In the air or on land, Chelius propelled meteorology students, research
Seeing the funding woes students often face inspired Carl Chelius, center, to establish the Chelius Family Scholarship in Meteorology from the estate of his late mother. The scholarship is dedicated to “recruit and/or retain the best and brightest full-time undergraduate students.” IMAGE: PENN STATE
Carl Chelius had a pretty exciting job as assistant professor and senior research pilot for the Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences — flying Twin Commander 680E airplanes for research — but the thing he most loved was teaching and interacting with the students.
In the 1980s, Chelius flew experimental missions for the department, often at prolonged altitudes as low as 500 feet above land and as far away as the Carribeans. He also taught until retiring in 1994.
He first connected with Penn State after serving with the United States Marine Corps as a naval aviator from 1957 to 1968. The helicopter pilot completed two combat tours in Vietnam — delivering “bullets, beans and Band-Aids” to ground troops — in 1964 and 1967.
Full story: In the air or on land, Chelius propelled meteorology students, research