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

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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 (ERAU) is celebrating its centennial this year, marking 100 years since its establishment in 1926.
Initially launched in 1925 as an aviation services company, ERAU evolved into the premier aerospace university in the world, expanding far beyond pilot training.
The university's current success is attributed to its dedicated community, strong partnerships, financial growth, and a forward-looking vision for shaping the future of aviation and aerospace.

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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.