September 30, 2010

Staff Report

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WREX) - The push to get Embry-Riddle University to build a new campus in Rockford gets a boost in Washington, D.C.
 
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, Congressman Don Manzullo and Congressman Bill Foster met with the President of Embry-Riddle University, Dr. John Johnson, to discuss the benefits the school would be able to capitalize on if it chooses Rockford.
 
Dr. Johnson says their third campus will either be built in Rockford or Houston, but did not say when the final decision will be made.
 
"There is a tremendous amount of enthusiasm and support for Embry-Riddle from Rockford's citizens, leaders, schools, and businesses," said Durbin. "President Johnson understands that because of the longstanding support of the Illinois Delegation, Chicago Rockford International Airport has become a premier airport in the Midwest. With continued support, it has tremendous potential for growth giving Embry-Riddle an opportunity to grow and expand its presence in the Midwest at the same time."
 
"The future is bright for the aerospace manufacturing industry in northern Illinois, and an Embry-Riddle campus in Rockford is a perfect fit for this region that is quickly being recognized as a world leader in aviation," said Manzullo. "Senator Durbin and I have worked closely in convincing our colleagues to invest in Rockford's world-class airport, aerospace manufacturers, and research entities that are important to Embry-Riddle, and our support will continue. We thank President Johnson for coming to Washington, DC to meet with us today so we could share our support for Embry-Riddle in person."
 
"I am pleased to work in a bipartisan manner with Senator Durbin and Congressman Manzullo as we discuss the possibility of bringing Embry-Riddle's new campus to Rockford. Northwestern Illinois would greatly benefit from such a move, as it would create jobs for our area while also helping to prepare individuals for high-tech, high-paying careers," said Foster.
 
Embry-Riddle's main campus is in Daytona Beach, Florida and it also has a campus in Prescott, Arizona. The new campus would start out with about 1,000 students and 250 administration and faculty.