2009 Award
Lea C. Brustkern

AS Degree/Business Administration, Class of 2003

Lea enrolled at Ivy Tech Richmond right before her 16th birthday and graduated in 2003 with an Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration.  She transferred to Ball State University where she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and then continued her education at Indiana University School of Law in Indianapolis where she received a Juris Doctor degree.  She works as an in-house attorney for an insurance company in Indianapolis.  Lea was active in Student Government as a student at Ivy Tech.  While at Ball State, Lea was captain of the speech team and earned three State championships.  While studying at the IU law school, she volunteered for Kids Voice, a child advocacy service, and was on the Board of the Women’s Caucus.  Lea was recognized as the Indianapolis Law Alumni Scholar for 2006-2007.

2008 Award
Kathleen G. Campbell

AAS Degree/Child Development, Class of ‘94

Kathy Campbell graduated in 1994 with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Child Development.  Since that time, she has completed two additional degrees: a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education at St. Mary of the Woods College, and a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education at the University of Dayton.  Kathy’s most recent accomplishment was becoming the Program Chair for Education and Early Childhood Education at the Ivy Tech Richmond campus.  She was a lead teacher in the Child Care Center, moved to Center Director, then to full-time faculty member and now serves as program chair.  Kathy is also very active in the community by serving on the Birth-to-Five Board of Directors, the Richmond Area Career Center Advisory Board and the IU East School of Education Board.  Kathy develops positive relationships with all age groups but supporting youth organizations fits her well as she has served as a 4-H organizational leader and as a regular club leader.  She also volunteers as a Study Buddy with the Richmond Community Schools.

2007 Award
Cora Sue Stamper King

AAS Degree/Business Administration, Class of '96

Cora Sue King graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1996 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Administration. She was, and remains, an active Phi Theta Kappa member and was named to the Indiana All USA Team. After graduating from Ivy Tech, Cora Sue continued her education at Indiana Wesleyan University and in 1998 received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. Cora Sue is an active member of the Region 9 Alumni Association Chapter and the Indiana Region Alumni Association of Phi Theta Kappa. Cora volunteers with the Latch Key Program at Townsend Center as a tutor and participates with the community Study Circle Group where she pursues culture and its cultivation. She is an active member of Living Faith Church of God with its Women’s Ministry and Children’s Church.

2006 Award
Shenita V. Piper

CIS Program, Class of '98

Shenita Piper earned her Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Information Systems in 1998 and has used her computer skills in a variety of work environments including banking institution, human resources position and program director. She continued her education and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts from Earlham College in 2005, graduating with honors. Shenita is currently the Director of Multicultural Affairs and Affirmative Action Officer at Earlham College and plans to obtain a graduate degree in Human Resource Management. She is an active board member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Wayne County and has performed in various plays at Richmond Civic Theater and Earlham College. Shenita has also directed Earlham's Gospel Revelations Choir for over 11 years. Other community affiliations have included the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Committee, Girls Incorporated Board of Directors, Richmond Community Schools Mentor Program, United Way Campaign Committee Member, and Townsend Community Center Volunteer.

2005 Award
Kelly Cline RN

ASN Program, Class of 2003
LPN Program, Class of '84

Kelly Cline graduated in 1984 from the LPN program and immediately entered the workforce utilizing her career skills. Several years later she returned to Ivy Tech, and in 2003 graduated from the ASN program and was recipient of the Dean’s Award. Kelly now has 20 years experience in long-term health care and 8 years experience with Alzheimer-specific care. Her nursing career began as a Staff Licensed Practical Nurse but her passion in care-giving has become the specialized needs of the aging; and more specifically, Alzheimer’s care. Kelly has also obtained certifications in the art of caring, and Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Many of her volunteer activities focus on her interest of caring for the aging. She is director of the Family Focus Group at Friends Fellowship Community and of the Family Outreach and Nurturing Committee at the New Madison United Methodist Church, as well as a member of the Eastern Indiana Chapter of Alzheimer’s Association. She is also a member of the Cops for Kids program. The Mayor of the Village of New Madison said it best, “She is a very caring and loving mother and wife that takes time to help others with her abilities. Every Mayor wishes they could have an entire community of citizens like Kelly Cline.”

2004 Award
Ronald M. Oler

AAS Degree/Electronics Technology, Class of '87

Ronald Oler graduated in 1987 from the Ivy Tech Electronics Technology Program and was recipient of the Technology Division Award of Excellence. Continuing his education, Ron received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a Master of Science degree in Business Management from Indiana Wesleyan University. He is a Certified Microsoft Master Instructor for Office Applications and holds nine different Microsoft certifications. Ron is also a certifed broadcast engineer, certified digital telephone PBX programmer, and certified repair technician for audio-visual equipment. A wide range of community interests has lead his services to various activities and organizations such as donating time and audio engineering skills to Starr-Gennett Foundation, serving as a sound technician for Fountain City Wesleyan Church, leading a small Christian study group, and serving as a short-term missionary in Central America. Ron is an associate professor and program chair of the Office Administration Program at Ivy Tech Richmond and received a President's Award for Excellence in Instruction in 2003.

2003 Award
Billie J. (Lady) Gabbard RN, MSN

ASN Program, Class of '96
LPN Program, Class of '92

Billie J. Gabbard graduated from the Ivy Tech LPN program in 1992 and from the ASN program in 1996. Continuing her education, Billie graduated with high distinction from Indiana University East Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program in 2000 and from the University of Phoenix (on-line) Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) program in 2002. She has held a variety of positions including staff nurse, wound care nurse, charge nurse, supervisor, assistant director of nursing and director of nursing. Billie returned to Ivy Tech as a faculty member of the nursing department and assumed the leadership role of the practical nursing program in May 2003. She is a 'constant' as a community volunteer and especially enjoys working with younger students in the Richmond Community Schools Study Buddy Program.

2002 Award
Wilma E. (Dickerson) Woodford RN, B.S.N.

LPN Program, Class of '74

Wilma Dickerson graduated in 1974 from the Ivy Tech LPN program. Continuing her education, Wilma graduated from Indiana University East in 1983 from the ASN program and from Indiana Wesleyan University in 1997 from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. Wilma obtained a Certificate in Parish Nursing from Marian College in 2001. She continues to expand her education and skills so that she can volunteer to conduct training sessions for various community organizations in CPR, first aid, smoking cessation, and other health care programs. Wilma also serves as an adjunct faculty member at Ivy Tech - Richmond and as a health minister.

2001 Award
Valerie J. (Johnson) Ray

AAS Degree/Secretarial Science, Class of '80

Valerie Ray graduated in 1980 from the Ivy Tech Secretarial Science Program and was recipient of the Dean's Award. Continuing her education, Valerie is a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program and of Southern Association of College & University Business Administrators, College Business Management Institute three-year program. Her wide range of community interests has lead her services to various activities and organizations such as coaching youth sports, Big Sister, Academy for Young Leaders, Leadership Wayne County, Order of the Eastern Star, United Way, Step Ahead, YWCA and various church activities. She received the YWCA Service to Youth Community Leadership Award in 1991 and 2000.

2000 Award
Robin J. Woolum

AAS Degree/Computer Information Systems, Class of '94
TC Degree/Accounting, Class of '92

Robin Woolum graduated summa cum laude in 1994 from the Ivy Tech Computer Information Systems program and was recipient of the Business Division Award for Outstanding Business Student. Robin has over 25 years of service and professional achievements in retail business affiliation with Cox's Supermarket/Marsh Supermarket. His voluntarism focus was with the Richmond Community School mentoring program which prompted the awarding of the Louis Gibbs Memorial Award for exemplary Richmond Community Schools volunteer to Robin in 1998. Robin also serves as Eucharistic minister for his church.

1999 Award
Lisa (Snyder) Martens RN

ASN Program, Class of '87
LPN Program, Class of '80

Lisa Martens graduated in 1987 from the Ivy Tech ASN program after completing the LPN program in 1980. Lisa also holds a certificate of Quality Management Principles from IUPUI, Indiana University-Purdue University of Indianapolis. Upon moving to Canada and retaking the RN Board exam to obtain licensure in Canada, Lisa obtained employment that utilizes both her nursing and quality management skills serving as a director of quality management for all nursing homes in the United States and Canada. Lisa has increased her professional development through affiliation with several organizations in the United States and Canada such as American Society for Quality, Ontario Residential Care Association, Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, American Red Cross, and National Association of Quality Assurance Professionals.

1998 Award
Also Statewide Distinguished Alumnus Award Recipient
Debbie L. Schwab-Philpott CMA, CPA

AAS Degree/Accounting Program, Class of '92

Debbie Schwab-Philpott graduated summa cum laude in 1992 from the Ivy Tech Accounting program and was recipient of the Dean's Award. Debbie was chosen as a member of the All-USA Today Academic Team for Community and Junior Colleges. Continuing her education, Debbie received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. She is also a Certified Managerial Accountant, CMA, and a Certified Public Accountant, CPA. She continued her professional development through membership in IMA, Institute of Management Accountants. Her voluntarism has included support to Little League and Brownie groups, volunteer parent for Wernle Children's Home, middle school student mentor, and church committees.