During the Puma Choice Awards on May 10th, PVCC recognized the many accomplishments of our 2022 Outstanding Alumni honoree, Jacob Przybylski, as well as highlighted his continued engagement with PVCC as a Proud Puma Alumnus.
Jacob credits PVCC with giving him the real world skills that he needed to become a successful pilot.” Physics class had a huge impact on Jacob as he got to “experience how amazing science can be.” That class offered opportunities to help Dr. Casey Durandet with the Puma Explorers program. This program engages middle school students and provides the opportunity to tour the PVCC campus and learn about the kinds of science programs and classes we offer. Jacob says, “Those science days showed me how much I love to instruct people.” This volunteer opportunity is Jacob’s most memorable PVCC experience. “It's something I've helped with numerous times and I enjoy being able to teach, encourage, and get middle schoolers interested in a STEM field as well as getting them interested in aviation. A lot of people feel becoming a pilot is an unattainable goal and I enjoy showing them that it is attainable and something worthwhile to pursue.”
Even though Jacob graduated in the Spring of 2019, he has been a fixture on this campus by giving back any way he can. He has participated in two STEM FOI Alumni Career panels. Jacob is a frequent flier, no pun intended, to Dr. D’s physics classes. He comes to talk about his career in aviation and how physics plays a role in a lot of careers. Once again, his interaction with the students was phenomenal. They were very interested to learn what a PVCC alumnus is currently doing with what he learned at PVCC.
Jacob developed an interest in aviation during his time at PVCC. He took ground school, passed his written and oral exams, then was up in the air learning how to fly. He passed that portion and, soon enough, earned his wings! He wanted to share his passion of flying with others, so he trained and got certified as a flight instructor.
Jacob’s ultimate goal is to become an airline pilot. We have no doubt he will reach whatever goal he pursues. What a true example of a PVCC alumnus who continues to give back to PVCC’s students, faculty, and the greater community! Even though Jacob will be in Las Vegas, he said his flight schedule will get him to Phoenix every now and then, and he specifically told Dr. Durandet to keep him in the loop whenever he is needed at PVCC. He has such a strong commitment to PVCC’s values of life-long learning and positive social change.
Jacob Przybylski is committed to supporting the students who follow in his footsteps as he encourages others to pursue careers in STEM.