Boeing

The nation's oldest federally-certified school of aviation, Saint Louis University's Parks College of Engineering and Aviation, also became the youngest Sept. 27 with the dedication of a new, state-of-the-art home, McDonnell Douglas Hall.

Located on the campus of Saint Louis University, McDonnell Douglas Hall is a 90,000 square-foot building that can accommodate 1,000 students and house 78 offices, six computer labs, 12 high-tech classrooms, four conference rooms and a multipurpose 300-seat auditorium.

John F. McDonnell, former chairman and chief executive officer of McDonnell Douglas, was on hand for the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

"McDonnell Douglas Hall is about people. People who are excited about learning and discovery," said McDonnell.

"Some of the best engineering and science of tomorrow will be shaped within this building, and I am pleased that we are helping to prepare future generations of well-qualified young people for the technology-driven world of the 21st century. The world will be waiting for you and counting on you."

Ill., in July, was the first federally licensed school of aviation and the first aviation engineering school affiliated with a major university. It was donated to Saint Louis University by its founder, Oliver Parks.

McDonnell Douglas, now part of The Boeing Company, has worked closely with Parks College and Saint Louis University to advance aviation education for more than 50 years. More than 700 Saint Louis University alumni are employed by the company.

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