Taking Flight
One of my favorite things about this community is the people - seeing fans show up to UND games and cheering on my fellow student-athletes.Justin Jelaca, ’26
Justin Jelaca, ’26
Hometown
Bolton, Ontario, Canada
Area of Study
Commercial Aviation
Athletic Program & Position
UND Track & Field, Distance
Athletic Accolades
Justin ranks among UND’s top 10 performers in five events and has earned All–Summit League recognition. He is the recipient of the Mike Grandall Track Scholarship.
Why UND
UND was the only school in Division I where half of the track roster was in commercial aviation. I knew immediately UND was the place I wanted to be — the John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences and the University’s indoor practice facility (the Fritz Pollard Jr. Athletic Center) were big draws.
Favorite Area of Campus
Throughout my time here, there have been some tremendous renovations to buildings, blending the new with the old in a nice way. Every part of campus is a joy to walk through. UND is starting to become one of the nicest campuses in terms of athletic facilities in the Dakotas. This only helps the program moving forward and helps us get better.
Academic Highlight
I’m a first-generation pilot in my family. From having no idea how to fly a plane to now enrolling in a course about teaching other students to fly — that is crazy to me. This is why I believe UND is the greatest aviation school in the country. The professors, advisors, flight instructors, and administration go above and beyond to make sure students succeed in this field.
Community Involvement
I have logged over 100 hours of community service. I am currently the president of the UND Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), and I am running for vice president of the Summit League SAAC board. I couldn’t be more honored to represent UND and the Summit League!
Biggest Athletic Accomplishment
The collective growth of our team stands out to me. UND has risen toward the top of the conference when it comes to sending athletes to regional and national competitions. Future Goals: After graduation, my goal is to fly for a major airline in the United States or Canada. I plan to stay at UND to be a flight instructor and gain more experience before applying to the airlines.
Gratitude for Donors
It’s hard to put into words how appreciative I am for these opportunities and to receive scholarships. I would love for [the donors] to see their scholarship’s impact through my eyes. ... Between my experiences here and knowing that I’m going to get a degree from one of the best flight schools means the world.
Justin was chosen as one of just 250 people to attend the NCAA Leadership Forum in Charlotte, North Carolina in fall 2024. The group included athletes, coaches, and staff members from all divisions of the NCAA who gathered to improve leadership skills for their institutions and communities.
Pledge Your Loyalty
As the costs to run top collegiate athletic programs continue to escalate, the University of North Dakota Alumni Association & Foundation and UND Athletics are working to secure the future of the programs we know and love.
