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Los Angeles Airport Rose Garden Named to Honor 50 Years of Service by Airport Historian Ethel Lund Pattison

In recognition of 50 years of service to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and the City of Los Angeles, the Board of Airport Commissioners today approved the naming of a rose garden adjacent to the Clifton A. Moore Administration Building at LAX after airport tour guide and historian Ethel Lund Pattison, who celebrates 50 years of service at LAX. Pattison has the most years of service of any active employee at LAWA.

The Board's action precedes a community open house set for Wednesday, Jan. 25, at the Flight Path Learning Center and Museum, located at 6661 West Imperial Highway. The open house, from 2 to 6 p.m., recognizes the 50th anniversaries of the LAX Tour and Education Program and Pattison's employment with LAWA, and the renaming of the LAX rose garden.

"As 'America's First Airport Tour Guide,' Ethel has personally welcomed a tremendous range of visitors to LAX and knows this airport and its history better than anyone," said LAWA Executive Director Lydia Kennard.

Dedicating and naming a building or landmark at LAWA's airports in honor of an individual is a rare occurrence. The Ethel Pattison Rose Garden is only the fifth time in LAWA's 78-year history that one of its facilities has been designated a place of honor for an individual.

In 2005, LAWA dedicated its administration building in honor of Clifton A. Moore, the late former executive director. In 1986, the auditorium in the administration building was named after airport commissioner Samuel Greenberg. In 1984, LAX's Tom Bradley International Terminal was named in honor of then-Mayor Bradley. In 1970, the garden at the base of the iconic Theme Building was dedicated to Henry G. Bakes, the first LAX employee.

Pattison began her career with the Department of Airports Public Relations staff in January 1956. She was hired as an Airport Guide to launch the development of the LAX Tour and Education Program that offered tours to local school students and service organizations. This program is credited with winning approval for a City of Los Angeles bond measure to build the "Jet Age" airport after two previous bond issues had been defeated.

Pattison promoted to the position of Chief Airport Tour Guide in 1961 and has since provided ongoing leadership in the development of aviation-related tour and education programs at LAX. She currently serves as an Airport Information Specialist and is the designated LAX Historian.

Pattison's knowledge of LAX operations and history has been vital to the development of a broad range of airport community relations activities. Particularly noteworthy is her leadership and continuing involvement in the Flight Path Learning Center and Museum at LAX, which opened October 2003. This facility has become a focal point for airport tours, historical presentations and community events. In advance of establishing the Flight Path Learning Center, Pattison has been instrumental in preserving, developing, and presenting the aviation artifacts and photos that comprise many of the museum's exhibits. For aviation enthusiasts, school children, and community residents, the Flight Path Museum offers a valuable glimpse of LAX history and aerospace development.

Pattison has served LAWA with distinction, welcoming dignitaries, celebrities and the local community to LAX. She takes particular pleasure in providing disabled and special needs individuals with the experience and excitement of an LAX tour.

Pattison was recognized by the Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa del Rey in September 2004 as a "Star of the Neighborhood" for her continuous efforts to provide accessible aviation-related historical and education opportunities. Last Friday, she was recognized by the Los Angeles City Council for her many contributions to the City.

A native of Hollywood, Pattison is a graduate of the University of Southern California and currently serves in a number of its alumni organizations. She is also a past national and Los Angeles chapter president of Clipped Wings, the United Airlines flight attendant alumni organization that also serves as a philanthropic group dedicated to assisting the developmentally disabled.

Distributed by Market Wire