ARDI Mission Statement
The Academy Research and Development Institute (ARDI) was established in 1984 to support academic excellence at the United States Air Force Academy.
How does it work?
ARDI solicits tax-exempt donations to endow distinguished visiting professorships honoring great military and civilian leaders, past and present, selected by the major donors. ARDI intends to establish an endowed chair in each USAFA academic department. The Dean of the Faculty nominates distinguished individuals to occupy the endowed chairs each academic year. As each endowed chair approaches full funding, it is the subject of an ARDI offer of gift to the Secretary of the Air Force.
ARDI has raised more than $20 million, endowing distinguished visiting professorships and supporting other academic programs benefiting cadets and enriching the Faculty. ARDI currently contributes approximately $850,000 each year in indirect support to USAFA through the endowed chair program and ancillary academic activities. Total assets $24 million (January 2012).
ARDI was co-founded by Brig Gen Philip J. Erdle, USAF (Ret) (a former Vice Dean of the Faculty and Permanent Professor Emeritus) and Maj Gen William Lyon, USAF (Ret), in consultation with the Honorable Verne Orr, Secretary of the Air Force.
ARDI is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in the state of Colorado and headquartered in Colorado Springs.