Jai Chanda ’92 graduated from UVM over thirty years ago, but his connection to UVM has only deepened since: first, as an engaged alumnus; later, as a volunteer and member of the UVM Alumni Association Board of Directors.
When his son Nolan ’26 became a Catamount in the fall of 2022, Jai had the opportunity to broaden his connection to UVM – this time, as a parent.
Jai delights in his connection to Catamounts past, present, and future. Through the years, Jai has traded memories, career advice, and reflected on his experiences on campus and beyond with Catamounts and prospectives. But when it came time for Nolan to make his college decision, Jai stepped aside so Nolan could weigh several college options on his own.
“I intentionally did not involve myself in the process.”
After weighing several options, Nolan was drawn to UVM’s strong Mechanical Engineering program, as well as the “ability to be integrated in a lively college town, and be able to do what he loves most, which is ski on the weekends.”
Of the college senior, Jai says Nolan “has been very happy with the decision.”
LOOKING BACK, LOOKING AHEAD
Becoming a UVM parent has allowed Jai to reflect on some of his own Catamount days.
Jai graduated in 1992 from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, with a degree in Consumer Studies.
On a crisp October day decades ago, Jai and his parents toured UVM’s campus for the first time. It was his first visit to Burlington, Vt. Redstone, he recalls, was lively with outdoor activities. Walking through the grandeur of Billings, Waterman, and across the campus green, Jai was in awe.
But it wasn’t until afterwards, lunching on Church Street with his family, that it all clicked and he thought, “I really picture myself being part of this community.”
After UVM, Jai earned an MBA from Boston University. He works as the Head of Fundraising and Distribution for Fidelity Charitable, the largest grant maker in the US.
He and wife Sara live in Beverly, Mass., where they raised four children – Anjali (Vanderbilt University ’23), Ariane (Clemson University ’25), Nolan (University of Vermont ’26), and Nicholas (Beverly High School ’26).
Jai and a large group of his 1992 cohort are still close. He and some of about 20 other '92 alumni still keep in touch "often on a daily basis," as well as get together frequently "for sporting events or concerts."
Recently, they began large coordinated annual reunions with families. Their spouses and children are now all connecting and developing strong relationships.
These days, the father-son Catamount duo “share a lot of the same stories about the community, the student vibe and academics." It has made Jai realize "that the culture in Burlington has stood the test of time.”
Throughout Nolan's time here, his on- and off-campus housing has coincided within close range to Jai’s own back when.
"It's a great bond we share,” Jai tells us. “My fondest UVM memories revolve around my fellow classmates and the wonderful people of Burlington. At the time, undergraduate enrollment was a little under 10,000 students, which I felt to be a perfect size for me. I always had my core set of friends, but each semester allowed me to spend time with a different cohort of students – much of this dependent on classes, the season and different group projects.”
Living downtown conferred the balance of life as students with that as citizens of Burlington. This – plus internships and work-study programs – on-campus, at UVM Telemail Fundraising and at the Vermont Consumer Protection Division; off campus, at IBM and Fidelity Investments – made an impact on Jai’s path.
“Most importantly,” he tells us, “UVM taught me the importance of having meaningful relationships with one another. I’ve carried that through in my personal life with my family along with my professional career. If I had to do it all over again, I would absolutely follow the same UVM path and hope to meet the same friends.”
ON GIVING BACK
Professionally in the philanthropic space, Jai holds dear the value of community and giving back.
For Jai, serving on the UVM Alumni Association Board and volunteering provides "another meaningful connection point to UVM."
"Over the past 30+ years, I've been blessed to participate as an admissions volunteer, interviewing prospective students and representing UVM at local college fairs."
After serving on the Boston Regional Board, he hopped over to the Alumni Board.
"It’s been meaningful to meet other alumni who are equally passionate about UVM. Staying updated on current events and initiatives at the school has been a nice way to keep close to the school."
While Jai has referred over 41 high schoolers to UVM since 2017 through our unique Refer-A-Catamount (RAC) program, Nolan was not among these. He’d heard of UVM plenty.
The RAC allows alumni to bring high school juniors and seniors who meet entrance requirements into the UVM fold by providing an application fee waiver for the Common Application and Coalition Applications and another point of contact.
Having now guided four children through the college process, Jai has not seen anything like the Refer-A-Catamount program out there. "It is a competitive differentiator," he says that offers “prospective students with an additional and unique perspective to the University.”
Much of what has kept Jai connected, he says, "has been the strong relationships with current team at the University. I’ve been fortunate to spent time with the teams within the admissions office, the Alumni Association and at the UVM Foundation. I’ve been brought back into the community in ways I never expected. It’s allowed me to gain a wonderful appreciation for the University that was instrumental in creating opportunities for me."
REFER-A-CATAMOUNT
Do you know a student who might be a good fit for UVM? Help them learn more through the Refer-A-Catamount program!
Of the Class of 2029, 340 students were referred through RAC by nearly 250 alumni and UVM parents from 29 states and abroad. 92% of referred students applied to UVM. Over 50 students were expected to enroll this fall.
Refer a student now at www.alumni.uvm.edu/referacat
Go Deeper
Read more stories about alumni in our incredible Catamount community.
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A Catamount Bond: Jai Chanda ’92 on his UVM Connection
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Sep 22, 2025