Ivy Tech’s First Day of Giving to Support Next Generation of Hoosier Leaders

Nation’s largest singly accredited community college holding statewide Ivy Tech Day on April 11.

INDIANAPOLIS - For students carving out a career, a day can mean everything. On April 11, Ivy Tech alumni, friends, and people across Indiana can help the College develop the next generation of Hoosier healthcare professionals, manufacturing specialists, entrepreneurs, and other leaders by participating in Ivy Tech Day, the College’s first-ever Day of Giving.

Starting at midnight – for 24 hours – alumni and friends everywhere can support the College’s 19 campuses and 173,000 students who are building brighter futures for themselves and for those around them. The Ivy Tech Foundation, which is organizing the day, wants to reach 600 gifts in recognition of the College’s 60^th anniversary.

Tonight, Ivy Tech leaders, faculty, staff, and students will congregate on Monument Circle at dusk to watch Monument Circle “turn green,” thanks to Ivy Tech community partner, AES Indiana. All are welcome to attend, engage with members of the Ivy Tech community, celebrate the lighting, and unite as the College celebrates this inaugural event.

“Ivy Tech Day is a big moment for our entire College family,” said Sue Ellspermann, president, Ivy Tech Community College. “As Indiana’s community college, we want to create a fun, memorable way to come together and demonstrate our collective passion for our students, the college and our communities. I believe our donors, alumni, students, employer partners, faculty and staff, and friends in the community will rally in celebration of Ivy Tech’s impact and 60^th anniversary.”

One leader who blossomed from her Ivy Tech experience is Ashley Gurvitz, who today is president of the United Northeast Community Development Corporation in Indianapolis. Gurvitz worked to find her true passion right out of high school before embracing the world of advocacy and public policy. She earned a degree in business administration from Ivy Tech before graduating from Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs. She recently received the Ivy Tech Distinguished Alumni Award.

“When I went to college, there was a lot of fear and uncertainty on my part,” Gurvitz said. “Ivy Tech validated the fact that I belonged and that my life experiences mattered. I cannot underscore this point enough: I would not be where I am today without Ivy Tech.”

Supporters will be able to contribute toward the future of Ivy Tech by visiting ivytech.edu/giveday. Participants can contribute through the Ivy Tech Foundation – whether it’s $6 or $6,000 or more – starting at midnight. The Foundation encourages everyone associated with Ivy Tech to wear green and share videos and photos on social media showing their passion for the College and expressing why they are participating in Ivy Tech Day. Alumni and friends can use the hashtags #give2ivy and #growivygrow to show their support. Supporters will be able to follow the Foundation all day long on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Ivy Tech campuses across the state will also hold online and live activities in their communities.

Ivy Tech was founded 60 years ago on March 15, 1963. Today, 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.

• awards more than 40,000 credentials and certifications each year, and nearly all who graduate – 93 percent – stay in the Hoosier State.

Ivy Tech Day is part of the Foundation’s 5-year, $285 million campaign.

“Our graduates are making a real impact in communities across the state, and the possibilities ahead are exciting,” said Courtney Roberts, Ivy Tech Foundation president. “From nurses to manufacturers to the culinary arts, Ivy Tech graduates are making a real difference in the lives of people across Indiana.

“Our environment requires solutions to problems faced by industries everywhere,” Roberts said. “Our community of students, alumni, faculty, and partners is making it happen.”