UCM to Observe Skyhaven Aviation Center Grand Opening Today

Serving as catalyst for local and regional economic development while also contributing to the advancement and future of aviation education at the University of Central Missouri (UCM), the grand opening of the new Skyhaven Aviation Center will be officially celebrated at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3 p.m. today.

Skyhaven Airport is a community use and educational aviation facility serving the needs of area businesses and private pilots while also preparing UCM students to help fill a growing need for professional pilots, who are currently in high demand nationwide.

This dual role is incorporated into the design of the new 10,000-square-foot Skyhaven Aviation Center, which is the centerpiece of the airport.

Completed this summer, the $5.1 million building project is made possible by a combination of funding sources that includes approximately $1 million in state financial support; generous private gifts totaling $2.8 million from Warrensburg residents Lynn and Jackie Harmon, the Sunderland Foundation, and other private donors.

University funding has made up the balance.