Roger Hougham

On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, Lewis University’s Aviation and Transportation Department experienced a “blast from the past!” Roger Hougham, who turned 95 years old in August, returned to campus to revisit his aviation roots. Hougham attended Lewis from 1954 to 1955 and served as a flight instructor at Lewis from 1955 to 1956. He and his friends, Bill Arbogast (who also attended Lewis and served as a Certified Flight Instructor in the 50’s), and Doug Reeves, all with the Prairie Aviation Museum in Bloomington, Illinois, made the trip to Lewis in honor of Roger’s upcoming birthday.

Roger Hougham served in the United States Marines Corps in air traffic control in the early 50’s. He earned single-engine certification during that time. He then spent a year as an aviation student at Lewis, and then a year as a flight instructor. In 1956, he joined Delta Airlines. Upon his retirement from Delta in 1989, he had flown more than 27,000 hours both domestically and internationally. During those years he flew both piston-driven and jet aircraft.  Up until recently, he owned and operated a Bonanza aircraft. Roger is a member and volunteer at Prairie Aviation Museum in Bloomington, Crosswinds Flying Club, and Experimental Aircraft Association Local 129.  Most recently, he has been helping the museum restore a Convair 880 flight simulator, a project of particular interest since he flew Convair 880’s with Delta Airlines.

While at Lewis in July, Roger, Doug, and Bill joined Aviation staff on a tour of the Aviation building, ting with students and faculty members.  Afterward, the group enjoyed coffee and sweets as they looked at Lewis aviation photos from the 1950’s. Roger shared stories of his days at Lewis and repeatedly commented on the impressive growth and dynamics of Lewis’ aviation program and facilities.

From everyone at Lewis University, Happiest 95^th Birthday wishes to Roger Houghton!