Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarships
Perpetual Scholarships

We honor the following 99s members who, along with their families and friends, made substantial contributions to the 99s AE Scholarship Fund, establishing scholarships that will benefit women pilots in perpetuity. To learn how you can make such a donation or bequest, please contact Dr. Jacqueline Boyd, Chairman, AEMSF.

Jane Zieber Kelley Memorial Scholarship of the Aeons

Jane Kelley (1935-1978) of the Aloha Chapter was setting aside her earnings as flight instructor in order to buy an aerobatic airplane in 1974 when her family pitched in to get her a Pitts Special for Mother's Day. She went on to become an accomplished aerobatics competitor and judge, and also earned her airline transport pilot and seaplane ratings. In 1979 this first perpetual scholarship was established in Jane's memory from funds donated by her family and 99s members.

 

Gerda Ruhnke Memorial Flight Instructor Scholarship

Gerda Ruhnke (1939-1987) was in 1959 one of the first women pilots in her native Uruguay. A respected flight instructor in Washington DC, Gerda was instructing a new student when her plane crashed under very suspicious circumstances. The Washington DC Chapter raised the funds to establish this scholarship in 1988, to memorialize Gerda and her inspiration to teach with courage, enthusiasm, and the love of teaching and flying.

Gerry Mickelsen Memorial Scholarship

Geraldine "Gerry" Mickelsen (1913-1990) learned to fly in 1935 and served as a Women's Airforce Service Pilot during World War II and flew in seven Powder Puff Derbies. As 99s President from 1953-1955, Gerry coordinated The 99s headquarters move from New York to Oklahoma City, and personally presented yearly compilations of the history of The 99s to the Smithsonian Institution, a practice which continues to this day. Gerry generously bequeathed the funds to establish this perpetual scholarship.

 

Alice Hammond Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship honors Past President Alice Carstens Hirschman Hammond (1907-1993). Alice learned to fly in a Curtiss Wright Jr. monoplane and went on to become a commercial, instrument, and seaplane pilot. She organized and commanded the first all-woman flying squadron for the Civil Air Patrol during World War II and was a charter member of the FAA's Women's Advisory Committee on Aviation. She was instrumental in founding the Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship Fund in 1941, served on the AEMSF Board for many years, and was 99s President from 1951 to 1953. For her 60 years of service to The 99s, she was bestowed the Award of Merit in 1992. This scholarship was established in 1995 in Alice's memory, with donations from 99s members and her family.

 

Lygie Hagan Memorial Scholarship

Lydiellen M. "Lygie" Hagan (1908-1995) learned to fly because her husband twisted her arm. A member of the Intermountain Chapter, she served The 99s as Northwest Section Governor, International Secretary and Treasurer, Board Member, and AEMSF Trustee. On her death, Lygie bequeathed the proceeds of the sale of her antique car to the AEMSF. This scholarship was established in 1997 with those funds and an additional donation by her husband.

 

Kay Brick Memorial Scholarship

Katherine A. "Kay" Menges Brick (1910-1995) flew for the Civil Air Patrol early in World War II and then was recruited to the Women's Airforce Service Pilots, where she flew in the advanced ferry command. Kay was 99s President from 1950 to 1951, and led the Powder Puff Derby as chairman for many years. She received many national and international accolades for her service to aviation and, still an active pilot late in life, she became a member of the United Flying Octegenarians. The Coyote County Chapter donated this scholarship in 1998 to honor Kay's memory.

 

Betty DeWitt Wittmer Memorial Scholarship

Betty learned to fly at age 54 and is still flying her Piper Dakota 25 years later. A charter member of the Oregon Pines Chapter, she represents the 99s on the Oregon Aviation Alliance. In 1999 Betty established this perpetual scholarship with her generous donation so that today's women can enter careers that were not necessarily open to her generation.

Gini Richardson Memorial Scholarship

Virginia S. "Gini" Richardson (1924-1991) was a charter member of five chapters in the Northwest Section, and as owner and operator of numerous flying businesses she contributed much to the growth of aviation in the northwestern United States. The fifth woman to obtain the US ATP, Gini was also an avid air racer with over a hundred air racing trophies - and she won the Powder Puff Derby three times. This scholarship was established in 2000 with a generous donation by her family.

Dottie Sanders Memorial Scholarship

V. Darlene "Dottie" Sanders (1918-1999) served as first Chairman of the El Cajon Valley Chapter and as Southwest Section Governor. Dottie helped organize and flew in many air races, including 20 times in the Powder Puff Derby, in which she placed first in 1972 while flying as co-pilot. She was inducted into the International Forest of Friendship in 1985. On her death, Dottie bequeathed a substantial sum to The 99s and the AEMSF. This scholarship was established in 2000 to honor her memory.

Milton and Bonnie Seymour Memorial Scholarship

Bonnie Seymour is a charter member and the first Chairman of the Lake Tahoe Chapter. During Bonnie's tenure as AEMSF Trustee, her husband Milt made investment suggestions that helped the Fund grow substantially, and Bonnie was instrumental in the production of a video and handbook about the AEMSF. This scholarship was established with Bonnie's generous donation in 2000 to honor her late husband Milt.

Marion Barnick Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship honors the memory of Marion Barnick (1919-1979). Marion was a charter member of Santa Clara Valley 99s, and served as Southwest Section Governor. Marion learned to fly in 1939 and held all ratings through ATP. She loved to fly, loved to teach, and loved to help young women attain their aviation goals. The Santa Clara Valley Chapter established this scholarship to honor Marion in 1980, and administered it through 2000, when it was turned over to the AEMSF.

Evelyn Bryan Johnson Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship honors Evelyn Bryan Johnson, longtime Tennessee pilot and 99. Upon establishing this scholarship in 2002, the Tennessee Chapter said, "We have enjoyed and benefited from Evelyn's inspiration and companionship over many years and are so pleased to honor her with a perpetual scholarship to benefit women pilots' career aspirations."

 

Mary Kelly Memorial Scholarship

In 1985 Mary Kelly was awarded an Amelia Earhart Memorial Scholarship to complete her Bachelors degree in Aviation Education and Aviation Management. As a flight instructor, flight school owner, and airport manager in Oklahoma, Mary Kelly(1943-1998) was a wonderful role model and mentor to young women who wanted careers in aviation. Mary launched an all-girls flying camp for 14 to 17 year olds, guided young women pilots on a path towards success, and helped them find financial assistance and jobs. The Oklahoma Chapter donated this perpetual scholarship to the AEMSF in 2003 to honor Mary and continue her legacy of mentoring, supporting, and promoting young women in aviation careers.

 

Minnesota Chapter Scholarship

The Minnesota Chapter raised the money over ten years to establish this scholarship in 2004.

 

Albuquerque-El Paso Ruth Deerman Scholarship Scholarship

Ruth Deerman learned to fly in 1944, eventually becoming a flight instructor, helicopter pilot, and winner of the Powder Puff Derby. Ruth served The 99s as International President from 1963 to 1965, and still attends almost every El Paso Chapter meeting. Because Ruth was always looking out for women student pilots and founded the 66 program, the El Paso and Albuquerque Chapters established this new scholarship in Ruth's honor, to provide for a Future Woman Pilot Award each year.

 

Fay Gillis Wells Memorial Scholarship

Fay Gillis Wells (1908-2002) was one of the ladies who gathered at Curtiss Field in 1929 for the first meeting of women pilots who organized The Ninety-Nines. Over the next 72 years, Fay continued her dedicated service to aviation and aerospace, becoming one of The Ninety-Nines' most beloved Charter Members and founder of the International Forest of Friendship. This scholarship was established in 2004 in Fay's honor, made possible by generous contributions from her many friends in The Ninety-Nines and the Forest of Friendship.

 

Past Winners Scholarship

Whether they were gainfully employed, retired, or furloughed, past AE Scholarship winners were grateful to have a tangible way of giving back to The Ninety-Nines and helping future generations of women pilots. Several even repaid the entire amount of their original scholarship. This perpetual scholarship was established in 2004 on behalf of all AE Scholarship winners from 1941 to 2003.

 

North Central Section Scholarship

The funds for this scholarship were raised by chapters in the North Central Section that donated items for silent auctions held at section meetings over many years, and by individual NCS members who sold 99s logo notecards, address labels, and business cards. The scholarship was completed in 2005 with monies from the section budget, and was given to the AEMSF “in memory of North Central Section Members who have flown to new horizons and in honor of the 99s Members in our special Section.”

 

Achsa Donnels Memorial Scholarship

Being aloft on her first airplane ride was “a marvelous feeling, like being an angel,” said Achsa Barnwell Peacock Holfelder Donnels in her autobiography. She returned the next day to begin flying lessons – in 1923. She always regretted missing the first Women’s Air Derby (Powder Puff Derby), but eagerly signed up to be a charter member of The Ninety-Nines. Achsa went on to be among the earliest women to earn the Transport Pilot license, in 1931, and with her flying husband Ross Peacock ran a flight school and an airline, among other aviation ventures. Achsa Donnels (1904-2003) completed her autobiography at age 93 and attended 99s meetings up until shortly before her death. Her friends in the Southwest Section raised the money to establish this scholarship in her honor in 2005.

 

Christine Winzer Memorial Scholarship
For an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate

In 1966 there were three AE Scholarship winners, and Christine Winzer (1922-2005) used hers to achieve the Airline Transport Pilot certificate with a Multi-Engine rating. She went on to become an FAA Aviation Safety Program Manager, where she was known for organizing and speaking at aviation safety and accident prevention seminars throughout Michigan, including a 1981 Super Safety Seminar in Lansing that drew some 2500 people, 200 airplanes, and 22 exhibitors. When she passed away in 2005, Chris bequeathed her substantial estate to The Ninety-Nines, with the majority dedicated to a perpetual scholarship for women pilots to earn their airline transport pilot certificate.

 

 

Ventura County Chapter Scholarship

The Ventura County Chapter raised funds for its own scholarships for many years. When they added a silent auction to their annual pancake breakfast at the Camarillo Air Show and expanded their pilot proficiency and safety education programs, a surprising amount of money came in, sufficient to expand their scholarship offerings and to donate to the AEMSF in 2006. The Ventura County Chapter says, “Every chapter has its own special strengths to share with others in the organization, and we feel very fortunate to be able to endow a perpetual scholarship because, when able, 99s should reach beyond their local chapters to aid women who lack local financial support. We also feel it is important to look beyond our membership for fundraising. By reaching out to both the aviation and local communities, we not only widen our resource base, but establish a positive connection between citizens and their local airports.”

 

Lisa Netsch Memorial Scholarship

Lisa Netsch was a passionate and trailblazing pilot. With her commercial-instrument, flight instructor, and airframe & powerplant mechanic’s licenses, plus a degree in aeronautical engineering, Lisa was an aerospace engineer for the McDonnell Douglas Company, then an aircraft accident investigator for the National Transportation Safety Board, while in her spare time she was an aerobatics instructor in Long Beach, California. She found her dream job as an air tanker pilot, flying the DC-4 aircraft that dropped flame retardants on forest fires in Southern California. Lisa died when her aircraft was hit by another plane during landing after a successful fire mission. Lisa found freedom, confidence, and joy in flying, and as an instructor, she hoped to bring those experiences to others. She also believed that aerobatic flying saved lives by teaching pilots to recover to dangerous spins and stalls. The memory of Lisa Netsch (1963-1995) is honored by her family in their donation of this scholarship: “She would be proud to help other women achieve their flying dreams.”

 

 

Libby Kaiser Memorial Scholarship

Ann Elizabeth (“Libby”) Kaiser (1928-2005) learned to fly at the University of Illinois Institute of Aviation and received her private pilot’s license in January 1965. She began to fly at the encouragement of her husband, Bob, so that the family with three young sons (ages 12, 10 and 8) could fly together. Libby was active in her local 99s chapter and took additional flying courses at the Institute. She flew a 1957 Cessna 172 and co-piloted a 1965 Beechcraft Debonair with her husband Bob until his death in 1998. Libby continued to fly after 1998 with her youngest son, Jim, until her death in May of 2005. This perpetual scholarship was established in 2006 by her three sons and friends to honor the memory of Libby and Bob.

 

 

Helma DeFronzo Memorial Scholarship

Helma DeFronzo (1944-2004) was born in Norway, raised and educated in Germany, and moved to the United States in 1967. Helma learned to fly in 1981 and became a commercial-instrument rated pilot, flying her own Piper Warrior and developing her aerial photography business. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and visited all seven continents. Upon her death, Helma bequeathed a substantial portion of her estate to our scholarship fund. This perpetual scholarship was established in 2007 to honor her.