AAR signs MOU with Southern Illinois University, connecting students with industry experts and development opportunities

Representatives from AAR and Southern Illinois University gather to sign an MOU at AAR’s headquarters in Wood Dale, Illinois, on October 10, 2025. 

Wood Dale, Illinois — AAR CORP., a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Southern Illinois University (SIU) to formalize a collaborative approach to equipping students with opportunities to learn from aviation industry experts. 

Built on a shared commitment to student success, this MOU combines AAR's industry expertise with SIU’s academic excellence, focusing on the university’s Aviation and Supply Chain Management programs.

This collaboration will help bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world application, develop a highly skilled workforce that is prepared to meet the demands of the aviation industry, and create a career pipeline for SIU graduates.

SIU students will gain access to a wide range of development opportunities, including internships and co-ops for practical experience, guest lectures and workshops led by AAR team members, mentorship programs that connect students with seasoned experts, and networking opportunities to build professional connections.

On October 10, 2025, team members from AAR and SIU came together to commemorate this inaugural MOU and speak about applying an SIU education to a career in the aviation industry. 

“This partnership with AAR is a transformative opportunity for SIU’s Supply Chain Management program. By connecting SIU students with a global aviation leader, we’re enriching our curriculum with real-world insights, expanding access to internships and collaborative research, and forging a vital bridge between education and industry. This is a launchpad for SIU student leaders in supply chain and logistics, and we’re proud to join AAR in driving innovation, opportunity, and philanthropic partnership to empower our students’ success,” said Dr. Marc Morris, Dean of College of Business and Analytics at SIU.

“This partnership between SIU’s School of Aviation and AAR gives our students hands-on training with a global industry leader while preparing a skilled workforce ready to meet the challenges of a changing aviation industry. By combining SIU’s long-standing excellence in aviation education with AAR’s leadership in aviation services, we are opening doors for students and strengthening the future of the industry,” said Dr. Robert Morgan, Dean of College of Health and Human Sciences at SIU.

“SIU equipped me with expertise that allowed me to build a long, productive career in aviation,” said Sal Marino, AAR’s Senior Vice President of Parts Supply and SIU alumnus. “I appreciate the opportunity to support this collaboration between AAR and SIU that is designed to create development experiences and a career pathway for the next generation.”

“AAR offers a diverse range of careers in aviation. I am proud to help SIU students connect with leaders and opportunities across AAR’s worldwide network,” said Jim Berberet, AAR’s Senior Vice President of Component Services and SIU alumnus.

For more information on a career with AAR, visit https://www.aarcorp.com/en/careers/.

About AAR
AAR is a global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company with operations in over 20 countries. Headquartered in the Chicago area, AAR supports commercial and government customers through four operating segments: Parts Supply, Repair & Engineering, Integrated Solutions, and Expeditionary Services. Additional information can be found at aarcorp.com.

About Southern Illinois University (SIU)
Founded in 1869, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is the flagship campus of the SIU System. SIU is one of only 21 universities nationwide — out of nearly 4,000 — recognized by the Carnegie Classification as both a Research 1 university, the highest level of research activity, and an Opportunity University, which honors institutions that expand access and foster social mobility. A welcoming, student-centered research institution, SIU is nationally recognized for its commitment to belonging, hands-on learning and community engagement.