WEST LAFAYETTE — Capt. Sully Sullenberger, a Purdue University alumnus who heroically landed a commercial airliner on the Hudson River in 2009 after it lost power from a bird strike, saving all 155 passengers and crew, will join Purdue President Mung Chiang for a Presidential Lecture Series event on November 4.
Capt. Sullenberger’s Purdue appearance, titled “How a Life’s Commitment to Excellence Saved 155 People Aboard US Airways Flight 1549,” is at 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4, in Elliott Hall of Music. The Presidential Lecture Series event is free and open to the public, but a general admission ticket will be required. Doors will open at 3 p.m. A no-bag policy will be in place for the event.
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| Purdue President Mung Chiang |
“Capt. Sullenberger has literally risen to great heights during his legendary career as an airline pilot and, importantly, as a leader who exemplified calm under extreme pressure on that cold January day 15 years ago with his several split-second decisions in captaining US Airways Flight 1549 to safely land that airplane, saving all 155 passengers and crew,” Chiang said.
“To paraphrase Capt. Sullenberger’s words, it was a ‘constant pursuit of excellence’ over many years as a commercial pilot that made him a household name as the hero behind the ‘Miracle on the Hudson,’” Chiang said. “We’re excited to host this Presidential Lecture to hear this Boilermaker’s inspirational story.”
Just after takeoff from LaGuardia Airport in New York City on Jan. 15, 2009, a flock of Canada geese took out both engines on US Airways Flight 1549. Sullenberger told his passengers to brace for impact, and he and First Officer Jeff Skiles deftly and calmly landed the plane on the Hudson River. With the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop, Sullenberger stayed on board until the passengers and crew were safely off the plane.
There were no fatalities, although 100 people were injured, some seriously. The time from the bird strike to the landing was less than 3½ minutes.
In his 2009 memoir, “Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters,” Sullenberger describes the events surrounding the heroic water landing that became known as the “Miracle on the Hudson.” Along with his life story, in the book Sullenberger discusses leadership, responsibility, service and how his studies at Purdue prepared him well for the challenges he would face.
“Highest Duty” also inspired a Hollywood movie about his life. The 2016 film “Sully” was directed by Clint Eastwood, and Tom Hanks played Sullenberger.
Sullenberger’s most recent book, “Making a Difference: Stories of Vision and Courage From America’s Leaders,” was published in 2012 and explores what it takes to lead and inspire.
