December 15, 2003
WHAT: Wednesday, Dec. 17, marks the 100th anniversary of when the Wright brothers achieved the world’s first powered flight. Although the flight by Orville and Wilbur Wright lasted a mere 12 seconds and the plane traveled only 120 feet at Kitty Hawk, N.C., it ushered in a revolution in aviation during the past century.
Five brothers of the Society of Mary religious order who met Orville Wright (1871-1948) at their graduation 60 years ago from the University of Dayton will celebrate the centennial of the historic first flight on Dec. 17, 1903. Orville Wright attended Dayton’s commencement ceremonies in 1943 to receive an honorary doctorate in engineering.
WHO: The five Marianist brothers – Charles Cummiskey, Daniel Sharpe, James McCaffrey, Herbert Janson and Paul Goelz – will tell their stories of meeting Orville Wright 60 years ago in Dayton, the Wright brothers’ hometown. Janson still has the graduation program from their graduation on Dec. 19, 1943. Among the group, Golez, received his master’s degree while the others earned their bachelor’s.
WHEN: 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17. Free coffee will be available under the sponsorship of the Marianst Forum.
WHERE: Java City coffee shop on the Quadrangle, St. Mary’s campus. Enter via Culebra Road or 36th Street. Parking in Lot A off Camino Santa Maria is unavailable due to construction for the Gateway to Historic St. Mary’s project.