Dallas, October 26, 2025
News Summary
The Legacy in Flight Luncheon, presented by JSX, celebrated aerospace innovation and supported STEM education initiatives. The sold-out event featured a keynote address by Mark Armstrong, son of astronaut Neil Armstrong, and included a student panel showcasing the voices of youth involved in aviation. Proceeds will directly fund educational programs that reach thousands of students annually, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and investment in science. The Frontiers of Flight Museum continues to expand outreach in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Dallas
Legacy in Flight Luncheon highlights aerospace innovation and funds STEM education
The Legacy in Flight Luncheon took place on October 1 and was presented by JSX. The event was a sold-out success, showcasing the museum’s commitment to STEM education and aerospace innovation. Proceeds from the luncheon will directly support educational programs, reaching thousands of students annually, including those from underserved communities.
Key event details
The luncheon was chaired by Dyan Medina Gibbens, senior advisor at DARPA and CEO of Trumbull, with Olin Lancaster III and his sons serving as honorary chairs. The highlight of the event was a keynote address by Mark Armstrong, son of astronaut Neil Armstrong. Mark Armstrong shared reflections on his father’s achievements and emphasized the importance of continued investment in science and innovation.
After the keynote, a student panel included speakers Saanvika Gandhari (Coppell High School), Ben Sussman (Frontiers of Flight Youth Leadership Program), Shesid Najera Castillo (Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School), and Eshan Mahimkar (Frontiers of Flight Youth Volunteer). Guests enjoyed a gourmet menu prepared by Chef Peja Krstic, with a video presentation showcasing the museum’s impact in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Organizers, honorees and support
Abigail Erickson-Torres, president and CEO of the Frontiers of Flight Museum, along with JSX Chair of Operations David Drabinsky, expressed gratitude to sponsors and supporters. The museum recognized the 2025 Legacy in Flight Honorees for contributions to philanthropy, innovation, education, and volunteerism. Event sponsors included JSX, The Alinda Hill Wikert Foundation, and various corporate and community organizations.
Why the luncheon matters
The luncheon is a cornerstone fundraiser for the museum’s STEM initiatives and exhibitions. The Frontiers of Flight Museum serves over 170,000 visitors annually and is one of 220 Smithsonian affiliates nationwide. The museum remains committed to advancing STEM education and inspiring future generations in aerospace fields.
Additional context and impact
The sold-out luncheon combined fundraising with public engagement, connecting industry leaders, educators and students. Funds raised will be allocated to the museum’s educational programs, enabling hands-on learning, field trips, classroom resources and youth leadership opportunities across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Organizers noted that these programs annually reach thousands of students, including participants from underserved communities.
The inclusion of a student panel provided direct evidence of program outcomes and local youth involvement in aviation and science pathways. The presence of a keynote speaker with a historic aerospace family background reinforced the event’s emphasis on legacy, mentorship and sustained investment in research and education.
Operational and volunteer leadership at the museum framed the luncheon as part of a longer-term strategy to broaden access to aerospace education. Sponsors and community partners were credited with supporting event logistics and amplifying the museum’s capacity to serve a large and diverse audience.
Logistics and offerings
The luncheon featured a curated menu by Chef Peja Krstic and a multimedia presentation that illustrated the museum’s role in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The program combined formal recognition of honorees with student voices and a policy- and industry-oriented keynote, reflecting a balance of celebration and mission-focused fundraising.
Next steps and outlook
Proceeds from the luncheon will directly support educational programs, reaching thousands of students annually, including those from underserved communities. The Frontiers of Flight Museum will continue to use funds from cornerstone events such as the Legacy in Flight Luncheon to sustain and expand exhibitions, outreach and youth programming.
FAQ
- When did the Legacy in Flight Luncheon take place and who presented it?
- The Legacy in Flight Luncheon took place on October 1 and was presented by JSX.
- Was the event well attended?
- The event was a sold-out success, showcasing the museum’s commitment to STEM education and aerospace innovation.
- How will funds from the luncheon be used?
- Proceeds from the luncheon will directly support educational programs, reaching thousands of students annually, including those from underserved communities.
- Who chaired the luncheon?
- Dyan Medina Gibbens, senior advisor at DARPA and CEO of Trumbull, chaired the luncheon, with Olin Lancaster III and his sons serving as honorary chairs.
- Who delivered the keynote address?
- The highlight of the event was a keynote address by Mark Armstrong, son of astronaut Neil Armstrong.
- What did the keynote address focus on?
- Mark Armstrong shared reflections on his father’s achievements and emphasized the importance of continued investment in science and innovation.
- Which students participated on the panel?
- After the keynote, a student panel included speakers Saanvika Gandhari (Coppell High School), Ben Sussman (Frontiers of Flight Youth Leadership Program), Shesid Najera Castillo (Irma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School), and Eshan Mahimkar (Frontiers of Flight Youth Volunteer).
- Who prepared the luncheon menu and what accompanied the meal?
- Guests enjoyed a gourmet menu prepared by Chef Peja Krstic, with a video presentation showcasing the museum’s impact in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
- Who leads the Frontiers of Flight Museum and who expressed thanks to supporters?
- Abigail Erickson-Torres, president and CEO of the Frontiers of Flight Museum, along with JSX Chair of Operations David Drabinsky, expressed gratitude to sponsors and supporters.
- Were honorees recognized at the luncheon?
- The museum recognized the 2025 Legacy in Flight Honorees for contributions to philanthropy, innovation, education, and volunteerism.
- Is the luncheon part of the museum’s fundraising efforts?
- The luncheon is a cornerstone fundraiser for the museum’s STEM initiatives and exhibitions.
- How many visitors does the museum serve each year and what is its affiliation?
- The Frontiers of Flight Museum serves over 170,000 visitors annually and is one of 220 Smithsonian affiliates nationwide.
- Who were event sponsors?
- Event sponsors included JSX, The Alinda Hill Wikert Foundation, and various corporate and community organizations.
- What is the museum’s long-term commitment?
- The museum remains committed to advancing STEM education and inspiring future generations in aerospace fields.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event date and sponsor | The Legacy in Flight Luncheon took place on October 1 and was presented by JSX. |
| Attendance | The event was a sold-out success. |
| Primary impact | Proceeds will directly support educational programs reaching thousands annually, including underserved communities. |
| Keynote | Keynote address by Mark Armstrong, son of astronaut Neil Armstrong. |
| Student involvement | Student panel with Saanvika Gandhari, Ben Sussman, Shesid Najera Castillo, and Eshan Mahimkar. |
| Museum reach and affiliation | The Frontiers of Flight Museum serves over 170,000 visitors annually and is one of 220 Smithsonian affiliates nationwide. |
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Additional Resources
- People Newspapers: Frontiers of Flight Museum Celebrates Aerospace Innovation
- Wikipedia: Aerospace Engineering
- Culture Map: Frontiers of Flight Museum Presents Halloween Bash
- Google Search: STEM Education
- Dallas News: Event at Frontiers of Flight Museum
- Google Scholar: Aerospace Innovation
- Dallas Innovates: Bringing Outer Space into the Frontiers of Flight Museum
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aerospace
- WBAP: WeatherCon 2025
- Google News: Aviation Education
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