By Ava Steffens

Chris Sims, a 30-year United Airlines pilot and SIU School of Aviation alumnus, believes those who share a boundless passion for flying deserve to be uplifted just as he was.

In support of that belief, he recently established the John and Carol Sims Aviation Scholarship. The scholarship is named after his parents.

“A dream is only a dream until it becomes reality. It does not become a reality unless you have some help along the way,” he said.

Originally from Naperville, Illinois, he attended SIU from 1990 to 1994.

“Between the location, price, and convenience, the decision was a no-brainer,” he said.

Soon after graduating, he interned at United Airlines through a program offered by the School of Aviation, which provided a direct pathway to becoming a United Airlines pilot after college.

Sims’ passion for aviation began when he was 5 years old during his first plane ride. This moment ignited a lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. Thrilled by the idea of flying, his love for aviation deeply influenced him throughout his entire life.

“You couldn’t even tell me what colors my walls were, my room was so full of airplane models,” he said.

He found the United Airlines internship at SIU while he was still a junior in high school.

“My father told me to look at this little school in Southern Illinois. I remember seeing the Saluki logo next to the United logo, and knowing it was meant to be,” Sims said.

Working weekends at SI Airport as a student and flight instructor, he did not even have time to attend a football game until after he graduated. Although he pushed himself as a Saluki, he credits SIU and its unique programs with helping him transition from a student to a professional full-time pilot.

“There was a lot of work, but there was also a lot of opportunity,” he said.

Sims felt inspired to give back while reflecting on his time as a student. Now in his 50s, he remains grateful for the support he received. Along with establishing a scholarship, he is now dedicated to serving as an Aviate Ambassador to SIUC, United Career Day Flight Facilitator, and Aviate Program Mentor at flight schools nationwide.

“I reached a point when I realized how fortunate I was and that now was the time to give back. So many people’s handprints lined the path for me to get here,” he said.

Sims named the scholarship after his parents, who were his inspiration to pursue an aviation career.

“My parents would take me to the airport just to watch the planes on the runway,” he said.

To apply for the scholarship, students must write about the day, moment, or event that made them realize they wanted to pursue a career in flight.

“If a student has passion, they should at least be provided with the opportunity to make that happen,” Sims said.

To make a gift, visit siuf.org.