A Lasting Legacy I don't view this as a job. I view what I do as a calling.
S
usan "Sue" Veverka's humor about her impressive eighteen-year tenure as an Aviation History and Mathematics instructor at PIA Pittsburgh, can be found in one of her family's favorite jokes: Who will retire first, her or one of her sons?” With a robust passion and deep-rooted pride in helping mold the aviation technicians of tomorrow, there is a great value in the lifelong impact Veverka’s contributions have had on so many students who are now industry professionals. This becomes evident to her students from the first words she speaks at orientation: "Welcome to PIA. This is your first day, and you are buying into our reputation which speaks volumes in the industry." Before a student at the Pittsburgh Campus begins to physically work on an aircraft as part of their program, they must pass Aviation History. "They need to get a feeling for what it was like when people only dreamed of flying. They have to feel it. I really strive for them to not only understand that but really feel it," said Veverka on the deeper purpose of the course. This creates a tri-fold connection between past, present and future. She passes on a respect for the past of aviation that students use as they continue their education, learning the technical and mechanical aspects applicable to present day aviation. Veverka brings an avant-garde approach to teaching her mathematics class, easing many students’ apprehension of being able to succeed by directly relating course material to aviation. She relates an algebraic equation to the balancing of weight on an aircraft. Just as an aircraft has a concise calculation to be properly balanced, so does an equation. To solve the equation by balancing it is the goal. Creative analogies like this help put her students in a more confident position to succeed. Her unofficial continued on next page
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FALL STRATUS '22 ——————————————————————
