For Captain Allen “Al” Maurer, flying was never only a career. It was a lifelong passion he shared freely with others.Long after building a distinguished aviation career, Maurer remained a familiar presence at Kent State University Airport, where he encouraged student pilots, shared lessons from decades in the flight deck and made time for anyone eager to learn.Maurer, a Kent State aviation alumnus, passed away Feb. 24 at age 78. His impact continues across the College of Aeronautics and Engineering through the students he mentored, the programs he supported and the scholarship he created to h...