For more than a century, Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University has stood as a comprehensive, international institution defining the future of aviation, aerospace, and advanced technologies. Across its residential and Worldwide campuses, the institution provides an integrated commitment to student success, research and innovation and industry leadership.

This commitment to excellence was recently celebrated in San Diego, where Embry‑Riddle Worldwide recognized its 100,000th graduate during a milestone commencement aboard the USS Midway Museum.

The momentous degree was conferred on Jonnathan Munoz Cisneros, who earned his Bachelor of Science in Technical Management and currently works at Northrop Grumman. Embry-Riddle President P. Barry Butler, Ph.D., and Worldwide Chancellor John Watret, Ph.D., FRAeS, presented him with the diploma amid cheers and confetti. 

During the Aug. 9 ceremony, nearly 300 students walked the stage on the Midway’s flight deck. The historic aircraft carrier — which rises more than 20 stories, stretches about three football fields in length and overlooks San Diego Bay — provided an awe-inspiring backdrop for the celebration.

“Witnessing the 100,000th Worldwide Campus graduate cross the stage aboard the USS Midway Museum was a reminder of the tremendous impact of Embry‑Riddle Aeronautical University,” Chancellor Watret said. “On behalf of our university, I was proud to be a part of this milestone, which was made possible by generations of graduates who are now the leaders in aviation and aerospace around the world.”

Commencemnet ceremony aboard USS Midway Museum
Nearly 300 graduates celebrated commencement on the USS Midway Museum. (Photo: Grad Images/Embry-Riddle)

As a completement to Embry-Riddle’s mission — to teach students the science, practice and business of aviation and aerospace, preparing them for leadership roles in industry, government agencies and the military — its Worldwide Campus has long been a leader in distance learning, offering the university’s top-ranked online programs. The campus also counts 108 locations across the United States, South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. This includes the university’s fast-growing Asia Campus at Seletar Aerospace Park in Singapore. 

The beginnings of what would become the Worldwide Campus date to 1970, when the university opened its first remote location at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

During the 2025-26 term, the campus served more than 21,000 students, of whom nearly 11,000 were military-affiliated. Eighty-eight Worldwide locations are on military bases, and the campus consistently ranks among the best online programs for veterans, active-duty service members and their families.

The Worldwide Campus is known for innovative approaches to engaging with online students. This includes virtual labs, extended reality applications and an active virtual Student Union. While employing these cutting-edge technologies, its expert faculty also provide individual attention to students to help ensure they excel in their studies.

For example, a Worldwide team of remote students came together this year to compete in NASA’s Revolutionary Aerospace Systems Concepts–Academic Linkage (RASC-AL) competition, earning awards for a novel system to store energy on the moon.

Beyond a world-class education, the Worldwide Campus offers mentorship, skill development, industry connections and job preparation to help students succeed at any level in their careers. The Worldwide Campus has long been highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report, earning the publication’s No. 1 or No. 2 ranking for online bachelor’s programs for several consecutive years.  

Munoz Cisneros, a product support manager at Northrop Grumman who holds an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification, chose Embry-Riddle for its reputation in the aviation industry. He found that his Technical Management courses immediately helped him in his work at the aerospace giant.

“Whether it came to operational improvements, streamlining processes or mentoring my team, I was always able to connect what I was learning to my job,” he said. “Now that my degree is complete, I can find opportunities for growth in more senior management roles.”

Man holds up diploma while shaking dean's hand at commencement
Dr. Maneesh Sharma, dean of the Worldwide College of Business, congratulates Munoz Cisneros as he receives his degree. (Photo: Grad Images/Embry-Riddle)

Embry‑Riddle serves more than 33,000 students across residential campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona, as well as the Worldwide Campus, which currently offers 28 undergraduate and 26 master’s degree programs.

The university celebrates a legacy of innovation and a future defined by premier students, advanced technologies, workforce development, industry‑shaping research  and a network of over 160,000 proud alumni, of which Munoz Cisneros is now one. His wife, 12-year-old daughter, 7-year-old son and other family members were in the audience when he was recognized as Embry‑Riddle’s 100,000th graduate.

“It was a complete surprise to them. My daughter was screaming. There were so many emotions. They were so proud," he said. "To be Embry‑Riddle’s 100,000th graduate is an honor that I will carry with me forever. I felt that I was representing all of the alumni who have worked diligently to achieve their educational goals."