ABOUT US
SAMA's primary goals are to promote aviation professionalism and camaraderie at the collegiate level at the University of North Dakota John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences
SAMA prides itself on being one of the most active student organizations on the University of North Dakota campus. Its members work year-round to organize the annual SAMA Conference and Career Fair. This massive event is among the largest student-organized events held on the University of North Dakota’s campus, and acquaints the students of the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences with prominent companies and individuals from across the nation. In addition to this event, SAMA also takes two annual aviation-based trips.
Membership:
Any student at the University of North Dakota is welcome to join SAMA. Member dues are must be paid at a regular meeting. First-time members will receive a SAMA polo shirt upon joining. To join, please fill out a membership form along with dues to our next meeting.
Annual Dues: New Members - $35 Returning Members - $30
SAMA Officers 2023-2024
Ethan Mathews
President
Ethan is a junior from Monument, CO majoring in Commercial Aviation with specializations in Business Aviation and Aviation Safety and a minor in Political Science. He is excited to serve as the President of SAMA for his third year in the organization, continuing to help develop and grow the group and its members. In addition to SAMA, he also enjoys giving his time back to UND Aerospace as the President of SAAC and working as a Student Ambassador in the Aerospace Dean’s Office. Outside of aviation, Ethan enjoys hiking, biking, cooking, and reading. One day, he hopes to fly for the airlines and looks forward to an exciting future ahead.
Brandon Bussey
Vice President
Brandon is in his third year at UND studying Commercial Aviation and will serve SAMA this year as Vice President. Brandon is from Castle Rock, Colorado, where he has lived his whole life before coming to UND. Brandon has been flying since his Sophomore year of high school, and enjoys taking his family and friends flying with him when he is home. In his free time, Brandon likes to ski and snowboard, spend time with family and friends, attend UND hockey games, and travel. Someday, Brandon hopes to fly for a major U.S. airline.
David Manzke
Career Fair Director
David Manzke is a third-year student from Glen Ellyn, IL double majoring in Commercial Aviation and Aviation Management. In addition to serving SAMA as the Career Fair Director, David is a member of SAAC and works for UND Career Services as a Career Mentor. David hopes to fly professionally and work in aircraft sales or management on the side. In his free time, David enjoys reading, playing viola and guitar, and giving back to the UND and Grand Forks community through various volunteer and teaching opportunities.
Carson Miller
Conference Director
Carson is a junior from Baltimore, MD majoring in Commercial Aviation with a specialization in Aviation Safety, and he is excited to serve SAMA as the Conference Director. Carson is currently working on his commercial multi-engine rating. Outside of his love for aviation, he enjoys travelling, playing piano, jiu-jitsu, and hanging out at local coffee shops. Down the road, Carson hopes to be a flight instructor at UND and later an airline pilot.
Kalin Lachowitzer
Social Media and Marketing Director
Kalin is a Junior from Fargo, North Dakota majoring in Commerical Aviation. Kalin is excited to grow SAMA’s social media platforms and meet new people! She is currenly working on her commerical multi-engine rating. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, hiking, working out, and attending concerts. Kalin hopes to one day fly for the airlines.
Logan Harden
Secretary
Logan Harden is a sophomore from Fontana, California and a commercial aviation fixed wing major. He caught the flying bug when he was 12 years old after taking an EAA young eagles flight, and is currently working on his commercial rating. Logan loves teaching and helping others, and is excited to serve as SAMA’s secretary. Outside of flying he enjoys cooking, lifting weights, learning to mountain bike, and tennis. Logan aims to be a CFl at UND before flying as an aerial fire fighter, border patrol, or airline pilot.
Zachary Hagengruber
Treasurer
Zachary Hagengruber is a Sophomore from Eugene Oregon. Zachary is majoring in Commercial Aviation and has his future sights set on the airlines. Zachary is excited to serve as the 2024-2025 SAMA Director of Finance. Additionally, Zachary hopes to grow SAMA and promote the club as well as share his passion for flying. Outside of SAMA, Zachary enjoys spending time at the gym, fishing, and promoting Piper Aircraft as a brand ambassador
Stavros Agos
Membership Director
Stavros is a senior this year studying Commercial Aviation and Marketing. Stavros started flying in 2017 out of his home airport in Chicago. When he is not flying he likes to spend time outdoors. This past summer, he picked up golf and has been enjoying learning to play. Stavros aspires to instruct at UND and then fly for a major airline while traveling around the world
Carter Matushek
Fundraising Director
Carter is a Commercial Aviation Major from San Diego, California. Going into his third year as a SAMA member, Carter is excited to work with fellow UND students as well as pursue a Certified Flight Instructor License. Carter’s hobbies include Fishing, Golf, and the outdoors. He likes to take long flights down the beach in old planes, and he plans on working for the airlines after moving on from UND.
Daniel Malott
Faculty Advisor
Jacob Harris
Travel Director
Jacob Harris is a sophomore from Gainesville, Virginia, studying
Commercial Aviation and Air Traffic Management. He is currently working on his multi-engine commercial rating. In his free time, Jacob enjoys lifting, hanging out with friends, and watching football. Jacob hopes to one day fly for a major airline
John Bello
Hospitality Director
John is a junior from Annapolis, Maryland studying commercial aviation. He currently works in Flight Operations for UND and is working towards his commercial certificate. John is heavily involved with the Newman Center and Catholic community on campus, and likes to spend his time at the Wellness Center and chess club.