Ivy Tech celebrates graduation

The Tribune-Star

May 06, 2008 09:01 pm

— Nearly 8,000 Ivy Tech Community College students throughout the state will receive an associate degree or certificate as the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college will stage 14 graduation ceremonies around Indiana in the month of May.
The Wabash Valley Region will stage its commencement at 7 p.m. Friday in Indiana State University’s Hulman Center. Brad Ellsworth, U.S. Congressman, 8th District, will be the keynote speaker. Jeff Pittman, vice provost for distance education and chancellor, Wabash Valley Region, will participate in the ceremony.
About 480 Wabash Valley graduates are expected to walk through commencement with 2,000 of their friends and families in attendance. Commencement is open to the public and the media is encouraged to attend.
Presentations to be made will include the following distinguished student awards: Larry Lowey Award, Leon Blum Award, Morley Award, C. Huston Isaacs Award, Phi Theta Kappa Award, Information Systems and Technology Award, Keri Sharpe Award, and Distinguished Alumnus Award.
Nearly 93 percent of all Ivy Tech graduates remain in the state of Indiana after receiving their degree and the annual lifetime earnings of Ivy Tech graduates are estimated to be 74 percent higher than Hoosiers with only a high-school diploma.
In addition to awarding nearly 8,000 degrees and certificates, the community college has granted more than 15,000 certifications thus providing nearly 23,000 credentials preparing Hoosiers for the work force and providing credits that transfer to four-year colleges and universities.
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. It serves as the state’s engine of work-force development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Wabash Valley Region offers 26 degree programs and eight locations throughout the area.