INDIANAPOLIS – Ivy Tech Day – the first-ever Day of Giving for Ivy Tech Community College – brought alumni, students, and friends of the College together on Tuesday to celebrate 60 years of achievement and opportunity in Indiana. The 24-hour event also exceeded its goal with 1,839 gifts contributing $241,685 that will provide for immediate student and programmatic needs across the state. The Foundation set a goal of 600 contributions to recognize Ivy Tech’s 60th anniversary this year.

The Ivy Tech campus in Indianapolis received 346 contributions equaling $28,383 on the first day of giving.

Several events across Indiana knitted together the state’s passion for the nation’s largest singly accredited community college – such as lighting downtown Evansville green, a commemorative Ivy Tech wine in Terre Haute, a “green scene” in downtown Muncie, and a Monument Circle lighting in downtown Indianapolis.

“The response underscores the importance of Ivy Tech to the State of Indiana,” said Sue Ellspermann, president, Ivy Tech Community College. “Our donors, alumni, students, employer partners, faculty and staff, and friends in the community demonstrated the collective passion people have for Indiana’s community college, and I am incredibly grateful to the many people and organizations who support our work.”

Approximately 173,000 people attend Ivy Tech’s 19 campuses across Indiana. Last year, over 41,000 credentials and certifications were awarded, and 93% of those who graduate stay in the Hoosier State to pursue their careers.

More than 50 challenge donations, ranging from $200 to $10,000, were received during the day.

“Ivy Tech Day was about bringing people together across Indiana, and we are thrilled with the response of our communities and campuses,” added Courtney Roberts, Ivy Tech Foundation president. “Our college and communities work together to make Indiana a great place to live. More than 90 percent of our graduates stay in Indiana to pursue their careers, and they showed us this week how they make a real difference for Hoosiers.”

Ivy Tech was founded 60 years ago on March 15, 1963. Ivy Tech contributes $3.9 billion annually to Indiana’s economy, including a net impact of $3.6 billion from alumni working in the state. Eight of ten students who graduate from Ivy Tech do so without student debt. Additionally, Ivy Tech:

  • graduates more nurses with 2-year degrees than any college in the nation, and most stay in Indiana to pursue their careers.

  • contributes to 1 of every 70 jobs across Indiana.

“Our loyal supporters showed up in great numbers yesterday helping us raise $28,383 for Ivy Tech Indianapolis as part of Ivy Tech Day. I am humbled by your generosity and am even more #IvyIndyProud of what this means for our students, Dr. Lorenzo Esters, Indianapolis Chancellor said. “Our collective giving will make a lasting impact on our campus community and will support our 28,000 students who call Ivy Tech Indy 'home'.”

About Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis

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, 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. Follow Ivy Tech Indianapolis Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram for the most up-to-date information.

About the Ivy Tech Foundation

The Foundation’s most important function is to provide support for Ivy Tech Community College beyond state appropriations and student fees. Its overall program of work focuses on meeting student needs. Invest IN Ivy Tech, a $285 million statewide fundraising campaign, provides greater opportunity for each of the College’s 19 campuses to educate, train, and support all 92 of Indiana’s counties. Learn more at www.ivytech.edu/InvestINIvyTech.

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.