Allan James Chindemi was a Professor of Fashion Apparel and Design in the School of Fashion at Ryerson University. Chindemi earned his Diploma in Fashion Design from Ryerson (1976), his Associate in Applied Science from the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York City (1980), and his Master of Science in Education from the Bank Street College Graduate School of Education, New York City (1986). He began teaching at Ryerson in 1987. In 1989, he was awarded the Medal of Service to the Community by the Fashion Liaison Committee of the City of Toronto. In 1992, he received the Canada 125 Medal for outstanding contributions to the community from the Governor General and, in 1994, was named Ryerson Professor of the Year. He was an active volunteer with the YMCA, serving as Chair of the Community Fund campgain and sitting on the advisory board of governors for nine years. In 1992, he earned the YMCA of Greater Toronto's Volunteer of the Year award and, in 1994, the YMCA Canada Peace Medal, in recognition of outstanding contributions as a peacemaker. After his death, Ryerson established the Allan J. Chindemi Memorial Award for excellence in Menswear Design.