After serving in the United States Air Force as a crew chief and maintenance technician, Joshua Hummer came to Kent State University with his sights set sky-high. He had enjoyed his time working on military aircraft; now, Josh was ready to get into the pilot’s seat.
As he pursued his degree, Josh found himself looking for a mentor to guide him through the complexities of earning the necessary certificates and licenses. That’s where Matt Brait, ’94, another Kent State pilot stepped in.
“My cousin, he was an alumnus from here, and he graduated in the ’90s,” said Josh. “He's been a super big help for me.”
Matt came to Kent State from Canada on a hockey scholarship to earn his degree in aviation. During his time at the university, he juggled the rigorous coursework with the demands of being a student-athlete. It’s also where he met his wife, Jackie Brait, ’91, a fellow Golden Flash.
“I didn’t know how to do it,” Matt said about becoming a pilot. “I didn’t know how to apply for jobs after I graduated. It’s difficult to navigate. That’s why I wanted to help Josh. He’s a hardworking, motivated kid.”
Their mentor-mentee relationship has had some unexpected benefits. It also allowed Matt’s two sons – one of them is a pilot and another is going to school to become one – to develop a closer relationship with Josh as well.
“It's wonderful to be able to help somebody, especially somebody who you respect so much and who you want to be successful,” Matt said. “It’s nice to know that the next generation is in good hands. We’re passing the torch along to young people who are smart, ambitious and capable of keeping the industry at the same high standards.”
In September 2026, Josh and Matt were able to share a special moment that celebrated both of their accomplishments during Kent State’s Pilot Pinning Ceremony, a special event where students who have earned their Private Pilot Certificate or Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certification receive a set of pins from Kent State professional pilot alumni.
The Pilot Pinning Ceremony began in 2022, so Matt couldn’t participate in it when he graduated. Instead, he presented Josh with his wings, and Josh returned the favor for his cousin and mentor.
Thinking toward the future, Josh is excited about what his Kent State wings represent – determination, integrity and excellence. He’s also looking forward to the camaraderie of a shared experience with fellow Golden Flashes in the sky.
“I like that they’re creating that lasting effect at Kent State,” Josh said of the pinning ceremony. “Later down the road, you're going to be flying left seat with someone, or right seat, and you look over and you see their bag, and they’ve got the Kent State wings.”
If you are interested in helping other students soar higher and achieve their dreams like Josh, please consider supporting them with a gift to the fund that matters most to you. You can browse all the giving options by visiting our giving portal.
