The Ivy Tech Indianapolis 2024 Fall Convocation, held on August 13, brought together the campus' nearly 1,000 full-time employees to celebrate achievements and set the stage for the new academic year. The event, hosted at the Conference Center and Culinary Institute (CCCI), was a day filled with reflection, strategic updates, and professional development centered around the four strategic goals: Teaching and Learning, Workforce and Careers, Student Experience, and Operational Excellence.
Chancellor Dr. Stacy Atkinson kicked off the convocation with a warm welcome, acknowledging the hard work of the planning committee and extending gratitude to Grand Canyon University for sponsoring the breakfast. Dr. Atkinson reflected on the past year’s successes, including the introduction of Koda, the new campus mascot, and the celebration of Ivy Tech’s 60th anniversary.
A significant portion of the morning was dedicated to reviewing campus milestones, such as the record-breaking 2024 commencement with over 1,000 graduates, the launch of the Dual Admission Program with IU Indianapolis, and the grand opening of the Biopharma Science and Technology Lab. The convocation also highlighted strategic partnerships and workforce developments, including a $700,000 grant from the Lowe's Foundation to promote skilled trades programs.
"The 'ship' that we have here in Indy today is one that I am extremely proud of! EVERY ONE OF YOU helped get us to this point!" Dr. Atkinson exclaimed.
A particularly poignant moment was the announcement of the new Don Weathersbe Award, named in honor of the late Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Services.
"It has almost been a year since we lost our beloved colleague and friend, Don Weathersbe. The lessons we all learned from Don about humility, hard work, and customer service will remain an anchor in all we do here at Ivy Tech Indy,” Dr. Atkinson said.
This award will recognize staff and faculty who demonstrate exceptional commitment to student success, echoing Weathersbe's legacy of humility and servant leadership.
Dr. Atkinson concluded with an overview of the year ahead, emphasizing the importance of professional development, supervisor training, and the ongoing capital project, "Ivy Tech Indy: Reimagined for the Future," which promises to transform the downtown campus.
"Team, I am one email away. Always just one email away. I don’t have all the answers – in fact, I don’t want to, but I promise you I will try,” Dr. Atkinson said, reinforcing her commitment to being accessible and supportive.
The day continued with workshops focused on key areas of growth and development, such as supporting distressed students, enhancing student experiences for English Language Learners, and providing instruction and support to students with disabilities. These sessions, held across CCCI and Illinois Fall Creek Center, were designed to align with the strategic goals and provide staff and faculty with actionable insights and tools for the year ahead.
As the day wrapped up with an employee popsicle social, there was a palpable sense of excitement and commitment among attendees. With a clear vision for the future and a strong foundation of achievements, Ivy Tech Indianapolis is poised for another successful academic year.
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.
