Lewis Alumni Feature: Elliott Eiden '18

-

Growing up, Elliott’s father was a private pilot and aviation enthusiast. Sharing his passion with Elliott, they would build and fly remote control planes and go to airshows together. Elliott was exploring careers during high school, and learned about the Lewis University aviation program and was eager for the opportunity to pursue the dreams he had as a young boy.

 In 2018, Elliott graduated from Lewis with a double major in Aviation Maintenance Management and Aerospace Technology. He received a minor in Unmanned Aircraft Systems and has his Airframe and Powerplant license. He is also a private pilot. Elliott is currently employed as a mechanic for a private corporate jet. 

In 2020, an opportunity presented itself that would take his love of aviation to a new height. He and his father purchased a privately owned, public use turf airport, which was likely to close like others in the area. Their desire was to save Camp Lake Airport in Salem, Wisconsin and return it to a vibrant spot for events, camaraderie and learning.

 The airport has been in existence since the 1940’s.  It needed restoration from the ground up, which has proven to be a challenge. With Elliott’s drive, love of aviation and vision to create a close-knit community, that keeps the project going when he is not working. Camp Lake Airport is now home to many planes and ultralights. The feedback from the community has been very positive. Currently, there is a waiting list for hangar space, and he has received support for some of the renovations. Elliott hosted his first fly-in cook-out last summer and plans to have many more, adding additional recreation opportunities for the community. Elliott plans to offer students in local schools to visit and learn more about aviation.

 “Lewis University opened the doors to aviation for me in a big way,” says Elliott. “My teachers showed me all the amazing opportunities that would be awaiting me after graduation. I have my wonderful teachers and advisors to thank for helping me through school and working with me constantly, so that when I graduated, I could choose the path in aviation that was right for me.”

 Elliott gained a great amount of inspiration from his dad as a young boy. Combined with the constant support from his mom and his passion for planes, led him to pursue a calling and make a difference in both the aviation industry and his community. Elliott hopes that his hard work will inspire youth, just like his dad inspired him to find passion in aviation. He hopes they chase their dreams while making a difference in the world around them.

“My hope in restoring Camp Lake Airport is to keep a small turf airport open for public use. The airport is in a great spot in Kenosha County!”

Popular posts from this blog

Traci Gaydos ’02

-
Image
Lights, curtains, action! Traci Gaydos ’02 came to Lewis University to study Theatre and Music. While pursuing her BA in Theatre, she stumbled upon Stage Management. Stage Management was the springboard for her successful career in event production because it provided her with a transferable skillset. “My Lewis Experience was exactly what I needed for that time in my life: highly connected instructors who met my individual learning style and needs, and a department full of folks cheering each other on to success on and off the stage,” explains Gaydos. After graduating from Lewis and interning at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, Traci applied to the University of Illinois’ MFA program in Stage Management.   After completing her MFA, she continued in opera and theatre production roles until she landed the Production Manager and Marketing Director role for the University of Northern Iowa’s Theatre Department. Traci stayed in Cedar Rapids for three years before being selected to serve as
Read more

Lewis Alumni Spotlight: Jaylen Bush '21

-
Image
Black History Month Alumni Spotlight: Jaylen Bush '21 For Jaylen, Black History Month has always been about celebrating the beauties of Black Excellence. Black Excellence is a mindset, and those we highlight this month had, or have, that mindset, according to Jaylen. "Through adversities and tragedies spanning from the darkest days of, not only American history but of our world’s history, Black Americans have fought tirelessly to make all peoples question: 'What kind of country, what kind of world, are we going to be?'" It is Jaylen's hope that we all use this as a time to reflect on ways to, not only celebrate, but also spread beauty and love throughout the world. For him, this is something he is committed to each and every day - especially as he begins his career and paves his own path for excellence. Growing up, Jaylen took part in after-school programs that were sponsored by the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP). This connection led him
Read more

Garret A. Eisin MSN, RN '68 '93

-
Image
Fostering community through service has been part of Lewis University’s mission since its inception. Lewis alum, Garret A. Eisin MSN, RN ‘68 ’93, exemplifies these values through his vocation as a Registered Nurse whose passion is to help our nation’s heroes.  Garret’s story began in 1968 when he graduated from Lewis University with his Sociology degree. By 1969, Garret had enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a medic at Letterman Army Medical Center, San Francisco. After serving as a medic, he enrolled at Saint Xavier University School of Nursing and graduated with a BSN in 1974. Eisen then began his nursing career as a Registered Nurse at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, where impacted the lives of his patients through his dedicated service. He later returned to Lewis and graduated in 1993 with a Master’s in Nursing. Eisin acknowledged the important role Lewis played in his life in better preparing him to live out his calling as a nurse. Garret stated, “My education at Lewis Univer
Read more