Submitted
Ivy Tech Community College’s impact is felt all across Indiana. When the college’s students succeed, communities and local businesses thrive, the state attracts new industries and entrepreneurs, and everyone’s futures are bolder and brighter. A recent study revealed Ivy Tech has a $3.9 billion cumulative annual impact to the state.
Now the communities Ivy Tech serves have an opportunity to play a part in strengthening the critical role the college plays in Indiana. Ivy Tech is beginning the public phase of its first-ever statewide campaign – a $285 million “Invest IN Ivy Tech” effort.
“Ivy Tech, Indiana’s community college, plays an outsized role in upskilling Indiana’s workforce and increasing Hoosier prosperity,” said Sue Ellspermann, President of Ivy Tech Community College. “This campaign is largely a ‘human capital’ campaign ensuring we reach, educate, and serve all Hoosiers from first generation high school graduates to single parents and displaced workers allowing them to launch successful careers in high wage, high demand fields that will drive Indiana’s future economy.”
Invest IN Ivy Tech provides greater opportunity for each of the college’s 19 campuses to educate, train, and support its students. The funds raised through the campaign will benefit all of the campuses serving the 92 counties across Indiana. It reflects the college’s strategic plan and each campus’ strategic priorities, and will make a substantial difference for students, communities and the state.
“This campaign to invest in Ivy Tech will be one of the most impactful statewide philanthropic opportunity in the history of the College and the Foundation,” said Becky Miller, Interim President of the Ivy Tech Foundation. “I am proud to work with those who share their passion and generosity with our students.”
The campaign is being co-chaired by Glick Art Owner & Chairwoman of the Eugene & Marilyn Glick Family Foundation Marianne Glick and Old National Bank Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bob Jones. Ontario Systems Co-Founder and former Chief Executive Officer Ron Fauquher is serving as the Chief Operating Officer for the campaign.
“I believe that an investment in Ivy Tech is the most impactful on the future of our citizens, our communities, and our State,” Glick said. “I am honored to co-chair this campaign and help tell the Ivy Tech story.”
“I have seen first-hand the role of Ivy Tech graduates in our communities,” Jones said. “They graduate ready to work and to contribute to the quality of life in their hometowns.”
Ivy Tech’s impact supports the equivalent of 56,697 jobs. For perspective, the activities of Ivy Tech and its students support one out of every 70 jobs in Indiana. A recent economic impact study showed that students invested $502.8 million in time and money that will generate a cumulative return of $2.2 billion in higher future earnings over their working careers.
“Ivy Tech’s impact goes well beyond the benefits students derive from their education,” Ellspermann said. “When the college’s students enter the workforce, whether right out of Ivy Tech or after continuing on to earn a bachelor’s degree, they bring with them valuable skills acquired through their education, resulting in increased productivity for their employers. That has a lasting impact on our state and the dozens of communities where our students live and work.”
To unite the past with the future, Invest IN Ivy Tech will be completed in 2023, the 60th anniversary of Ivy Tech. Learn more at InvestINIvyTech.org.