Alexandria, VA – The AAAE Foundation today announced the creation of a new scholarship program for AAAE members focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship. The scholarship will provide one annual $10,000 scholarship to an AAAE individual airport member seeking an MBA, Executive MBA or for certain Executive Education programs focusing on innovation and/or entrepreneurship at the following institutions: Harvard Business School; MIT Sloan School of Management; The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania; Stanford Graduate School of Business; and the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. Interested members must submit an application which includes their academic records, work experience and a personal statement addressing how the scholarship would benefit the individual, the airport where the individual is employed and the aviation industry. All AAAE airport members may apply. Accredited Airport Executives (A.A.E.s) will receive additional consideration in the application process. The new scholarship program, formally known as the William Robert Hauptli Scholarship for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, is named in honor of William Hauptli, the late father of AAAE President and CEO Todd Hauptli. William Hauptli was the founder of several computer companies and was involved in a number of start-up companies throughout his career. The endowed scholarship is funded through a $200,000 contribution commitment, including an initial gift from the Hauptli family of $100,000. “William Hauptli was a remarkable man and I am honored to be able to share his legacy with the members of AAAE through this endowed scholarship,” said AAAE President and CEO Todd Hauptli. He continued, “In our dynamic, evolving industry, our most effective leaders embrace innovation and entrepreneurship and the Hauptli family is thrilled to share this opportunity to support the advancement of members of our AAAE family. It is exciting to think about what new great ideas for our industry will emerge as a result of this new program.”