Another B.C. Aviation Council award has been granted to a UFV student.

Jeffrey McMurrer, who completed the UFV Aerospace training program in Nov. 2010, won the Barry and Jim Aviation Maintenance Graduate Bursary late last year.

Since 2007, five students have won a BCAC award.

McMurrer was named the winner at the Silver Wings Banquet on Oct. 27. All schools and trades in the province competed for the bursary of $3,000.

To be eligible, students had to be recent graduates of an Aviation Maintenance Engineering (AME) program in B.C. They also had to overcome a great personal challenge in order to complete the program. For McMurrer, those challenges were financial.

Nevertheless, he wanted to continue with his education. Receiving the award will allow him to do so.

“Disbelief was my first reaction, followed by many thanks to the BCAC member who informed me I was chosen for the bursary,” said McMurrer.

His great attendance and high marks, which placed him on the Dean’s List, are only a few of the positive things instructors remember about him as a UFV student.

“Jeff was a great student. He always worked very hard, and many of the other students turned to him for his knowledge,” said Wally Gallinger, an instructor in the Aerospace program. “Being able to help him is a great feeling. The biggest need when students leave here is the tools, and $3,000 can go a long way.”

McMurrer is currently working for Vector Aerospace in Langley, B.C.

He is also involved with the Chilliwack Experimental Aircraft Association and assists in the building of aircraft. In addition, he is pursuing his AME S license, and the possibility of continuing education in the aviation field.

“I enjoyed my experience at UFV, Abbotsford Airport,” said McMurrer. “Both Wally Gallinger and Al Behmer bring a lot of experience to the table. The AME Structures program is a great course for the student who is serious about pursuing a career in the aviation world.”

“I can honestly say that I’ve finally found the type of work that I truly enjoy. And I’ll be building planes ‘till my last day, and enjoying flying them, too.”