Served as chief executive officer of Cessna Aircraft Company from 1936 to 1975, while devoting much of his interests, enthusiasm, time, energies and fiscal support toward the continued growth of his alma mater, Wichita State University. His encouragement, leadership and key contribution was the driving force in the realization, expansion and modernization of Cessna Stadium in 1969. He has performed a number of civic services and has received recognition for these endeavors, having been given the University of Wichita Alumni Achievement Award, Engineering Alumni Award, the coveted ³Uncommon² award from the Wichita Chamber of Commerce and the Kansan of the Year Award from the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas. He also is the recipient of the respected international Daniel Guggenhiem Medal for great achievements in aeronautics. Charter Inductee, 1979.