Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Launches Centennial Celebration

School president invites all three campuses to participate in the special event.

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 09:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University president Barry Butler addresses staff and faculty at the state of the university address in the school's ICI Center, in Daytona Beach on August 22, 2025. [Courtesy: ERAU/David Massey]

Key Takeaways:

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is celebrating its centennial, marking a century since its founding in 1926 as an aviation education provider.
The university has evolved from its origins to become the "premier aerospace university in the world," expanding beyond pilot training to offer a wide range of programs.
ERAU's current success is attributed to strong leadership, financial health, and the collective efforts of its staff, students, faculty, alumni, and strategic partners.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Most pilots know December 17, 1903, as the day that changed the world when the Wright brothers made their first successful flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.

December 17, 1925, is also an important date in the aviation world, as it was the day T. Higbee Embry and John Paul Riddle decided to go into business together, launching the Embry-Riddle Company. At first the company performed a variety of aviation services, then settled into providing aviation education, and eventually evolved into the powerhouse known today.