Former pilot leaves LCCC a $1M gift for aviation students
A former Lehighton-born pilot whose lifelong dream was to help future aviators left a $1 million gift to Lehigh Carbon Community College to do just that, the college announced Thursday.
Nevin Earl Remaley, who had retired after 25 years as a captain for U.S. Airways and Allegheny Airlines, died at 94 in June. His contribution will go toward scholarships for students in LCCC’s aviation program, and the technology center on the Schnecksville campus will be renamed the Nevin Earl Remaley Technology Center, formalized in a dedication ceremony at a later date.
The Lehighton Area High School graduate served in the Navy in World War II, earned a bachelor’s degree from Allentown Business School, then sold stocks and securities for a time at a Wall Street brokerage firm.
His love of flying stems from a test flight at a Lehighton airport. The owner of Arner’s Flying Service let Remaley fly over the Lehigh Valley in a Piper Cub, and that was it, close friend and trustee John E. Hofkes said in an LCCC news release.
“Mr. Remaley had a passion for flying and wanted to ensure that others had the opportunity to pursue their dreams,” LCCC President Ann D. Bieber said in the release. “The college is honored to be able to carry on this legacy for a man who lived a long and fruitful life.
Pennsylvania residents will receive preference for the Nevin Earl Remaley Aviation Scholarship, which will help students working on their pilot’s license.
Those who wish to find out more about the scholarship can contact Silvia Vargas, executive director of the LCCC Foundation, at smaldonadovargas@ lccc.edu.