Akshith Reddy Bhandra

Akshith Reddy Bhandra ’22, tragically passed away on Saturday, July 20, 2024 at the age of 26. Bhandra was an international masters graduate of Valparaiso University who drowned while swimming at Illinois Beach State Park.

Akshith’s family and classmates remember him as a kind and friendly person who traveled to the United States to pursue his higher education goals. He had earned his masters degree, and was in the United States to take advantage of his visa’s Optional Practical Training and better his future.

Outside of his academic career, Akshith was a dedicated sportsman who participated in district-level karate competitions, and always aimed to achieve more.