Alpha Eta Rho launches inaugural 5 Under 25 award

Alpha Eta Rho has opened nominations for a new award that will recognize five active members under 25 who are contributing to collegiate aviation. Winners will be named at the organization’s annual Collegiate Aviation Symposium in Columbus, Ohio, in March 2027.

Why it matters: - Alpha Eta Rho’s new 5 Under 25 award creates a formal way to spotlight young collegiate aviators who are already leading chapters, mentoring peers, serving their communities, and advancing aviation careers. - The program puts a national stage on student leadership at a time when the aviation industry continues to rely on the next generation of talent.

What happened: - Alpha Eta Rho opened nominations for its first 5 Under 25 award on Aug. 20, 2026. - The award will recognize five active members under age 25 who are making a difference in collegiate aviation. - Five recipients will be named during Alpha Eta Rho’s annual Collegiate Aviation Symposium, scheduled for Feb. 28-March 2, 2027, in Columbus, Ohio. - Nominations close Nov. 30, 2026. - Submissions are available at 5U25.org.

The details: - Eligible nominees must be active Alpha Eta Rho members and younger than 25 on March 1, 2027. - The award is open to members whose leadership, service, academic or professional accomplishments, and commitment to aviation have made a meaningful impact. - Alpha Eta Rho says the award is meant to celebrate members who are carrying the fraternity’s tradition forward. - The organization said nominees may stand out through chapter leadership, peer mentoring, service, classroom performance, workplace performance, or other support for aviation. - Benjamin O’Brien, Alpha Eta Rho chief executive officer, said the award gives the organization a chance to recognize those members and share their stories with the broader aviation community. - Alpha Eta Rho was founded in 1929 as a professional collegiate aviation fraternity. - The organization has 45 active chapters, more than 150 lifetime chapters and over 65,000 alumni.

Between the lines: - The award signals a push to elevate early-career student achievement, not just alumni success. - By tying the announcement to the annual symposium, Alpha Eta Rho is using one of its biggest gatherings to build visibility around student leadership and recruitment. - The eligibility cutoff and narrow recipient pool suggest the program is designed to be selective and prestige-focused.

What's next: - Alpha Eta Rho will review nominations through the Nov. 30 deadline. - The organization will announce the inaugural 5 Under 25 class at the 2027 symposium in Columbus. - More information is available through the nomination site at 5U25.org.