Ivy Tech Hamilton County celebrates 2026 Distinguished Alumni & Benefactor of the Year honorees

Ivy Tech Community College Hamilton County recently recognized Ava Knight and OneAmerica Financial as recipients of the Ivy Tech Foundation’s 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award and Benefactor of the Year honors, respectively. Both were recognized during a statewide celebration in Indianapolis on Sept. 25.

Knight was honored with the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award, the College’s highest honor for alumni achievement. The award recognizes graduates who have made a lasting impact on their professions, communities, and Ivy Tech through outstanding professional, philanthropic, or volunteer accomplishments.

A graduate of Ivy Tech’s General Studies program at the Hamilton County campus, Knight has distinguished herself by demonstrating exceptional leadership and engagement, serving as the Secretary of the Student Government Association, and remaining heavily involved in campus life. She further developed her leadership skills through participation in Leadership Academy and through dedicated service to her community. She now works at Centier Bank in Carmel, where she continues to build on her strong foundation in customer service, professionalism, and leadership. She remains an engaged alumna, giving back to the campus community by representing Centier Bank at the college’s career fair, and supporting current students as they prepare for their professional futures.

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OneAmerica Financial was recognized as the 2026 Hamilton County Benefactor of the Year, honoring exceptional generosity and commitment to Ivy Tech students and programs. Allen McClendon represented OneAmerica Financial, who was selected for their generous support of the Hamilton County campus, reflecting their commitment to expanding educational opportunity, strengthening the local workforce, and supporting students as they pursue meaningful careers in Central Indiana.

Together, these honorees reflect the many ways individuals strengthen Ivy Tech’s mission through achievement, leadership, philanthropy, and service.

“Today we celebrate remarkable individuals and an organization whose contributions reflect the transformative power of education and philanthropy,” said Kelly Wallace, Executive Director of Development and Marketing at Ivy Tech Hamilton County. “Through professional achievement, leadership, generosity, and service, Ava Knight and OneAmerica Financial have strengthened opportunities for our students and communities. We are proud to recognize their extraordinary impact,” said Jessica Metz, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at Ivy Tech Hamilton County.

“Our Distinguished Alumni Award recipients and Benefactor of the Year honorees represent the very best of Ivy Tech’s mission in action,” said Stephannie Bailey, President of the Ivy Tech Foundation. “Their achievements, leadership, generosity, and service create opportunities for students and strengthen communities across Indiana. We are proud to celebrate those whose impact inspires others and advances our mission.”

For more information about the Distinguished Alumni Awards and Benefactor of the Year program, visit the Ivy Tech Foundation website.