Ivy Tech Hamilton County celebrates fourth graduating class & third nursing pinning ceremony

Ivy Tech Community College Hamilton County recognized the accomplishments of its students last Friday, May 9, during two milestone events: the fourth annual Commencement Ceremony and Nursing Pinning Ceremony for its third cohort of nurses, both held on the Hamilton County campus.

Graduates from a wide range of academic programs were celebrated during the 2025 Commencement Ceremony, where families, faculty, and community members gathered to applaud the newest class of credentialed professionals and degree earners. This ceremony marked the fourth year since Ivy Tech Hamilton County became an independent service area.

Ivy Tech Hamilton County Chancellor Dr. Rachel Kartz welcomed the Class of 2025 with praise for their resilience and drive. She acknowledged that many graduates in attendance were the first in their families to earn a degree, and many were also balancing full-time or part-time jobs and caring for family members while attending school.

The Charge to the Candidates was delivered by Invest Hamilton County President and CEO Mike Thibideau. He encouraged graduates to identify their own finish lines, lean into the joy of work, and follow the river’s current.

“The current can be scary and so is a finish line you can see,” Thibideau said. “But true courage is when fear is recognized, challenges are validated, and we walk forward through them anyway.”

Jaquim Vasquez, a Student Leadership Academy graduate and Class of 2025 Student Government Association President, delivered the graduate address. He will transfer his associate degree to a four-year institution where he will continue his education to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration. His remarks highlighted personal transformation, academic achievement, and the collective strength of the Ivy Tech student body.

“Ivy Tech taught me that success doesn’t come with shortcuts,” Vasquez said. “It comes with late nights, early mornings, way too much coffee, and people who believe in you – even on days when you’re not so sure you believe in yourself. Whether you’re heading off to a new job, transferring to a university, or just finally taking a nap you’ve earned 10 times over – the same strength that got you here is going to carry you through whatever’s next.”

Outstanding Student Awards were presented to:

• Kaitlyn Adams, School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Sciences
• Ava Knight, School of Arts, Sciences, and Education
• Branden Martinez, School of Business, Logistics, and Supply Chain
• Haley Smith, School of Health Sciences
• Rebecca Marshall, School of Information Technology
• Katelyn Maudlin, School of Nursing
• Charley Perry, School of Public Affairs and Social Services

The College also celebrated faculty excellence with the following recognitions:

• Semere Sebhatu was honored with the Outstanding Faculty Award and served as the evening’s Grand Marshal.
• Deborah King received the Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award, highlighting her commitment to student learning and mentorship.

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 third group of students to complete the full nursing program on the Hamilton County campus.

About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor’s degree.