Published: July 10, 2008 10:29 pm         

Ivy Tech surpasses its capital campaign goal of $1.5 million

TERRE HAUTE — The Ivy Tech Community College Wabash Valley Region celebrated the conclusion of its capital campaign Wednesday.

“Changing Lives … for Tomorrow’s Workforce” was a regional campaign to complete the advanced manufacturing and automotive training center. Located in the Vigo County Industrial Park, the Center for Workforce Development is an 82,000-square-foot facility that provides space for Ivy Tech’s manufacturing and industrial technology, electronics, design technology and automotive technology programs, and its work force and economic development department.

Jeff Pittman, chancellor, Wabash Valley Region, provided an update on the project, including the new automotive center, projected construction schedule and program updates. In addition, he recognized the leadership provided by the campaign co-chairmen, Bob Brown, president, Tri Aerospace, and Mark Fuson, president, Fuson Pontiac Buick Cadillac and GMC Trucks.

Next, John Neu, district sales manager, Snap-on Tools Inc., presented Becky Miller, executive director of Resource Development, Ivy Tech, a pledge of $250,000 to assist in the completion of the advanced manufacturing and automotive training center. Ivy Tech and Snap-on are finalizing details of a new partnership, which will include a Diagnostic Training and Certification Center for the students of the automotive program at the Terre Haute campus.

It was then announced that the campaign exceeded its goal of $1.5 million by raising more than $1.6 million.

“The response of the people of the Wabash Valley to this campaign shows the recognition of the critical need for skilled technical employees,” Brown said. “Ivy Tech had a vision for a great solution and needed help to fulfill it. The community stepped up. I wish to personally thank all of the participants and donors for their support of this worthwhile endeavor. This is a major step in the continuing efforts to keep the Wabash Valley economically viable.”

Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s second-largest public post-secondary institution, with more than 100,000 students enrolled annually. Ivy Tech has 23 campuses throughout Indiana.

Snap-on, with headquarters in Kenosha, Wis. has a diagnostic tool line that makes up nearly 65 percent of the aftermarket automotive diagnostic tools in the United States.