Vaughn Galas

On April 16, 2026, Vaughn College held its annual Gala—marking a historic first as the event recognized five honorees in a single evening. The College celebrated five distinguished leaders in aviation: The honorees were Debbie Coffey, chief communications officer for Atlas Air Worldwide, Evita Garces ’02, vice president of line operations at American Airlines and a Vaughn College alumna; Icema D. Gibbs, vice president of corporate social responsibility and impact at JetBlue Airways; Patricia Ornst, managing director and New York State and local government affairs for Delta Air Lines and Monica Slater Stokes, managing director corporate and government affairs for United Airlines. 

Lawrence Culp, Jr. is the chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of GE Aerospace. Culp joined the GE Board of Directors in April 2018 and was appointed CEO of GE in October 2018. As Chairman and CEO of GE, Culp led the industrial technology company’s multi-year financial and operational transformation. During his tenure, GE strengthened its balance sheet, reduced debt by more than $100 billion, grew profit by 20%, more than doubled adjusted earnings-per-share, and more than quadrupled its market capitalization.

Stan Deal was the executive vice president of The Boeing Company and held the positions of president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Appointed to this role in October 2019, he oversaw the delivery of a range of highly efficient airplanes to global customers and led the growth of Boeing’s commercial airplane programs.

Vaughn College honored Nicholas E. Calio, President and Chief Executive Officer of Airlines for America on April 13, 2023. Mr. Calio is a true leader and advocate for America’s airlines as models of safety, customer service and environmental responsibility. His organization supports the indispensable network that drives nearly $1.5 trillion in US economic activity and 10 million US jobs. He has been tirelessly committed to the success of the aviation industry and shares a common goal with Vaughn–creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders.

Vaughn College honored Stephen A. Alterman, President of Cargo Airline Association on November 4, 2021. Mr. Alterman is a true innovator and trailblazer who has contributed to the aviation and transportation industries throughout his career. He is president of the Cargo Airline Association, the nationwide trade organization representing the interests of the United States all-cargo airline industry and related businesses in the aviation supply chain.