Ivy Tech in Hamilton County Celebrates 200+ Graduates at 1st Commencement Ceremony
Ivy Tech Community College in Hamilton County will hold its first commencement on Saturday, May 21.
Ivy Tech Hamilton County, which became the official 19th campus of Ivy Tech Community College July 1, 2021, has confirmed a total of 43 students will walk across the commencement stage and participate in the very first official commencement ceremony for the Hamilton County campus. A total of 218 students will receive 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 students’ journeys and achievements and look forward to seeing what they accomplish next.”
The College will also recognize several individuals for distinguished awards and honors, including Indiana State Senator Luke Kenley, who will receive the Honorary Degree of Associate of Science in College and Community Service. Kenley, who was instrumental in opening the site that is now the Hamilton County campus, is a Noblesville High School graduate who was elected to the Indiana State Senate in 1992 and served as a Noblesville City Court Judge for 15 years. Kenley will also serve as the campus’ first commencement speaker.
“I would like to personally recognize Senator Luke Kenley for his work to establish and full support of our Hamilton County campus,” said Sue Ellspermann, president of Ivy Tech. “His lifetime of service to Indiana and Hoosiers, in addition to his dedication to the Ivy Tech community, demonstrate an unparalleled model of public service and advocacy for high-quality education.”
Other individuals who will receive recognition at this year’s commencement include Outstanding Faculty Award recipient, Nicol Bradberry, and Outstanding Adjunct Faculty Award recipient, Kevin R. Jowitt. The student commencement speaker who will address her graduating Class of 2022 will be Helen Paola Lizano Herrera, a Costa-Rican American and graduate of Westfield High School. During the ceremony, graduates will also hear from Provost of Ivy Tech Community College, Dr. Dean McCurdy.
“I am excited to participate in Ivy Tech Hamilton County’s first commencement ceremony,” said McCurdy. “Graduating from college is a major milestone, and our Hamilton County graduates will always be able to say that they were the first to do so at our newest campus. I am eager to share that moment with them and the Hamilton County team, and to celebrate their success.”
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 serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns to the needs of the community. The College provides 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.