Daniel Wolfe, ’82, flies among Living Legends of Aviation.
From a young age, Daniel Wolfe, ’82, vice president and general manager of Nationwide Aviation Business Center, was infatuated with airplanes after admiring his father’s service in the Air Force. He turned his love of aircrafts into a successful aviation career, beginning with the Kent State flying team. As a competitive person, this program was his favorite way to team up with other high achievers and represent the university in what he deems to be the best collegiate flight team in the nation. After college, Daniel continued his journey as a pilot, and he has since spent nearly 31 years with Nationwide Aviation and also volunteers on the KSU Foundation Board. He is the proud leader of a top performing and dynamic team that drives operational safety. His work as a professional pilot has taken him all over the world and eventually lead to his induction into the Living Legends of Aviation in 2016; this prestigious award honors significant achievements and contributions in aviation. His drive and dedication not only serve him professionally, but personally, too. Of Daniel’s many achievements, one of his greatest has been the 20 years he spent supporting children as a foster parent.
KSU: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
DW: Peace of mind.
KSU: What is your favorite trait in others?
DW: I like to see situational awareness in others and witness how individuals can really notice their surroundings, and how others use these observations to improve upon the current environment, dialogue or event. I also really value dependability in others.
KSU: What trait about yourself do you like least?
DW: I don’t relax enough – might be a Type A trait?!
KSU: Who has had the greatest influence on your life?
DW: One of the greatest influences on my life was my grandmother Margaret Hunter. The absolute faith and trust she had in me made me push myself to do more and be a better version of myself because I never wanted to let her down.
KSU: What is your favorite Kent State memory?
DW: Participating in the Kent State flying team and winning third place in the pre-flight competition!
KSU: What is your favorite journey?
DW: It’s in progress; traveling the world with many more places to see!
KSU: What is your guilty pleasure?
DW: White cake donut with white icing (maybe even two).
KSU: What do you consider your greatest achievement?
DW: My greatest personal achievement is being a foster parent for 20 years and being able to support my children during times in their lives when they needed help. My greatest professional achievement is being inducted into a very select group of Living Legends of Aviation with the likes of Buzz Aldrin, Richard Branson and Morgan Freeman.
KSU: If you could come back as one person, who would it be?
DW: Ronald Reagan because he got to experience being hundreds of different people as an actor as well as a great leader and President, and he still maintained a balanced life of achievement and fun.
KSU: What part of your college experience most formed who you are today?
DW: Paying for my own college tuition and working full time while also taking a full course load. Doing what had to be done and never looking back.