2024 FRED A. TUPPER/DEBBIE BANMAN GISKIE SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA

Tract 1 - Student track for airport management/administration:

Enrolled in or attending an airport management/administration university program. Enrollment to attend an upcoming semester/term is considered eligible.

To be eligible for this track, the applicant may be a Kansas resident and attend an in-state or out of state school OR a non-resident student attending a school in Kansas (for non-Kansas residents, preference will be given to those who are attending at least one in-person class in Kansas).

Tract 2 - Student track for aviation/aircraft related technical school:

Enrolled in or attending an aviation/aircraft related technical school to, once completed, enter the aviation community.Examples of aviation/aircraft related programs are UAS, electronics, mechanics, maintenance, composites, and professional pilot (must already have a private pilot license and be working to earn an advanced certificate such as instrument, commercial, multi-engine, flight instructor or flight instructor instrument. Please provide a scanned copy of your pilot certificate with your application). Enrollment to attend an upcoming semester/term is considered eligible.

To be eligible for this track, the applicant may be a Kansas resident and attend an in-state or out of state school OR a non-resident student attending a school in Kansas (for non-Kansas residents, preference will be given to those who are attending at least one in-person class in Kansas).

Tract 3 - Professional track:

AAAE certification programs such as accredited airport executive, certified member, airport certified employee, airport rescue firefighter, and airport security coordinator. An applicant may apply for a scholarship prior to enrolling or completing a certification process; however, the scholarship will not be paid to the applicant until proof of successful completion of the certification is provided to KAA.

To be eligible for this tract the applicant must be employed with a business/school within the State of Kansas.

Applicant’s Essay

Provide an essay of your aviation interests, goals, experiences, awards, etc. as well as plans for school or career within the aviation community. The essay shall be no more than one page, double spaced, signed and dated by the applicant.

Sponsor’s Letter of Recommendation

An airport/school/business must sponsor the applicant by providing a Sponsor’s Letter of Recommendation (no more than one, double spaced page). The Sponsor’s Letter of Recommendation shall indicate their relationship with the applicant and knowledge of the applicant’s aviation interests and experience. The letter shall be on the sponsor’s letterhead, signed and dated by a representative of the airport/school/business.

Application

For an application to be considered these items must be received before 5:00 p. m. CST, December 17, 2024:

1. A completed and signed scholarship application
2. The applicant’s essay
3. A copy of the applicant’s driver’s license (and pilot certificate, if applying under the professional pilot student track)
4. The Sponsor’s Letter of Recommendation
5. Evidence of entry into or attendance at an accredited, airport management related program described in Details section. If not currently enrolled in an eligible program indicate your intent to enter such program within the six months timeframe indicated.

Award of Scholarships

The scholarship committee will review all eligible applications and select the applicants that most closely meets the purpose of the scholarship program and advances the mission of the Kansas Association of Airports.

It is the intent of the Kansas Association of Airports to deposit the scholarship payment into the student’s school account; however, under some circumstances, payment will be issued directly to the scholarship recipient once all conditions are satisfied. If the winner is not currently in an eligible program the scholarship winner has six months from the award of scholarship to provide evidence of attendance in an eligible program. Once that evidence is provided the scholarship payment will be made.

Miscellaneous

The Kansas Association of Airports reserves the right to not award a scholarship and to waive irregularities. An application received after the deadline or is incomplete is subject to not being considered.

The Kansas Association of Airports will endeavor to keep the personal information contained in the application confidential.

All other things being deemed equal, the application received first will receive preference as will those that have not received a prior KAA scholarship.

Information provided beyond what is requested will not be evaluated. The scholarship chair and point of contact is:

John Oswald, P. E.   Airport Engineering and Planning Manager

Wichita Airport Authority

2173 Air Cargo Road

Wichita, Kansas 67209

316-946-4700 (w)

airportengineer@wichita.gov

Click HERE for the Scholarship Application Form                  Click HERE for the ScholarshipCriteria

Fred A. Tupper

Kansas Association of Airports (KAA) Annual Scholarship is established in the memory and honor of one of the Associations, original and charter members Fred A. Tupper.  Fred Tupper was the Airport Manager of Winfield-Arkansas City Strother Field Airport for many years, beginning his airport administration career in 1969. 

In addition to his membership in the KAA, Fred was also an active member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) and the South Central Chapter of the AAAE, as well as an active member in many local civic and community organizations.

Prior to coming to the Winfield, Kansas area Fred was a career U.S. Army officer, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.  He was a combat veteran of World War II and in addition to other battle campaigns, participated in the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944.  Fred was combat wounded in 1945.  He was also a combat veteran of the Korean War.

The KAA selected Fred A. Tupper as the honorary of its scholarship program because of the high standards, values, ideals, image and respect that he represented and brought to our industry.  

The Kansas Association of Airports Fred A. Tupper Scholarship program is making available a $1,500 scholarship for Kansas citizens 18 years and older which are also U.S. citizens for the purpose of promoting individuals entering into or advancing their airport management career.  

Debbie Sue Banman Giskie

The Kansas Association of Airports (KAA) Professional Scholarship is established in recognition and memory of Debbie Sue Banman Giskie a long time member of the KAA as well the association’s Secretary/Treasurer for many years. Debbie was born in Topeka and raised in Newton graduating from Newton High School in 1973.  Debbie and her husband, Edgar, moved to Liberal in 1976 where they raised two children, Matthew and Angela.

Debbie’s public service career began with the City of Liberal in October 1976 and over her 44 years with the City her positions included Airport Manager for the Liberal Mid-America Regional Airport, City Clerk, interim City Manager and staff liaison to Arkalon Park.  She worked diligently to improve the security and image of the airport with one of her major achievements, benefitting the community and region, included attaining direct air service to Denver.  Her community involvement included the Lions Club, past president; International Pancake Day, board member and manager of its talent show; Original Town of Liberal Revitalization, board member; Soroptimist Club; Chamber of Commerce, board member; Mid-America Air Museum, board member; Lego Robotics Program volunteer and tournament judge.

The KAA selected Debbie Sue Banman Giskie as the honoree of its professional scholarship program because of the high standards, values, ideals, image and respect that she represented and brought to our industry.