About the Wac trophy

The Wichita Aero Club Trophy

The Wichita Aero Club continues to build upon the tradition it began in 2009 by selecting a deserving candidate with solid ties to the Wichita and Kansas aviation community. Each year, members of the aviation community and the general public are encouraged to follow the simple criteria outlined below for nominating potential recipients.

The Trophy Selection Committee, which is chaired by Ashley Bowen Cook of the Greteman Group, includes members of the Wichita Aero Club Board of Directors and prominent members of the aviation community. The Selection Committee evaluates all of the nominations, including those previously submitted if they still conform to the criteria.

The 2024 nomination period is now closed!

Members of the aviation community and the general public are encouraged to follow the simple criteria outlined below for nominating potential recipients. The winner will be announced at a special reception. Details to be announced.

The Trophy Selection Committee, which is chaired by Ashley Bowen Cook of the Greteman Group, includes members of the Wichita Aero Club Board of Directors and prominent members of the aviation community. The Selection Committee evaluates all of the nominations, including those previously submitted if they still conform to the criteria.

Acknowledging Legacy: A Look Back

The Wichita Aero Club Trophy was created to recognize both contemporaneous accomplishment or a lifetime of achievement. The first WAC Trophy went to someone who has been associated with Wichita’s aviation history since its early days, Mrs. Velma Wallace. Of course, that doesn’t mean that nominees can’t come from the ranks of individuals, groups, or organizations whose recognition is based on a recent milestone or singular event. There are always significant achievements during the course of a year that warrant consideration.

Nominees for the Trophy

The Wichita Aero Club Trophy will be awarded annually to a living person, group, or organization with a strong relationship to the greater Wichita area. The nominee(s) will be considered on the basis of exemplary achievements in the field of aviation or aerospace accomplished during the past year or, as appropriate, over an extended period or career.

Sculptor and trophy creator Chris Brunner chose elements that represented the eyes-turned-skyward spirit of aviation. A translucent blue pyramid containing the Aero Club Logo harkens to the ancient form through which man strived to reach the heavens. Its delta shape is also representative of the modern form of advanced flight. The translucent aspect of the trophy represents the atmosphere, with contrails wrapping upward from the base. The trophy’s pedestal of stainless steel framework gives recognition to Wichita’s aircraft manufacturing legacy.

This beautiful achievement trophy permanently, prominently, and proudly resides on the mezzanine at Eisenhower International Airport.

2024 Trophy recipient

The Wichita Aero Club (WAC) has chosen Fred Berry as the recipient of the 2024 Wichita Aero Club Trophy. Mr. Berry is the co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of Berry Companies, Inc. We’re excited to celebrate Mr. Berry at our annual Trophy Gala on February 1, 2025.