The Ivy Tech family came together to celebrate their annual spring fundraiser event inside the Aberdeen Manor Ballroom on Friday, April 12. This marked the 20th year that Ivy Tech had orchestrated this event.
Erika Mihalek, Director of Marketing & Communications at Ivy Tech Valparaiso, describes the importance that this event has in showcasing the college’s identity and the impact it has on its students.
“The spring event is designed to generate proceeds to help students,” Mihalek said. “We are a school that meets students where they are in real-time and delivers higher education at the speed of life. All of the money generated here is about helping students connect with their education.”
Mihalek notes that creating the best benefit for students is the biggest priority for Ivy Tech. The growth of this fundraiser event over the years has allowed the school to bring that possibility to fruition.
“Donations and proceeds from all of our community partners and area groups and institutions really allow us to guide our students in the right direction,” Mihalek said. “Four out of five students at Ivy Tech Community College in the state of Indiana graduate free from financial burden. It’s incredible to see all of the participation from our community groups throughout Northwest Indiana to help these students out.”
Cindy Hall, Executive Director of Resource Development, appreciates the way that this event has evolved in recent years to bring the best product to the Ivy Tech family. She details how this spring fundraiser creates financial relief for the students.
“It’s a very exciting event,” Hall said. “We've done it at Aberdeen for the last 20 years. Including tonight, we’ve raised more than three quarter million dollars. The proceeds from this event support Meet the Need, which are the additional resources students can tap into when they run out of financial aid.”
Being an avenue for students to receive their desired education at a friendly price is a component that Ivy Tech emphasizes.
Aco Sikoski, Chancellor of Ivy Tech College Valparaiso and Michigan City, explains how this event implements the idea of a successful future for everyone who comes through the school.
“It means a lot for us to see the tremendous support from the community and how much they believe in our mission,” Sikoski said. “ We are the most affordable institution but with the proceeds that come from this event, it helps us provide support for the future leaders in our communities.”
Sikoski highlights how the proceeds offer the college the ability to boost Ivy Tech’s learning experience.
“The proceeds are used to predominantly support the programming and training equipment,” Sikoski said. “The cost of the state-of-the-art equipment went up and this is helping us to continue providing the latest technology for our students. When they’re trained, they will be able to successfully pass the national certifications.”
For another year, Ivy Tech’s spring fundraiser event experienced an impressive turnout. It has become a staple for the college and continues to cultivate success.
“Ivy Tech is about helping our students cross the finish line after graduating,” Hall said. “The more education they have, the more likely they are to get a better job as well.”
For more information on Ivy Tech, you can visit their website.
