Sun Devils in the sky
From left: ASU alumni pilots Kenny Armijo, Andrew Vandertoorn and Austin Thompson. Photo by Kaley Severn/ASU
“Today was probably one of the most rewarding days I’ve had at ASU."
That was the sentiment given by Andrew Vandertoorn, a C-17 evaluator pilot, first officer and 2002 Arizona State University graduate, after he joined two fellow ASU alums to fly a group of ROTC cadets over the Grand Canyon in a two-hour C-17 flight on Oct. 16 — followed by an exclusive tour of the aircraft.
“Our mission today was to take the pitchfork and hand it to them, inspiring the next generation of future aviators,” he said. “We had a lot of discussion about leadership and things that we use to make us better officers.”
In addition to his responsibilities as a first officer, Vandertoorn serves on the National Alumni Council for the ASU Alumni Association and is the co-chair for the Tillman Honor Run Committee. He was part of the inaugural cohort of the ASU Leadership Institute and recognizes the importance of staying engaged to help shape the future of the Sun Devil community.
“I wouldn’t be anywhere if it wasn’t for ASU. … As an alumni, it’s great to be able to do this and give back,” he said.
Kenny Armijo, 2018 ASU graduate and pilot alongside Vandertoorn, reflected on his own journey as an alum, emphasizing his path from student worker to Air Force pilot.
“It’s pretty cool to always look back and see that meeting Vandertoorn while I was a student worker at Old Main led me to where I’m at today,” Armijo said, crediting his interactions with Vandertoorn as an essential stepping stone in joining the Air Force.
ASU’s flying program sets students up for success, and the instructors have extensive industry experience, according to Armijo. Their mentorship left a lasting impression on him, as they shared valuable lessons from their own careers, inspiring him to continue pursuing his passion.
Later that day, the mentorship experience came full circle as the cohort of Barrett, The Honors College professional flight students toured the aircraft.
“I believe the ASU alumni who brought the C-17 showed such a wonderful and unique example of where aviation can take you,” said Brayden Cummings, a second-year ASU and professional flight student engagement assistant. “I think all the students appreciated and understood that their training can pay off in a way that can have them flying the same aircraft that was brought in.”
As a student worker, Cummings is dedicated to fostering a supportive community for other Barrett aviation students, believing that forming lasting connections makes a significant impact.
“I would love to come back at any point, even as an alumni, and help inspire the next wave of Barrett aviation, and show them just how far they can go. I want to be able to get to that position to give back,” Cummings said.
Cummings believes that the tour motivated students to continue pursuing their goals, noting that ASU is equipping him with the necessary training to accomplish his lifelong goal of becoming a designated pilot examiner.
“We’re extremely grateful that they were able to come out, show us their operation and take the time to teach us about how every system works,” Cummings said.
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