Ivy Tech Hamilton County holds fifth Commencement Ceremony

Kelly Gunn & Bob DuBois receive honorary degrees

Submitted

On Friday, May 8, the Ivy Tech Community College Hamilton County campus celebrated the accomplishments of its students during two milestone events: the fifth annual Commencement Ceremony and Nursing Pinning Ceremony for its fifth cohort of nurses.

Commencement was hosted at the Riverview Health Arena at Innovation Mile. Graduates from a wide range of academic programs were celebrated during the 2026 Commencement Ceremony, where families, faculty, and community members gathered to applaud the newest class of credentialed professionals and degree earners. This ceremony marked the fifth year since Ivy Tech Hamilton County became an independent service area.

“Commencement is more than a ceremony; it is a celebration of perseverance, growth, and the promise of what comes next,” Chancellor Rachel Kartz said. “Our graduates have balanced work, family, and countless responsibilities while pursuing their education, and today we celebrate not only their achievements, but the impact they will make in Hamilton County and beyond. We are incredibly proud to call them Ivy Tech alumni.”

Outstanding Student Award winners included:

• Charlie Satterfield, School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Sciences
• Ying Xiao, School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
• Cole Elisea, School of Business, Logistics, and Supply Chain
• Cybill Chifodya, School of Health Sciences
• Madison Schultz, School of Information Technology
• Delaney Witt, School of Nursing
• Emmalea LaPeer, School of Public Affairs and Social Services

Honorary Degrees were presented to Kelly Gunn, Director of Jail Programming at the Hamilton County Sherriff’s Office, and to Bob DuBois, President and CEO of the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce. Both recipients were praised for their continued support of higher education and the workforce and valuable partnership with Ivy Tech and the community.

Photo provided

The College also celebrated faculty excellence with the following recognitions:

• Dr. Bryan Zingg was honored with the Outstanding Faculty Award and served as the evening’s Grand Marshal.
• Christopher Gray received the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award, highlighting his commitment to student learning.

Earlier in the day, the Campus hosted the Nursing Pinning Ceremony, honoring the most recent class of graduates from the Ivy Tech Hamilton County nursing program. The pinning ceremony, a time-honored tradition in the nursing profession, symbolizes the transition from student to nurse and the pledge to compassionate, ethical care. This class marked the fifth group of students to complete the full nursing program on the Hamilton County campus.

Speakers at commencement included Senior Vice President and Provost of Ivy Tech Community College, Dr. Stacy Atkinson, who shared an inspirational charge to the graduates.

“Where you go matters, but how you show up matters more,” Atkinson said. “In your workplaces, your communities, and your families, be the person who brings effort, integrity and a willingness to help others succeed.”

Also addressing the class of 2026 was Student Leadership Academy and Human Services graduate Crystal Burger, who shared a story of personal resilience.

“Returning to school at 45 years old was one of the most intimidating and empowering decisions I have ever made,” Burger said, “but Ivy Tech provided more than an education. It provided belief, it provided structure. It provided community.”