For Aeronautical Science alumnus Ray Stratton (’78), giving isn’t about legacy in the abstract. It’s personal. It’s purposeful. And it’s rooted in deep gratitude.

“I’ve been very fortunate. I need to give back. In doing so, I hope it influences others as to its importance.”

Each month, Ray makes a recurring gift to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to help someone in need achieve their goals. He’s also made a planned yearly gift that will soon support future students with scholarships.

“Embry-Riddle’s going to start getting a generous annual donation,” he says. “It’s time for me to start giving back in a more serious way.”

Ray believes education can change the trajectory in life. He knows—because it changed his.

Growing up in New Jersey with a family of five siblings, Ray was a first-generation college student. His mother, a nurse, made her expectations known early. “I’m pretty sure she was telling me from the womb, ‘You’re going to college. You’re going to college,’” he says.

Long before college, however, Ray had caught the aviation bug. At 13, he would ride his bike to the Hudson River to watch seaplanes. One day, a pilot offered him a ride.

“We flew around the Statue of Liberty, then around Manhattan—and when we landed in the Hudson River, I knew. That was it,” he recalls. “I went straight home and told my mom, ‘I want to be a pilot.’”

That conviction would shape his decision making, even when extraordinary opportunities presented themselves early on—thanks to his father.

“My Dad helped secure [me] an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy, a monumental achievement for both of us at that time,” he explains. “But when I learned cadets weren’t allowed to fly until senior year, I declined the appointment. I wanted to continue flying.”

College wasn’t guaranteed, but he earned a scholarship to Newark College of Engineering and kept applying to aviation programs.

Then, at the end of that summer after declining the Academy appointment, Ray and a friend were stopped by strangers along the trail while hiking in the Appalachian Mountains.

“They said there were notes all over my car—that someone at home was trying to reach me,” he recalls. “I thought something had happened to my family.”

He rushed home to find his mother waving from the porch. “She said, ‘He’s on the phone again—you’ve got to talk to him!’” The caller was an Air Force officer. An ROTC 4-year scholarship had opened up, and Ray, as first runner-up, was next in line!

“He asked me where I wanted to go. I said, ‘Embry-Riddle.’ And he said, ‘Good news—you’re going to Riddle. Bad news? Registration is tomorrow. Pack your bags and get down there.’”

Twenty-four hours later, Ray landed in Daytona Beach with a duffel bag and a scholarship.

“The campus was lined with trailers and few buildings in the early 70’s. The alphabet dorms weren’t even built yet,” he says. “But it didn’t matter—I was there to fly.”

He majored in aeronautical science and added an associate degree in aviation management. He later pursued graduate coursework through Embry-Riddle Worldwide while on active duty, eventually earning a master’s degree from Central Michigan University.

“There were only about 1,800 students when I arrived,” he says. “It was a tight-knit community. Most of us were laser-focused on becoming professional pilots, and we were doing everything we could to make that happen.”

He worked part-time and overloaded on classes to stay on track.

“I wanted to keep my scholarship. I wasn’t going to let the opportunity slip.”

He credits Embry-Riddle with more than aviation skills.

“It wasn’t just flying,” he explains. “It was learning how to problem-solve, how to think ahead, how to stay focused. That’s what college gave me. That’s what I want to pay forward.”

After graduation, Ray joined the U.S. Air Force to pay back his scholarship. He was a pilot flying the KC 135 and the T38. In the Reserves, he flew the C-141, hauling troops, equipment and humanitarian aid. He also taught for Embry-Riddle Worldwide while in uniform.

Civilian aviation followed. After briefly flying for commuter airlines, Ray joined United Airlines, where he remained for 37 years. He flew internationally on the Boeing 747,757, 767 and 777 and the Airbus [AIRBUS what], retiring in 2021.

“I was lucky,” he says. “I had a good career. I got to see the world. But I also worked very hard at being a lucky.”

Since retiring, Ray has devoted himself to travel, volunteering and giving back. Twice a week, he cooks and helps prepare more than 1,800 meals at a community kitchen in his county.

“We serve seniors and people who can’t shop or cook for themselves. It keeps me connected. It reminds me what matters,” he explains.

His ties to Embry-Riddle remain strong. He’s visited campus, taken calls with development officers, and even has his name on a dedication brick at the airplane monument on the university’s Daytona Beach Campus.

“But I’m most proud that the money goes to scholarships. I don’t care what the student’s major is—just get your degree.”

When asked what advice he’d offer others considering a planned gift, he doesn’t hesitate.

“If you’ve had a good life and you want someone else to get their shot, this is how you do it,” he explains. “To me, education and travel are the two best things you can give someone. Riddle gave me both.”

He no longer flies. He doesn’t need to.

“I did it for 50 years. I loved it. But I’ve always believed in reinventing yourself. I’m not trying to hang on to what I used to do. Now I want to travel, volunteer, and give back. That’s enough.”

And his message for students today?

“Stay curious. Keep pushing. Ask questions. Don’t expect anything to be handed to you. But if you work hard and keep learning, you might just get lucky too.”

He grins. “I know I did.”