Ivy Tech Community College Foundation announces $22 million campaign in Central Indiana region

Indy Chamber News Archives

As the largest Ivy Tech Central Indiana campaign to date, “Closing the Achievement Gap” addresses two primary areas: workforce development and student success. This requires a multifaceted approach that addresses the need for increased student support,innovative degree delivery options, and a focus on the areas of study best aligned with the region’s workforce needs.

The three largest lead gifts to the campaign include a $5 million gift from J. Michael Jarvis, which is the largest individual gift in Ivy Tech’s history, a $3.5 million gift from the estate of Wayne K. Jennings and a $3 million gift from the City of Noblesville. Jarvis is a member of the Ivy Tech Foundation Board, whose directors give at 100 percent to the College.

“We are thrilled to be executing a campaign of this magnitude,” said Dr. Kathleen Lee, chancellor of Ivy Tech Central Indiana. “Through the generosity of our donors, Ivy Tech is making a significant impact not only on student success, but on Central Indiana and its workforce needs well into the future.”

The $5 million gift from Jarvis will allow for the creation and naming of the Mike & Sandy Jarvis Automotive Technology Training Center. In order to meet the demands of today and the needs of the future, Ivy Tech Central Indiana will enhance and expand its current automotive facilities to create a more suitable learning environment for the next generation of automotive professionals. The automotive industry has long been the engine of central Indiana’s growth. Ivy Tech is committed to continuing to adapt to employers’ more sophisticated needs.

“I am pleased to support the Closing the Achievement Gap campaign,” said Jarvis. “Ivy Tech Community College is well poised to fill the current and future needs for qualified automotive technology employees. As such, an investment in Ivy Tech’s automotive program is a long-lasting investment in the automotive industry.”

The $3.5 million Jennings estate gift will be distributed across the campaign, helping to fund multiple workforce training and student success initiatives.

The City of Noblesville contributed $3 million toward the purchase of the building for the Ivy Tech Hamilton County Campus in Noblesville, which just celebrated its grand opening in March after significant renovations. Ivy Tech’s newest campus serves nearly 1,000 students in Hamilton County and the surrounding areas.

Under the leadership of Chancellor Lee and Executive Director of Development Thomas Kilian, the campaign is co-chaired by Al Smith, chairman of Indiana for JPMorgan Chase, and Yvonne Perkins, vice president of community relations for Citizens Energy Group.

“Ivy Tech Community CollegeCentral Indiana plays a crucial role in the growth and sustainability of Indiana,” said Smith. “Ivy Tech serves to answer workforce needs and provides a positive pathway for many Indiana residents. The success of this campaign will help position Ivy Tech to address Indiana’s future workforce.”

Ivy Tech Central Indiana is focusing its fundraising efforts on six critical initiatives of excellence where charitable contributions can make the greatest difference. These include: a capital project for the expansion of the Associate Accelerated Program (ASAP), the funding of wraparound student support services, the establishment of a beverage management lab and other Hospitality Administration program needs, the funding of scholarships for Ivy Tech students, increasing the access across the region by aligning central Indiana campuses with the needs of the communities being served, and finally, the creation of a world-class automotive technology training center.

“The early success we’ve had with this campaign is due to a highly engaged volunteer network. Led by our co-chairs Al Smith and Yvonne Perkins, each of our champions has made a significant investment of their time, talent and treasure,” said Kilian. “It has been an honor and a pleasure to orchestrate this campaign and our team is looking forward to completing the final 30 percent with the wonderful support of our campaign committee and community leadership.”

Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system.  Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.

INDIANAPOLIS—Ivy Tech Community College Foundation is pleased to announce that the Central Indiana region has launched a $22 million “Closing the Achievement Gap” campaign. Part of a larger long-term regional plan, this marks the first of several campaigns the region will undertake in the coming years. Planning for the $22 million campaign began in spring 2014, and has quickly raised $15.4 million, 70 percent of the goal. Ivy Tech Central Indiana serves Marion, Hamilton, Hancock, Putnam, Shelby, Johnson, Morgan, Hendricks, and Boone counties.