Clarkson Students Selected to Lead National Arnold Air Society, Silver Wings Conclave

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A team led by Clarkson University students will take center stage during the Arnold Air Society's 80th anniversary, organizing a five-day national conclave expected to bring approximately 1,000 students, military leaders and aerospace industry professionals together near Washington, D.C.

Clarkson's Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings team earned the opportunity to host the organizations' 2027 National Conclave, known as NATCON, after competing against other universities for the honor at the 2026 conclave in Dallas. Students attending the conference voted to award Clarkson the bid following a presentation developed through months of preparation.

NATCON brings together students and cadets interested in aerospace from more than 115 universities. Attendees range from first-year college students to senior military officials and have opportunities to network and collaborate with peers, industry professionals and military leaders.

Leading the effort are Clarkson seniors James Weber III, Arnold Air Society co-commander, and Makenzie Roth, Silver Wings co-commander. The 11-member planning team includes eight additional Clarkson students, two students from St. Lawrence University and one from the University of Connecticut.

The students will independently manage the planning and execution of the event, including more than $320,000 in purchasing power. Their responsibilities span operations, transportation, financial management, protocol, public affairs, information management and event support through April 2027.

Throughout the process, students will also work alongside the Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings Board of Directors, Executive Management Center and National Advisory Consultants. Those mentors include active-duty and retired military officers and professionals from aerospace and other industries.

The opportunity builds on several years of national and regional leadership for Clarkson students. Clarkson's organizations led 14 squadrons across the Northeast as Regional Headquarters in 2022-23, hosted the region's conclave the following year and served as National Staff in 2024-25, leading approximately 2,300 members at 114 universities.

Arnold Air Society and Silver Wings are partner organizations focused on developing military and civilian leaders. Their programming also creates connections with organizations such as the Air & Space Forces Association and professionals across the aerospace and defense industries.

For the Clarkson-led team, NATCON represents one of its largest undertaking yet - placing students at the forefront of planning a national event while representing Clarkson before military, industry and university leaders from across the country.

Arnold Air Society is a 501(c)(3) organization. If you wish to support the student team you can make a tax-deductible contribution by contacting [email protected].