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“Day-to-day mentoring is very rewarding, but the thing I enjoy most is when a former student who I helped throughout their time at Kent State calls me to tell me that they have landed their first job – or their dream job – in their chosen field. There's really no comparison to that. Seeing the students succeed is mentoring's own reward.”

Choosing a career can be a daunting task, but Jim Sebastian, ’91, knew he wanted to become a pilot as a kid. “When I was about 10 years old, my family took a vacation to Florida, and that was my first time being on an airplane,” Jim said. “From then on, that's all I ever wanted to do.” 

Jim graduated from �鶹��ý in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in aerospace technology. He has been a successful pilot and captain for Southwest Airlines for 20 years and has dedicated himself to improving the lives of others. 

“The most enjoyable thing about being a Southwest Airlines pilot is being able to impact people's lives,” Jim said. “We get to fly newlyweds, grandkids meeting their grandparents, reconnecting old friends and family. I talk to passengers as much as I can, and it's never boring to listen to the reasons they travel. Everyone has a story.”

When he is not flying, Jim is inspiring students as an outstanding adjunct professor and flight check instructor, conducting FAA required checks for students in Kent State’s College of Aeronautics and Engineering. He is part of a Southwest Airlines mentorship program where he mentors three aeronautics students who have been selected into the Southwest Career Pilot Pathway Program.

“When I administer their check rides, it's such a great joy for me to tell them they've passed a check ride after we've landed. Those are moments they'll never forget and, over the years, I've come to learn that I don't forget them either.” 

Jim has been a philanthropic supporter of Kent State for many years, starting the Jim “SeaBass” Sebastian Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student who has demonstrated a passion for aviation and desires to become a professional pilot.

He also enjoys giving back to the community. Jim is dedicated to service through active leadership and has helped make a difference for the Props-4-Paws nonprofit, which he co-founded. The organization collects, purchases and distributes pet food and supplies to shelters in Portage and Summit counties. Props-4-Paws has collected and distributed more than 64,000 pounds of food and supplies since it started in 2012. For this work, Jim received the Humane Society of Summit County Volunteer of the Year award in 2018.

“I've always had a passion for shelter animals, and co-founding Props-4-Paws with �鶹��ý Airport Director Dave Poluga has been such a great source of joy. It's allowed me to combine my passion for aviation and shelter animals to help improve the life of some deserving creatures who just need a second chance,” Jim said. 

He has received other awards for his hard work and dedication to his field including the School of Technology Distinguished Alumni Award. He is also an avid Kent State Athletics supporter and fan, and enjoys attending softball and field hockey games.

“During my time as a student at Kent State, I wanted to do what most students do – put in my four years and head off into the world to make a life for myself,” Jim said. “And I did that, but I always felt a connection to the university after I graduated. I was fortunate to land a flying job in the local area after graduating, and that allowed me to return to Kent State on a part-time basis, and I've never really left. In some capacity, my entire adult life has been tied in many ways to Kent State. I really feel honored to have remained a part of the Kent State community for so long.”