Over 1,000 Ivy Tech Community College students proudly turned their tassels from right to left to celebrate the completion of an academic milestone during the school’s commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 8. Held at Valparaiso University’s Athletic-Recreation Center (ARC), the Ivy Tech graduating class gathered one last time to celebrate the transferring of almost 1,700 degrees before heading onwards to the next stages of their professional and educational careers.
“We are incredibly excited and proud of all our students and their many accomplishments. Our students have worked tirelessly to accomplish their degrees. We are greatly looking forward to seeing all our students gathered alongside their families and guests of honor to share in this special day,” said Campus Chancellor Aco Sikoski in a press release.
Before announcing the graduates, speakers at the ceremony took the time to honor their hard work and accomplishments both in and out of the classroom. In addition to featuring those with distinct honors and awards as Distinguished Graduates and Alumni of Ivy Tech, graduates also listened to an uplifting speech from Keynote Speaker Dean Mazzoni, president/CEO of Franciscan Health Michigan City.
“It is an absolutely amazing feeling seeing all of these graduates receiving their diplomas today,” Erika Mihalek, Ivy Tech director of marketing and communications, said. “The space is electric with excitement, and we are delighted to recognize, honor, and celebrate our graduates who have worked so hard to reach this point.”
One member of the graduating class, Aaron Lee O’Reilly, may be a familiar face to many around the Michigan City area. The owner of Fiddlehead restaurant, O’Reilly showed commitment not only to his community but also to his academics as the President of the Student Nursing Organization during this past academic year. He was honored as the 2025 Distinguished Graduate.
The ceremony also honored alumni and faculty members who have helped pave the way for the graduates to succeed both throughout their academic career and as they step further into the professional realm. This included Teresa Hallmen Crowley, who was honored as the 2025 Distinguished Alumna for her outstanding contributions to the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. Additionally, Rob Thorgren, board of trustees chair for the Valparaiso/Michigan City and La Porte campuses, was honored with the 2025 Honorary Degree for both his exemplary work with the college and the positive impact he’s made through his various roles within Porter County.
“When we look at our students, they show up, they dig in, and they deliver,” Mihalek said. “The goal isn’t just to reach graduation day – it’s to reach a better everyday thereafter.”
With diplomas in hand, the 2025 graduating class is excited for what’s in store moving forward. Their time at Ivy Tech has prepared them tremendously for the road ahead, and they can’t wait to apply what they’ve learned from their now alma mater.
“Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s workforce engine,” Mihalek said. “We aim to deliver real-time learning experiences that are dynamic and comprehensive, and we know our students are the best of the best. They will take their learnings and apply them fearlessly throughout our communities.”
To learn more about how Ivy Tech Community College can pave the way for a brighter future today, please visit its website at ivytech.edu.
