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The Adam Pachkofsky Exploration Scholarship for Aviation Students will help aviators achieve their wings as a professional pilot. Through this scholarship, the donor hopes to inspire students to explore corners of the globe they’ve never seen, grow personally and professionally, learn about new cultures, meet new people and foster friendships that would otherwise be unattainable.

These aspirations embody the life of Adam Pachkofsky, a lifelong aviator, adventure seeker and proud Arizona State University Sun Devil. Born and raised in Minnetonka, MN, Adam fell in love with aviation at an early age. Before he graduated high school, Adam began his flight training at Flying Cloud Airport pursuing his dreams with the money he earned. After high school, Adam joined his brother at ASU, where he became a Certified Flight Instructor. Adam graduated with a degree in Aeronautical Science from the Polytechnic Campus within Fulton Schools of Engineering.

Airline Pilots embody professionalism. Constantly refining their skill and knowledge, dedicated to safety, diligently preparing and planning, channeling courage and focus under pressure, always leading by example. Adam Pachkofsky embodied all these principles, in and out of the flight deck. 

He was well respected and loved by everyone who knew him. Dignity, courage, kindness, humor, grace and respect, were the fundamental principles that Adam lived by.

Tragically, Adam was diagnosed with brain cancer in late 2016. He fought valiantly and enjoyed many years of remission. He was unable to return to the flight deck, but through perseverance, he found a new career and success.

For the next seven years, Adam traveled to every corner of the world with his wife. He lived life to the fullest and set an example for everyone that was lucky to know him. Sadly, the cancer returned, and several additional rounds of treatment failed, and Adam lost his courageous battle. He made his final flight west on Nov. 4, 2023.

Adam taught those around him many lessons. He would be happy to know that his memory provides the opportunity to keep exploring, learning, and pursuing your dreams.