July 11, 2023
Jaylon Smith, Pro Bowl linebacker and NFL veteran, took to the air July 7 after winning a hot air balloon ride in the live auction portion of the Trine University Scholarship Gala in February.
The ride was part of the annual Angola Balloons Aloft hot air balloon festival held July 7-9 at Angola High School.
Event organizers donated the ride to help raise money for Trine University student scholarships.
Jaylon and his guest, Frederica Rogers, took to the air in “Oggy the Friendly Dragon,” a character balloon piloted by Jack Semler with Indy Hot Air. It was Jaylon’s first hot air balloon ride.
They enjoyed a beautiful scenic flight over the eastern part of the city of Angola.
The Trine University men’s wrestling team served as the crew for Oggy and passengers. The team assisted with unpacking, preparing, filling Oggy and ensuring a safe take-off.
John Shannon, Ph.D., Trine University president, and Cisco Ortiz, vice president for student affairs, accompanied Jaylon and Frederica to the festival. Dr. Shannon, Cisco, wrestling team members, the balloons owners and those attending the festival were able to talk with Jaylon before and after the flight.
Jaylon served as keynote speaker for the Scholarship Gala on Feb. 11, which raised more than $1.4 million for Trine University student scholarships.
Next year’s Gala will be held Feb. 10, 2024, and will offer more opportunities to bid on items and support student scholarships.
Three administrators from Trine University’s College of Graduate and Professional Studies (CGPS) will share their success with using technology to support significant growth in an upcoming national webinar.
Trine University Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students and faculty presented research at the American Physical Therapy Association’s largest national conference, the Combined Sections Meeting, held in Anaheim, California, Feb. 12-14.
A Trine University administrator and a graduating senior are included in this year’s Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly Forty Under 40.