BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — John D. Odegard, a Minot native and the founder and namesake of UND's aerospace college, will be inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame.

Odegard helped the program take off in 1968, and it has since soared to become UND’s second-largest degree-granting college with more than 2,000 students being piloted by 500 staff.

“His vision became the catalyst for a world-class aviation school in America’s heartland, and his memory lives on in every student inspired by his incredible legacy to take flight and reach for the stars,” said North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong on Odegard's induction.

Odegard will be given an induction ceremony on Sept. 24, 2026, in Washington, D.C. The National Aviation Hall of Fame is located in Dayton, Ohio.

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