Sully Receives Purdue ‘Medal of Excellence’

November 12, 2010 — He’s known as the Young Eagles co-chairman, Sully, and the Hero of the Hudson. But today Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger will also be known as only the second recipient of Purdue University’s Neil Armstrong Medal of Excellence, WXIN-TV reported. Sullenberger, a Purdue alumnus, will receive the medal from Armstrong, the first astronaut to step foot on the moon who is also a Purdue University alumnus. The Neil Armstrong Medal of Excellence recognizes individuals who have embodied the same pioneer spirit, determination and dedication that distinguished Armstrong's exploration of space and his later roles as a businessman and scholar. "We are honored to present this medal to Sully Sullenberger, whose skill, composure and courage in the face of a singular challenge saved the lives of everyone aboard that US Airways Airbus," said Purdue President France A. Córdova. "The poise and dignity he displayed in receiving the international acclaim that has followed set him apart as a true American hero." The Armstrong Medal is given at the discretion of the Purdue Board of Trustees. The final recommendations are subject to review and approval by Armstrong prior to being submitted to the president. Just after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport on January 15, 2009, a flock of geese took out both engines on his US Airways airliner. Sullenberger told his passengers to brace for a hard landing   and then set the plane down safely on the Hudson River. He stayed on board until all 155 passengers and crew were safely off the plane. Sully retired from US Airways on March 3, 2010, and serves as co-chairman of EAA’s Young Eagles with Jeff Skiles, who served as first officer on the historic flight.

Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, co-chairman of the EAA Young Eagles program, is the second recipient of Purdue University’s Neil Armstrong Medal of Excellence. Photo credit: EAA Sullenberger was awarded the Armstrong Medal of Excellence on November 12, 2010 from Purdue University. Photo credit: Purdue University

• 2012 - 02/22 - Borschberg Begins Simulated 72-Hour Solar Flight
• 2012 - 02/20 - NASA Celebrates 50 Years of Americans in Space
• 2012 - 02/16 - Tiny Robots Swarm Fly in Formation
• 2012 - 02/16 - Civil War Balloon Replica to Take Flight This Summer
• 2012 - 02/09 - Application Deadline Approaches for EAA Scholarship