For more information, contact Cindy Young, (937) 775-3232.

May 3, 1999

WRIGHT STATE TO AWARD HONORARY DEGREE
TO WRIGHT BROTHERS’ DESCENDANT

The Wright State University Board of Trustees will confer the honorary Doctor of Humane Letters on G. Wilkinson “Wick” Wright, grand-nephew of Wilbur and Orville Wright and representative for the historic family.

Since 1976, Wright State has awarded honorary degrees to individuals to recognize their outstanding individual contributions to society. Wright will receive the honor for his efforts in preserving Dayton’s aviation heritage, and for supporting Wright State through his promotion of the legacy of its famous namesakes.

Wright was instrumental in the selection of Wright State as the home of the Wright Brothers Collection, the world’s most complete repository of original documents, memorabilia and personal photographs of the Wright Brothers.

According to Victoria Montavon, university librarian, Wright is eager to draw on his own knowledge of the Wright Brothers to explain their materials, providing missing links and making new connections in the collection. He also serves as a “tireless ambassador” for drawing aviation enthusiasts and scholars to Wright State to study the historical items. “He is most generous with his time and resources in supporting the Wright Brothers Collection and aviation history overall,” Montavon said. Wright continued his support of higher education as the founder and past president of the Wright State University Friends of the Library, and as a past member of the WSU Foundation.

Wright is renowned for distinguishing Dayton’s role in early aviation history. He participated in drafting legislation creating the Wright-Dunbar State Heritage Commission, and lobbied for the passage of the Dayton Aviation Heritage Preservation Act. He also serves as the Governor of Ohio’s representative on North Carolina’s First Flight Centennial Commission, and is a member of the 2003 Committee Board of Trustees for the region’s celebration of a century of powered flight.

“Mr. Wright’s selfless contributions to the promotion of aviation history, both locally and nationally, stand as a testament to his commitment to learning and the preservation of history,” said retired U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Charles D. Metcalf.

Wright’s lifelong support of the Miami Valley has earned him three awards honoring exceptional volunteerism, most notably the Aviation Trail Award in 1998. He serves in numerous boards and committees, and strives to have aviation history included in the curriculum of area schools.

Wright will receive his degree at Wright State’s June 12 commencement ceremony.

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