Aviator is first woman to join Engineering wall of fame

Linda Shaffer-Vanaria became the first woman to be a part of the Gallery of Distinguished Engineering Alumni. Joining the ranks of other prestigious alums, Shaffer-Vanaria's photograph and achievements were added to the walls of alumni hall in the Towne Building in a ceremony Tuesday. Engineering Dean Gregory Farrington and Interim President Claire Fagin attended the dedication, as did a number of students and faculty members. Shaffer-Vanaria, who graduated from the University in 1978, was the first undergraduate student enrolled in the systems science and engineering curriculum. After graduation, her career led her to join the Navy and she become the nation's 50th female naval aviator. "Linda has gone beyond the remarkable during her life and chose to enter a challenging profession," Fagin said in her introductory remarks. "Her career exemplifies the struggle and success of achievement." Both Farrington and Fagin spoke on the importance of alumni to the continuing success of the University. Alumni Hall was established for students to appreciate what former students have achieved in their careers in the engineering field. "Once you've begun being a part of Penn, you never end being a part of Penn," Farrington said. "This represents one of the proudest moments for us as a school." Later, after a luncheon at the Faculty Club, family, friends, students and faculty gathered to hear Shaffer-Vanaria, who gave personal insight into her career moves. "From the time I was four or five, I knew that I wanted to be a pilot," she said. "There were many struggles along the way, but I beat the odds." Shaffer-Vanaria said that when she first enrolled at the University, she did not know there were opportunities for women in the field of naval aviation. "At first the recruiters laughed at me because I wanted to be an aviator, [but] you just can't give up," she said. Shaffer-Vanaria went on to become one of five women accepted into the naval aviation program in her year and continued on in her success to become one of five women worldwide to have been admitted to the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. "I sought these opportunities out, no one gave them to me," Shaffer-Vanaria said. "Goals may come with high prices and you have to be willing to pay them." Shaffer-Vanaria said that through persistence and hard work, she turned her dreams into reality and encouraged other students to do the same. "If you ask, the answer may be yes and it may be no. If you don't ask it is definitely no," she said. "Turn your dreams into goals and pursue them with absolute vengeance." Shaffer-Vanaria thanked the faculty and students who helped her climb the ranks of her career. "We are making history today," Fagin said. "This is another first for women on our campus."