College Names Pham as 2024 Alumni of the Year

Student by Airplane 2024 Alumni of the Year Savannah, Ga. – Savannah Technical College selected Vinh Pham as its 2024 Alumni of the Year. An Aviation graduate, Pham’s inspiring journey from Vietnam to becoming an Airworthiness Inspector at Gulfstream highlights the transformative power of technical education and determination.

Born in Vietnam, Pham initially pursued a college education in Print and Design before moving to the United States in 2004. Navigating a new country, language, and culture, Pham taught himself English using various resources, including STC’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program. Despite familial expectations to work in the family nail salon, Pham envisioned a brighter future for himself and his family.

Encouraged by customers who spoke of the opportunities at Gulfstream, Pham enrolled in STC’s Aircraft Structural Diploma program, graduating in Summer 2016. Determined to advance his career, he continued his studies and earned an Aviation Maintenance Technology Degree in Summer 2018—all while working weekends at the family salon and attending classes during the week.

“Vinh’s story exemplifies resilience, determination, and the life-changing impact of technical education,” said STC President Dr. Ryan Foley. “His commitment to pursuing his dreams while balancing work and family responsibilities is truly inspiring.”

Starting as an Aircraft Tech I in Gulfstream’s Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) shop, Pham spent six years honing his skills before earning the role of Airworthiness Inspector. In this position, he is responsible for final sign-offs before corporate aircraft are returned to service—an essential role in ensuring aviation safety and quality.

Pham’s influence extends beyond his professional accomplishments. Within Savannah’s Vietnamese community, he openly shares his journey, encouraging others to consider the opportunities available through Savannah Technical College.

“I’m proud of the education I received at Savannah Technical College,” said Pham. “It not only changed my life but also set a strong foundation for my family’s future.”

Pham was honored at the Technical College System of Georgia’s Fall Leadership Conference along with the other 21 alumni of the year from their respective technical colleges.

#2516 | December 2, 2024

A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, Savannah Technical College (Savannah Tech) is the premier provider of career-ready technical education in Coastal Georgia, offering a comprehensive range of nearly 150 market-driven programs, preparing students for high-demand careers including Aviation Technology, Cybersecurity, Health Sciences, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Automation & Robotics, Information Technology, Culinary Arts, Public Services and more. With campuses in Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty Counties, Savannah Tech serves more than 13,000 credit and non-credit students with a variety of pathways to success, including dual enrollment programs for high school students and specialized support services for military veterans and their families. Beyond academics, Savannah Tech is an economic and community development partner, collaborating with industry leaders to provide customized training programs, assessment services, and continuing education opportunities. For more information, visit www.savannahtech.edu.

Savannah Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit. Questions about the accreditation of Savannah Technical College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Savannah Technical College complies with the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG). The TCSG State Board prohibits discrimination on the basis of an individual’s age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status (“protected status”). No individual shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under, any TCSG program or activity because of the individual’s protected status; nor shall any individual be given preferential treatment because of the individual’s protected status, except the preferential treatment may be given on the basis of veteran status when appropriate under federal or state law.