Above photo Left to Right:
Don Franzwick, PIA; Neil Doran, Hagerstown Regional Airport; Andrew Sargent, Maryland Department of Commerce; Andrew Eshelman, Hagerstown Regional Airport; Delanie Blubaugh, Office of US Senator Angela Alsobrooks; Kendall Abruzzese, Office of US Congresswomen April McClain-Delaney; Brittany Elliott, PIA; Dr. Philip Klein, PIA; Steven Sabold, PIA; David White, PIA; Suzanne Markle, PIA; Jeff Cline, Board of Commissioners, Washington County, Maryland; Roxanne Ober, PIA; Robin Summerfield, Office of US Senator Chris Van Hollen; Mike McKay, Maryland State Senator; Matthew Schindler, Maryland State Delegate; Paul Frey, Washington County Chamber; Jana Graham, PIA; Anne Dudro, Duane Morris; Jonathan Horowitz, Washington County, Maryland; William Wivell, Maryland State Delegate; Randy Leatherman, Board of Commissioners, Washington County, Maryland

The Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) proudly celebrated the completion of its Hagerstown Campus expansion with a ribbon cutting ceremony on August 26, 2026, welcoming students, elected officials, workforce development leaders, industry partners, and community supporters to mark this important milestone. 

The expansion represents a significant investment in aviation maintenance education and the future of workforce development in Western Maryland. Guests gathered to recognize the partnerships and support that helped bring the project to completion and to celebrate the opportunities the new space will create for current and future students. The expansion was designed to increase instructional capacity, support growing enrollment demand, and strengthen the pipeline of skilled aviation maintenance technicians entering the workforce.  

The event featured remarks from representatives of federal, state, and local government offices, all of whom emphasized the importance of workforce education and the continued growth of the aviation industry. 

Representing U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, Robin Summerfield reflected on the years of collaboration that helped move the project forward and congratulated PIA on reaching this milestone. Representatives from the offices of U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks and Congresswoman April McClain-Delaney also participated in the celebration. A Certificate of Congressional Recognition was presented on behalf of Congresswoman McClain-Delaney, recognizing PIA's efforts to strengthen access to workforce education and career-focused training opportunities.  

State and local leaders echoed those sentiments. Maryland State Senator Michael McKay and members of the Maryland legislative delegation offered congratulations and praised PIA's commitment to providing high-quality aviation education that supports regional workforce needs. The Maryland Department of Commerce presented a Secretary's Citation in appreciation of PIA's role in training the next generation of aviation professionals.  

Several community leaders highlighted the long-term impact of the expansion on students and families throughout the region. Jeff Cline, Vice President of the Washington County Board of Commissioners, shared stories of graduates who have launched successful aviation careers, noting that PIA's impact extends beyond employment by helping create brighter futures for families. Randy Leatherman congratulated PIA on its continued commitment to career-focused education and its responsiveness to evolving workforce demands. Jonathan Horowitz, Director of Business and Economic Development for Washington County, emphasized the critical need for skilled workers and praised PIA for preparing students for real careers in aviation. Paul Frey, President and CEO of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, recognized the collaboration that made the project possible and highlighted the importance of hands-on, career-driven education in supporting economic growth and community success. 

During her remarks, Suzanne Markle, President and CEO of PIA, connected the expansion to the institution's mission of developing skilled aviation professionals and serving the needs of students, employers, and the broader aviation industry. She emphasized that investments in facilities, partnerships, and people create opportunities for students while helping address the industry's growing workforce needs. The new space reflects PIA's continued commitment to providing relevant, high-quality training that prepares graduates for successful careers in aviation maintenance.  

Closing the formal program, David White, Campus Director of PIA Hagerstown, reflected on the significance of the expansion for students and the local community. He spoke about the opportunities the facility will provide for future generations of aviation maintenance technicians and thanked the many partners, supporters, faculty, staff, and students who contributed to the project's success.  

Following the official ribbon cutting, guests toured the expanded facility, viewed the new instructional spaces, and met with students and faculty. The afternoon served as both a celebration of what has been accomplished and a reminder of the vital role aviation education plays in supporting workforce development and industry growth. 

PIA extends its sincere gratitude to the elected officials, government agencies, industry partners, community leaders, alumni, students, faculty, and staff who helped make the Hagerstown Campus expansion a reality.