Commissioners declare April 8 “Ivy Tech Day”

$30,000 fundraising goal will go toward workforce development & student success

The Hamilton County Commissioners have officially proclaimed April 8, 2025, as Ivy Tech Day in Hamilton County, demonstrating their strong support for Ivy Tech Hamilton County’s role in workforce development, economic growth, and student success throughout the county.

The proclamation highlights Ivy Tech’s impact in providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality education to students of all backgrounds, strengthening the local workforce, and contributing to the prosperity of the community.

In honor of Ivy Tech Day, the Hamilton County Courthouse and the Bridge of Flowers will be illuminated in green, Ivy Tech’s school color, symbolizing the county’s commitment to education and workforce development. This special lighting serves as a visible reminder of the impact Ivy Tech has on students, families, and the broader community.

“Hamilton County has always been committed to expanding access to quality education and workforce development,” said Steve Dillinger, President of the Board of Commissioners. “The Commissioners were proud to play a key role in making Ivy Tech Hamilton County a reality when the campus officially opened in 2021, and we remain dedicated to supporting its continued growth and success. This proclamation reflects our ongoing investment in the future of our students, our workforce, and our community as a whole.”

Ivy Tech Hamilton County will join campuses across the state in celebrating Ivy Tech Day, a day of giving and community impact dedicated to supporting student success. This year, the Hamilton County campus has set an ambitious goal of raising $30,000 to fund programs, building upgrades, and student resources – building on the $25,000 raised last year.

Since opening as a full-fledged campus in summer 2021, Ivy Tech Hamilton County has experienced remarkable growth, expanding from serving just over 500 students to now supporting more than 8,500 students. In addition to its growing student population, the campus has helped Hamilton County families save over $4.4 million in college tuition costs through its dual credit programming, which allows high school students to earn college credits at no cost.

To help reach its Ivy Tech Day fundraising goal, the campus is hosting several ticketed events, including:

• Breakfast with Chancellor Kartz, where guests can hear campus updates, the challenges ahead, and how you can play a vital role in shaping the campus’s future.
• Ivy Tech Day Bash, bringing together students, staff, faculty, alumni, board members, partners, and community members for a fun and engaging celebration.
• Community Conversation Panel, featuring industry leaders discussing how Ivy Tech is addressing workforce needs in Hamilton County and beyond.

To purchase tickets or sponsorships for these events, visit giveday.ivytech.edu/hamco.

Thanks to the generosity of Ivy Tech Day sponsors – Community First Bank (Matching Gift Sponsor), OneAmerica Financial (Matching Gift Sponsor), Serve Noblesville (Spirit Sponsor), Ascension St. Vincent Fishers (Breakfast Sponsor), Noblesville Rotary Club (Breakfast Sponsor), Hamilton County Community Foundation (Photobooth Sponsor), and Quality Ingredients Cooking (Snack Sponsor) – the college will be able to create an exciting and impactful celebration. If you or your organization are interested in making a difference, sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Anyone interested in raising funds on behalf of the campus and spreading the word about Ivy Tech Day can sign up as a social ambassador at link.ivytech.edu/HamCoITD. Social ambassadors will receive a personalized fundraising link to share with their networks, making it easy for friends, family, and colleagues to contribute. Social ambassadors who meet or exceed their fundraising goals for our campus will be invited to a special reception with Chancellor Kartz in June 2025.

Additionally, volunteers are needed for various Ivy Tech Day activities, and community members are encouraged to sign up to help. Volunteers can register at link.ivytech.edu/ITD2025Volunteers.

“At Ivy Tech Hamilton County, we are committed to providing high-quality, affordable education that leads to in-demand careers,” said Dr. Rachel Kartz, Chancellor of Ivy Tech Hamilton County. “Ivy Tech Day is an opportunity for our community to rally behind our students and ensure they have the resources they need to thrive.”

Community members can show their support by attending an event, becoming a social ambassador, volunteering, or making a direct gift. Supporters can contribute on April 8 at giveday.ivytech.edu/hamco or make a gift any time of year at ivytech.edu/givenow. Help spread the word on social media using #IvyTechDay.