Emily Munoz, UVU Marketing

David “Buddy” Conner, a student majoring in aviation management at Utah Valley University, is well on his way to finding a successful career in the aviation industry — one of his true passions.

Conner felt like a kid on Christmas morning when he saw a jet take off as he walked into his first class at the Provo Airport Campus.

“I still get excited every time I walk into the airport for class,” Conner said. “There’s something amazing about a nearby launching jet rumbling the walls of your classroom.”

There was, however, a time when his dream of working in the industry did not seem achievable. He was born in Murray, where he grew up with a sister who was a year and a half older than him. She affectionately called him her “Buddy,” and the name stuck with family and friends.

Conner and his sister spent most of their time together focused on sports. Being so close in age and equally competitive, they liked to challenge each other — the two were inseparable.

Emily Munoz, UVU Marketing

In 2015, his sister was struck and killed by another vehicle while driving home for lunch when they were in high school.

“My life was tragically impacted in a way that I had never experienced,” Conner said. “Before the accident, I was an enthusiastic, straight-A student. Suddenly, my priorities changed. My values had different meanings, and my focus was redirected. School seemed pointless.”

Conner tried to make sense of his life while making post-high school plans. He began applying to colleges and universities to study business and marketing, based on recommendations from well-meaning friends. Several colleges accepted and awarded him scholarships. He attended one semester online, but his dream job in aviation lingered. He couldn’t shake the pull to the skies.

“It turns out I wasn’t a bad student, but in the back of my mind I was holding onto my dream of aviation,” he said. “Very close to the edge of burnout, Utah Valley University (UVU) came to my mind — a place I had visited once in high school and enjoyed. Something was special to me about UVU.”

Conner looked to his sister’s example for inspiration. According to him, she was never afraid to pursue a dream or take a chance, and her enthusiasm was inspiring. “So, I borrowed a page from her book and channeled some of her courage to enroll in the aviation management program at UVU,” he said.

Conner said that Professor Ryan Leick was key in learning about aviation career possibilities. “The feeling I had after that initial meeting with Professor Leick was one of the best feelings I’ve ever felt,” Conner said. “I was pursuing my passion and studying something I absolutely loved. Also, I felt welcomed, wanted, and valued.”

After Conner’s first semester at UVU, he went to private flight school and fulfilled his dream of obtaining a private pilot’s license. He also volunteered to lead the American Association of Airport Executives Club at UVU, but renamed it the Aviation Management Club because he wanted to cover all aspects of the industry.

Conner vividly remembers the struggle several family members had when flying on short notice to his sister’s funeral. He said on any given day, many airline passengers are en route to a vacation or business trip, but some people are traveling to say their final goodbyes to a loved one. Conner hopes to use his career to help people in that situation.

“Throughout my studies at UVU, I’ve realized that if you doubt whether you should pursue a passion, you should take a chance and believe in yourself,” Conner said. “When you pursue a passion, you will find a way to make it work.”

Newsletter