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Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology (Formerly Casey Jones School of Aeronautics) In 1932, Charles S. “Casey” Jones, a pioneer aviator and aviation company executive, foresaw the need for highly trained technicians to design, build and service aircraft and engines. George A. Vaughn Jr. and Lee D. Warrender joined with Casey Jones in founding the Casey Jones School of Aeronautics, the predecessor of the Academy of Aeronautics, and as of September 1986, the College of Aeronautics. Effective September 1, 2004, the Board of Regents of the state of New York approved the institution changing its name from the College of Aeronautics to Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology.
Founders Casey Jones (2nd from left) and George A. Vaughn (front right) greeted Air Force Training Command Chiefs, as the Academy was awarded an efficiency banner for its training programs in WW II.
Founders Casey Jones, George A. Vaughn Jr. and Lee D. Warrender (2nd, 3rd, and 4th from left) accept the Air Force award.
Mayor LaGuardia laid the cornerstone of the Academy building in 1940, shortly after the opening of LaGuardia Airport.
Mayor LaGuardia wanted an aviation school to teach and train young people in the aviation technologies at his new airport. At the time, his friend and flying comrade of WW I, Charles (“Casey”) S. Jones, was operating the Casey Jones School of Aeronautics near Newark Airport. In early 1940, the mayor convinced Casey to establish a school near LaGuardia airport, across the Grand Central Parkway. It was founded by Jones, a well known racing pilot of the twenties, George A. Vaughn Jr., second ranking ace of WW I, and Lee D. Warrender, an aeronautical engineer. Following WW II, the Casey Jones school was consolidated with the Academy of Aeronautics, and returned to the civilian aviation industry.
In the fall of 1964, the Academy of Aeronautics conferred associate in applied science degrees for the first time, and, in 1969, the Academy was accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. In 1996, the College completely revised its curricula offering, resulting in nine new academic programs, including for the first time, the bachelor of science and an associate degree in flight. On May 5, 1998, a state-of-the-art 35,000-square-foot addition to the building complex was completed. It includes a 65-foot observation tower providing a spectacular view of the runways at LaGuardia airport. Today, the college is a four year, private institution with bachelor and associate degrees in engineering technology, aviation and management. Vaughn College is offering its first graduate program in airport management beginning with the spring 2008 semester. Vaughn College will house the Aline Rhonie mural depicting early aviation, donated by the Long Island Early Fliers Club. Aline Rhonie and George A. Vaughn Jr. pictured below viewing her mural.
Article written by David Horn, with Vaughn College. © 2008 The Long Island Early Fliers Club, P.O. Box 221, Bethpage, NY 11714-0221 • info@longislandearlyfliers.org |
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