BLOOMINGTON – Barbara Hamm earned her associate degree in hospitality administration from Ivy Tech’s Bloomington campus in May 2018, in order to continue her director position in the culinary arts field. Hamm graduated summa cum laude and was the outstanding student award recipient in her program of study. Hamm also earned a certificate in hospitality management.
“The reason for my enrollment was a bit different than most,” said Hamm. “In order to keep my job as a foodservice director at Waycross Camp and Conference Center, I needed to obtain my associate degree in the culinary field. It was the hope of my supervisors, as well as myself, to gain the knowledge and confidence in the administrative responsibilities of my job and at the same time, broaden and better my cooking skills.”
Hamm has worked at Waycross Camp and Conference Center in Morgantown, Ind. for 18 years.
“Waycross is a second home and family to me,” said Hamm. “The education and experience I have gained proved to me that I am indeed in the best field of work for me. My gifts are in serving people.”
Hamm continued to work full-time at Waycross while she earned her degree.
“I continued to keep a full-time management job, a part-time job, in addition to caring for a family, all while attending classes,” said Hamm.
“My experience at Ivy Tech was enlightening, as I had not been a student for quite some time and there are a lot of changes in the classroom setting,” she continued. “I would learn something new with each experience.”
After six years of working toward her associate degree, she passed up an opportunity to attend a culinary workshop in France in order to walk across the stage at Ivy Tech Bloomington’s commencement ceremony on May 11, 2018.
“No way was I missing that!” said Hamm, of attending the ceremony. “I am proud to be a part of this school and program and am proud of myself for completing this journey,” she said. “I will miss being a part of this wonderful, giving educational institution.”
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
