Dr. Radford's Interest in Aviation

Dr. Radford's passion for aviation grows out of his beliefs and experiences. He firmly believes that aviation inspires dreamers and innovators. He believes the study of aviation can cause students, who might otherwise tend to operate at the "margin," to see value in the core subjects, and thus improve their education. Likewise, advanced learners can be greatly challenged by the subject. Further, aviation in some form will always be with us as we continue to fly farther and faster, through space. For the past century, aviation and exploration has played a major role in the economic development of the Pacific Northwest. From a historical perspective, it is important that young people have a grasp of the ways aviation has impacted our development as a society, as well as some of the exciting careers in aviation for women and men. Lastly, his personal passion for aviation is driven in a significant way by his experiences being denied this opportunity as a result of the legalized racial discrimination policies of our government in the 1940's. These discriminatory policies continued until President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981, July 26, 1948, proclaiming an end to segregation in the U.S. Armed Forces.