Eastern Michigan University students from the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology spent a part of their 2022 spring break embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation welcomed 10 GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology engineering and aviation students and its dean, Mohamed Qatu, to its headquarters in Savannah, Ga., for an in-depth facility and aircraft tour.

Students in attendance were Suleyman Abdirahman, Preston Grew, Maks Jurasek, Michael Kowalski, Andrew Millett, Aidon Olligschlager, Abigail Richter, Nea Shaffer, Olivia Tomlinson, and Gabrielle Williams. These students were able to experience the Gulfstream G500 and G600 labs and manufacturing facility, as well as get a sneak peek at new innovations in aviation. Students spent time with Gulfstream engineers and human resources personnel to learn more about internships and careers in aviation.

GameAbove® and its advisory board coordinated and funded the trip, including transportation via private jet. The group sees this experience as the ultimate example of what GameAbove aspires to do for the students. It is an ongoing focus to provide opportunities for students to explore careers and have moments they would have never imagined.

Suleyman Abdirahman, a senior majoring in electrical engineering, emphasized how the trip meant a great deal to him as he explores his post-graduation career options. “As an engineering student, it was wonderful to tour Gulfstream’s research & development lab,” said Abdirahman. “To travel in the Gulfstream G650ER and then to see how the masterpiece is developed and assembled was inspiring.”

Nea Shaffer is also a senior working as a part-time airline fleet service clerk while completing her degree in aviation management. “There was so much to learn and take away from this trip,” said Shaffer. “To have that in-depth look into how Gulfstream manufactures its aircraft was great. Being able to fly in the jump seat and see the takeoff from Willow Run was a wonderful experience, and I appreciate the opportunity given to me.”

The trek to Gulfstream will not be the last trip of this kind. Part of GameAbove’s partnership with the College of Engineering and Technology is to connect EMU with leaders in S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, math) industries – such as automotive, unmanned aerial systems, and sustainability. “We are truly grateful and appreciative for GameAbove to bring this trip to fruition,” said Dean Qatu. “GameAbove continues to help us elevate the students, providing opportunities for them to explore and succeed. Our student experience is advancing on many levels, and we have GameAbove to thank for that.”