Sim Sandhu, a graduate of Heartland Community College [HCC], has been selected as the recipient of the Community College Distinguished Alumni award from the Illinois Community College Trustees Association. Sandhu attended HCC from 2013 to 2014.
Sandhu is being recognized as a notable alumnus and having demonstrated exceptional achievement in his profession and having made a positive impact on the Bloomington-Normal community, according to the association.
One of Sandhu’s contributions includes scholarships for minority students who are pursuing careers in agriculture. Sandhu said he was inspired by the idea of helping students find a place to succeed.
"Community colleges are perfect melting pots of the areas they serve and have no biases about what may lead a student to them,” said Sandhu. “The pressure to be a good student is certainly there as it would be at any institution, but the resources and supports to achieve one's goals are often more accessible and personalized."
Sandhu graduated with his Associates of Science degree and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science degree in economics from Illinois State University. Currently, he serves as director of strategy and innovation at the Illinois Farm Bureau, handling business analytics, data, employee services and research. He also sits on HCC’s Foundation Board.
Sandhu was honored in the fall of 2024 by Heartland at the college level for his work to his community among other alumni, staff, students and community members. It was HCC that nominated him for the statewide award as well.
Heartland Board of Trustees Chair Rebecca Ropp said Sandhu is deserving of recognition for his contributions to both Heartland and the rest of Bloomington-Normal.
“Sim Sandhu is a great example of the type of alumnus all community colleges strive to have,” said Ropp. “After Sim graduated from Heartland, he immediately started giving back to his community. Sim has given of his time to share his Heartland experiences with staff and students and continues to mentor other alums.”
In addition to HCC’s college foundation board, Sandhu also serves on boards at ISU and the Multicultural Leadership Program and Institute.
