D. Kurt Humm Aviation Excellence Scholarship

The D. Kurt Humm Aviation Excellence Scholarship was created by Kurt’s family and friends to continue his legacy and impact in the aviation industry.

Greatly influenced by his uncle, Stanley Humm, Kurt began his aviation career at the age of 12, with a 15-minute flying lesson in a single engine Cessna 150. As the saying goes, the rest was history.

Kurt’s choice of SIU for college, led him to the position of Co-Captain for the Flying Salukis Team. In 1981 and 1982, Kurt helped lead his team to back-to-back National Champion titles. After graduation in 1982, Kurt worked as a Primary/Instrument flight instructor at Priester Aviation. During this time, at 24 years old, Kurt was selected by the Illinois Air National Guard’s 183rd Tactical Fighter group to begin United States Air Force Pilot training, one of the happiest days of his life. Kurt received his Air Force Wings on October 12th, 1984. He went on to complete Fighter Lead in Training, Land and Water survival as well as POW training, culminating with graduation from F-4 D Phantom school. Kurt exceled in F-4D training and was awarded the TOP GUN distinction.

Kurt flew the F-4D as a Mission Ready Aircraft Commander until the fall of 1989, when the 183rd transitioned to F-16s. Kurt flew F-16s for 2 years before choosing to spend more time with his growing family.

In 1987, Kurt was hired by American Airlines and began his career as a 727 Flight Engineer. His progression at American was to 727 Co-Pilot, 757 International Co-Pilot, then to MD-80 Captain. Kurt’s airline career was cut short after surviving an aortic dissection in 1999.

Kurt married his wife Christi, an American Airlines flight attendant on May 21st, 1989. They had many fun adventures flying trips together. They were blessed with three beautiful daughters, Kyli, Taylor and Mackenzi. Eventually adding to their family three wonderful son-in-law’s Drew, Chris and Joe. Their grandbabies include Oliver, Maverick, Kinsley, Waverly and Riley.

Kurt worked hard to build an RV-12 aircraft, which gave him much joy. He was proudly inducted into the QBs, Chicago Hangar.

• Scholarship for students in Aviation Flight and Aviation Management.