Dr. Sliwa was the first person to be inducted into the ERAU Athletics Hall of Fame as a Distinguished Member. The youngest university president in the United States at the time, Dr. Sliwa was Embry-Riddle's President from 1991-98.
Sliwa, the University's third president, is best known for creating an entrepreneurial environment and for developing strategic partnerships with industry. These partnerships included a joint venture with FlightSafety International; a partnership with Cessna Aircraft Company; a technology alliance with IBM; and an exclusive educational partnership with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. He also spearheaded a $100+ million capital expansion program, which included an $11.5 million congressional line-item appropriation. In addition, new academic and research programs were created at his direction to respond to structural changes in the industry while increasing market share in the University's core programs.
Sliwa also recognized the importance that intercollegiate athletics played in enhancing the overall student experience. ERAU's athletics program, which began two years before his appointment as university president, but flourished during his tenure.
ERAU Head Men's Basketball Coach
Steve Ridder noted that Sliwa helped facilitate a commitment to building the athletics program in the right way at a time when the athletics program faced elimination. Ridder and Sliwa, along with his leadership team, developed a strategic plan to move the athletics program to the next level of being one of the best NAIA programs in the country. The plan, which was endorsed by the Board of Trusteees, involved investing in four areas of growth, including on-campus facilities, additional sports, increase in scholarships and operational dollars and shoring up the infrastructure by creating full-time coaching positions and adding key support in the areas of Sports Information, Sports Medicine and the Athletic Business Manager position.
“Dr. Sliwa was the one who really introduced the word passion to our program,” Ridder said. “He talked about making a difference in young people's lives and a lot what our mission is today is an extension of his vision for the program.”
The Sliwa family's support of Eagle baseball also extended to Dr. Sliwa's parents. In 1994, Ken and Shirley Sliwa began their friendship with the Eagles' baseball program and became two of the program's most dedicated fans. Their passion for the sport of baseball and the young men that played for Embry-Riddle was undeniable. Although they have both passed away, their legacy still lives on through the Ken & Shirley Sliwa Memorial Fund and Embry-Riddle's baseball facility that bears the family name, Sliwa Stadium.
Sliwa's impact on the success of the athletics program continues today, more than 14 years since his departure from the university. He and his wife Nancy continue to be avid supporters of the athletics program and as loyal Eagle fans, they often take time out of their busy schedules to catch the Blue and Gold in action.
In 2007, the Sliwas donated $157,500 to ERAU's baseball program. The donation went to Dr. Sliwa's parents' endowment as well as scholarships, recruiting, sports operations, equipment and upgrades to Sliwa Stadium.
“Steve's vision for the Embry-Riddle athletic program during his presidency was, like most of his endeavors, unconstrained. His leadership, assembly and support of the best team, and attention to detail has helped catapult ERAU's athletic program as a premier program in college sports. His commitment after his formal involvement never ended. Steve graciously supported ERAU's athletics programs, especially the baseball program as it was so important to his parents, He hired student-athletes as interns into his business, giving the real life experience beyond the classroom. He invited student-athletes into his home to share meals and support their endeavors. He found time in his busy schedule to meet up with the teams from all sports, not only in Florida, but in their travels around the nation. Often he invited entire teams into his business making their athletic trip an educational experience.”
Steve Nordlund
Embry-Riddle Chief Information Officer (1990-98)
“The vision Steve had and the willingness to take risks in investing in a robust student athletic program (at an aeronautical university of all places), during a time when the institution had some serious conflicting needs, took real guts and leadership. Even I was skeptical! In spite of considerable opposition, Steve pressed ahead with his plans, convinced us all that a strong athletic program would spark real growth opportunities for ERAU, and lo and behold, he was right!”
Paul E. McDuffee
Embry-Riddle Vice President for University Relations (1991-95) and Aviation Training (1995-01)
“Steve was successful at building a quality athletic program while keeping education at the forefront. I remember Coach Ridder suspending several key basketball players due to poor performance in the classroom. This decision was supported by Steve and as you know, very few coaches or administrators in the country follow this policy today. The integrity of the university was always at the forefront. The athletics program grew dramatically during the Sliwa years, both in terms of new sports and success on the playing fields.
“Even after Steve left the university, I always felt that because of him and his vision and his ability to influence chance, Embry-Riddle was a better institution.”
Ken Wooten
Daytona Beach News-Journal Corporate Controller (1991-00)
