Ivy Tech Community College honored Paramvir “Vinny” Chandpuri of Fort Wayne as one of 19 individuals across the state selected to receive the 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest honor given to recognize Ivy Tech alumni. Selected through a highly competitive process, each recipient has made a lasting impact on their community and on Ivy Tech through outstanding professional, philanthropic, or volunteer accomplishments.
“These individuals are examples of how Ivy Tech can change lives,” said Ivy Tech President Sue Ellspermann. “Whether they went on to pursue additional education or went straight to the workforce, our distinguished alumni make a difference in our communities every day. We are proud and honored to be part of their stories.”
Chandpuri graduated from Homestead High School in 2009 and earned an associate’s degree in Aviation Maintenance in 2015. While enrolled in the program, Chandpuri was hired at Pinnacle Airlines, giving him hands-on experience while he worked toward his degree. Rising quickly in the ranks, he was promoted to a Mechanic’s Helper after six months with Pinnacle. Then after earning his Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license and Associate Degree in Aviation Technology at Ivy Tech Fort Wayne in 2012, he was promoted to Aircraft Technician.
In 2015, Chandpuri was offered and accepted a position as an Assembly and Test Technician, was eventually promoted to Lead Test Quality Engineer at the Peebles, Ohio testing facility, and is now a Site Quality Manager CVG at one of only seven Global On Wing Support Facilities. With the help of Ivy Tech, he was able to fulfill his lifelong dream of working in aviation, being around aircraft, and traveling the world.
“I am where I am because of Ivy Tech,” says Chandpuri. “And I’m not just saying that. I honestly don’t know where I would have been or what I would have done without the instructors and advisors at Ivy Tech who led me down this path.”
Alumni, faculty, staff, and friends are all encouraged to make nominations. Awardees must be graduates of Ivy Tech, having received an Associate Degree, Technical Certificate, or Certificate.
The College has been honoring Distinguished Alumni since 1998.
For more information, visit www.ivytech.edu/alumniawards.
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