and Betsy Snyder. As
I reflect on all the foundation members,
the depth of their experience and passion is
overwhelmingly evident and will lead us to
climb to new heights. Since 1994, the foundation has provided many organizations
and individuals with means to reach their
aviation goals. I look forward to upholding
the high standards and prestige of the ISTAT
name as we climb to those new heights.
A key objective of mine is to make certain that you, our members, are aware of
the work of the foundation. We are making
a significant impact in a number of areas
starting with the students, our source of
future talent. In 2014, the foundation
awarded 41 students with scholarships
totaling $355,000 to help further their
aviation studies. These funds have been
distributed at 33 universities across 13
different countries. We should all celebrate

these figures; they represent an impressive
accomplishment and hold a value greater
than the dollar amount. As professionals
who identify with the struggles of college
students, it is important that we continue
to leave a lasting legacy and set the trend
to pay it forward.
In addition to helping offset the cost of
an aviation education, one of our goals is to
provide the knowledge and skills necessary
to work at a member company. One of our
latest developments, ISTAT University, is
in its first phase of a two-semester course
at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Currently, 19 students are becoming wellversed in the aircraft finance and leasing
industry through the ISTAT U program.
Providing specialized education creates
opportunities for students, allows them
to hit the ground running and benefits
employers searching for educated talent.
The education committee is currently working on phase two, which will offer this
specialized curriculum to students globally through a distance learning web-based
format starting in 2016.
As we enter the summer, the ISTAT
internship program has seen strong interest
from over 120 students. The committee has
created a well-developed program starting
with the application process. The intern
web portal allows students to apply for
multiple internships with one submission
and employers to find an intern from a pool
of talented candidates. At the conclusion
of the summer, the foundation awards a
stipend to offset travel and housing to
interns placed through our program, ensuring cost is not a factor when matching a
company with the best candidate. I am
confident that those fortunate enough to
be selected for a summer internship will
have a rich and rewarding experience while
making meaningful contributions to their
employers.

48 The official publication of the International Society of Transport Aircraft Trading

It is the gift of opportunity that we strive
to give, and not just to students. The foundation is actively involved with humanitarian organizations designed to promote
human welfare, save lives and alleviate suffering with respect to aviation awareness
and education. In 2014, the foundation was
able to restore basic necessities to those in
need through organizations such as Aviation
Without Borders, Airlink, Angel Flight NE,
AMREF Flying Doctors, the Royal Australian
Flying Doctor Service, and the Icelandic
Association for Search and Rescue.
Focused on building the industry from all
levels, the foundation's grant committee
offers direct funding to nonprofit organizations aimed at developing aviation programs. In 2014, $95,000 was awarded to 12
institutions in five different countries. The
goal is to support programs that advance
commercial aviation and simulate interest worldwide. We look forward to further
development and continuing to expand our
global reach in 2015 and beyond.
Each committee is dedicated to reaching as many lives as possible. The foundation will continue to focus on providing
scholarships, education, internships, grants
and support for humanitarian programs.
Of course, all of these great things cannot
happen without your support. Over the
coming years, I will work hard to ensure the
proper stewardship of the funds you provide, and continue to communicate how we
are changing lives and spreading our wings.
I am beginning my term as chairman
during a very exciting time for the ISTAT
Foundation, and I am thankful to have a
passionate, creative team to work alongside. Our ambitions are limitless in the
number of scholarships, organizations and
lives that can be touched. I look forward to
seeing you in Prague, and other upcoming
ISTAT events, and sharing more about our
activities to date.

Jetrader - Summer 2015

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Jetrader - Summer 2015