Students participated in an exclusive JetBlue site tour at John F. Kennedy International Airport, gaining firsthand exposure to aviation infrastructure, planning and redevelopment operations. Brendan Goodrich, manager of infrastructure and planning, helped organize the site visit in conjunction with career services. Goodrich’s connection with the College began in the fall 2025 semester as a guest speaker in the ATL Speaker Series, presented by Dr. Maxine Lubner of the management department.

This experiential learning opportunity allowed students to engage directly with industry professionals while exploring the complexities of airport operations and large-scale redevelopment projects. Brendan Goodrich and Jorge Ibanez Paz, investment real estate lead, led an in-depth walkthrough of Terminal 5, highlighting landside conditions, ongoing redevelopment efforts, and JetBlue’s coordination with the Port Authority, contractors and key project stakeholders.

As students navigated the terminal—from the lobby and security areas to interior operations—they learned about the planning and execution behind concessions redevelopment and airport operations, as well as Terminal 5’s connection to the new Terminal 6 currently under construction. A variety of professionals including a construction project manager, concession project manager, a manager for the newly opened Blue House JetBlue Lounge and Vaughn alum Zachary Fall ’21, who serves as a scheduling planning analyst, shared valuable insights into their career paths, daily responsibilities and JetBlue’s company culture.

The site tour concluded with lunch at the TWA Hotel, where Goodrich and Ibanez Paz generously extended conversations and answered additional student questions. An added highlight—especially for flight students—was an impromptu conversation with a JetBlue pilot who shared insights on the importance of communication and customer service in aviation. Students also received pilot trading cards, a unique tradition used to promote aviation and create memorable passenger experiences.