Ivy Tech Community College in Hamilton County held its commencement on Saturday morning, May 13.
Ivy Tech Hamilton County confirmed a total of 53 students walked across the commencement stage and participated in the commencement ceremony. A total of 415 students received credentials in areas such as business, building construction, education, general studies, healthcare, human services, and IT.
“Graduation is a significant life event, and we couldn’t be prouder of our graduates as they celebrate this significant milestone,” said Dr. Stacy Atkinson, chancellor of Ivy Tech Hamilton County. “We cherish our student’s journeys and achievements and look forward to seeing what they accomplish next.”
The College also recognized several individuals for distinguished awards and honors. County Commissioners Steve Dillinger, Mark Heirbrandt and Christine Altman are the Ivy Tech Hamilton County Campus’s 2023 Honorary Degree Recipients. They each received an Associate of Science in College and Community Leadership. Dillinger, Heirbrandt, and Altman each played a pivotal role in establishing the original Ivy Tech Noblesville, now Ivy Tech Hamilton County, and continue to serve as an advocate and advisor to the campus and play a role in the success of Ivy Tech Hamilton County.
Other individuals who received recognition at this year’s commencement include Outstanding Faculty Award recipient Dr. Stephen Prunier, and Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award recipient Dr. Brian Bartley.
The student commencement speaker who addressed her graduating Class of 2023 was Troi Wharton, who graduated with both a degree in Business Administration and General Studies.
During the ceremony, graduates also heard from President of Ivy Tech Community College Dr. Sue Ellspermann, who conferred degrees.
“I never dreamt that I would serve in elected office when I finished my first engineering degree,” Ellspermann said. “But then I got asked to run … first as a State Representative and then Lieutenant Governor. My education and degrees were essential elements of my confidence, competencies, and success. And now, I want to make the same request to you. I hope that you will leverage your current success academically to serve your community, state, or nation in public service in the future. We know that well over 90 percent of Ivy Tech graduates will stay in Indiana … and we are so proud of that. Thus, if we want a strong Indiana, it will be Ivy Tech graduates, like each of you, who will secure our bright future. Think about that.”
Ellspermann told graduates to keep learning and keep growing, but on graduation day she asked them to stop and savor the moment first.
“By making it this far you’ve proven that you know how to take care of business,” Ellspermann said. “But you also know how to take care of YOU. Never forget that important learning either!”
Reporter photos by Nik Roberts