Strzempkowski honored with university Distinguished Staff Award

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The Distinguished Staff Awards, the university’s highest staff recognition, annually honor individuals for their exceptional leadership, accomplishments and service to The Ohio State University.

Center for Aviation Studies Assistant Director Brian Strzempkowski was one of 13 recipients of the 2020 awards.

[Brian Strzempkowski with Brutus Buckeye] Brian Strzempkowski with Brutus BuckeyeStrzempkowski was honored for his instrumental role in making Ohio State one of 20 universities worldwide to teach the Aircraft Dispatch Program. His contributions have resulted in a comprehensive curricular change and created online teaching methods that will be implemented by the Federal Aviation Administration for students nationwide.

Strzempkowski, a 13-year employee of the College of Engineering, said he could not have accomplished what he has in the last 20 years at Ohio State without the help of his colleagues and students.

“If there is one lesson that this institution has repeatedly taught me it’s that nothing is accomplished alone,” he said. “It takes a diverse group of people and talents to make this university operate.”

The Aircraft Dispatch Program provides Ohio State aviation students a pathway to potential additional career opportunities. Certified aircraft dispatchers provide essential services to airlines, communicating important information to pilots and crews before and during flights. Strzempkowski’s dedication to implementing the program at Ohio State and enhancing national teaching methods will impact thousands of students for years to come.

Yet for all his work, Strzempkowski recognizes the power of teamwork in this accomplishment.

“I am truly humbled to have been recognized with this award because there are some amazing and dedicated people at this university. I’m very thankful for the recognition, but the credit goes to each person who has helped me and taught me something along the way.”