2025 Student Commencement Speaker Spotlight: Luke Miller

When Luke Miller walks across the stage at Ivy Tech Indianapolis’ 2025 Commencement, he’ll be doing more than accepting his second associate degree—he’ll be honoring a journey of growth, resilience, and purpose. As this year’s student commencement speaker, Miller brings not only a deep passion for early childhood education but also a powerful message of perseverance for his fellow graduates. With over 16 years in the field, a full-time job, homeownership, and a return to college a decade after his first Ivy Tech degree in general studies, Miller’s story is one that resonates with so many in the Ivy Tech community. 

In this Q&A, he shares what brought him back to campus, how the last two years have been transformative for him, and what it means to take the stage to celebrate this milestone moment with his peers whom he admires.

“I’m so proud of everyone graduating, because we made the choice to keep pushing through. Every single student has felt that this is tough, that this is hard, and still we made the choice to keep pushing forward,” Miller said. 

Q&A 

Why did you choose to come back to Ivy Tech?

Ivy Tech is partnered with the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood program, which is a scholarship program in Indiana. I work with children, and as I grew older, I became more mature and realized I wanted to be in management and become a leader. So, I utilized the T.E.A.C.H. program and thought, 'Well, if the state is going to help me out with this, then I would love to further my life and career.'

What inspired you to pursue a career in early childhood education?

I've worked with kids my whole life. I've been in the field for 16 years now. I truly feel like it’s a calling. I've always said from a very young age, ‘I want to be a dad!’ So it's kind of been my theme throughout my life of working with kids. Then, working with other teachers, I realized I had a really good knack for leading people and bringing teams together. So, mixing my love of working with children and being able to be in management and lead teams—it just felt right.

What was the most memorable experience you had during your time at Ivy Tech Indianapolis?

I would say going to in-person classes. Especially with the amazing instructors who are on the Early Childhood Education team. They were so engaging and they truly amplified my learning. There’s just something about being in person that’s different and really helps your engagement and your learning process.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?

Definitely time management is a big obstacle. Everyone at Ivy Tech— I think—are coming from a place where they're making the hard choice, and they have to make that choice and decision to keep pushing forward because there are many times when it does feel overwhelming. But your passion and your desire for more, and to do better in life keeps pushing you.

How have your experiences at Ivy Tech Indianapolis shaped your goals and aspirations?

It's definitely pushed me more toward realizing the value and benefit of higher education. This degree is different in that I’m learning—’oh, there’s a lot of value in this.’ Getting this degree really does make me a better employee, a better leader. And there's so much value in the things that I'm learning and being able to apply in real life.

What is your favorite part of the Ivy Tech Indianapolis campus?

How safe I feel. I know that sounds odd, but being in the building, I feel safe. It's calm. It's quiet. And it feels like a place that’s safe enough to express myself and to learn and to ask questions. I feel safe to ask questions.

What made you want to apply to be the 2025 Student Commencement Speaker?

I’ve been doing public speaking since 2016. I love being in front of people, and I also have a knack for writing. The past two and a half years have been very transformative for me. And I really want to express that in a way that resonates with all the students. I just want to say, ‘I'm so proud of you. You worked hard, and I don't want you to forget that.’

What does it mean to you to walk across the stage and receive your diploma?

It means I can celebrate myself and know that even though there were times I wanted to give up, I didn’t give up, and I accomplished this. I just really look forward to celebrating the fact that I worked really hard, and I earned this.

What’s next for you?

I am continuing my education, so I’m getting a third degree. I’ll graduate with my bachelor's in business management and leadership in December. From there, I really want to pursue avenues and industries where I can lead and spread positivity and bring people together.