St. John’s Northwestern Welcomes New Aviation Instructor

Delafield, Wis. – St. John’s Northwestern is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicholas Gnan as its new Aviation Instructor, strengthening the school’s commitment to innovative, future-focused education through its Engineering, Robotics & Aviation (E.R.A.) program.

Gnan is a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) with four years of experience in aviation. Driven by a lifelong passion for flight and education, he is eager to inspire students as they explore the fundamentals of aviation, build technical skills, and discover how aviation connects to a wide range of future opportunities.

“I am enthusiastic about sharing my passion for aviation with the students of St. John’s Northwestern,” Gnan said. “My goal is to help develop the aviation program into a flagship offering at St. John’s, where students feel empowered to explore, ask questions, and pursue their interests with confidence.”

President Robert J. Fine, Jr. welcomed Gnan to campus, emphasizing the role of aviation within the school’s broader STEM offerings.

“We’re pleased to welcome Nick to St. John’s Northwestern,” said President Robert J. Fine, Jr. “His background in aviation and his passion for teaching align well with our goal of giving students meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.”

St. John’s Northwestern’s Engineering, Robotics & Aviation (E.R.A.) program is a cornerstone of its STEM education, offering students an immersive, hands-on learning environment supported by a 12:1 student-to-teacher ratio. Students explore aviation and aerospace concepts, robotics, 3D printing, cybersecurity, drone technology, and esports, all while developing problem-solving, leadership, and real-world technical skills.

Through the aviation program, students gain exposure to foundational flight concepts and simulator-based learning, while discovering how aviation connects to engineering, technology, and innovation. The E.R.A. lab features custom-designed workstations, advanced tools, and industry-standard software, creating an environment that mirrors real-world STEM careers.

With Gnan’s arrival, St. John’s Northwestern continues to expand its vision for aviation education, one that emphasizes curiosity, technical literacy, and long-term student success.

About SJN

St. John’s Northwestern is a safe, structured environment that provides each student a foundation for life with specialized programs that are built with future aspirations in mind. SJN is a private co-ed college preparatory boarding and day school and is accepting applications for grades 7-12 and post-graduate. Learn more at stjohnsnorthwestern.org.