For years, Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana has striven to make higher education more accessible to the community, serving students at the speed of life. That’s exactly why on Thursday, October 5 Ivy Tech held its 22nd annual Chancellor Scholarship event. Community members from all over the Region gathered at Avalon Manor to celebrate 20 of Ivy Tech’s highest-achieving students and support them in their educational journeys.
Ivy Tech decided to bring back the laid-back atmosphere of last year’s scholarship banquet by making the theme of this year’s event “Denim and Diamond.” It was definitely a hit – hundreds of guests showed up in their comfiest jeans coupled with their sparkliest shirts and ties. Some of the ladies even paired their jeans with glittery heels.
Before any scholarships were awarded, guests had the opportunity to buy raffle tickets; all the funds raised from the raffle went immediately to Ivy Tech’s Chancellor Scholarship Fund to help even more students reach their educational goals in the future. Chancellor of Ivy Tech Valparaiso Aco Sikoski was grateful to have so many members of the community come out and show their support.
“Northwest Indiana is such a wonderful place to be. I’m so delighted to see this room full of supporters ready to help these individuals. I appreciate everyone who is here tonight,” said Sikoski.
This year, Ivy Tech awarded $36,000 in scholarships with each student walking away with a $1,500 scholarship. To be eligible for the scholarship, each student had to have a 3.75 GPA or higher, had to have taken at least 30 credit hours, and had to write an essay. The Chancellor's Scholarship was a great way to show these students that their hard work has not gone unnoticed.
“These students have truly earned the right to be named Chancellor Scholars. We set the bar high – we don’t just judge them on their academics but their commitment to service. They deserve to be celebrated,” said Chancellor of Ivy Tech Lake County Marcos Rodriquez.
With many Ivy Tech students having to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet, these scholarships are crucial in ensuring students can finish their degrees.
“The student population we serve always needs help. Many of these students have to work two jobs while earning their degree. As a first-generation graduate and immigrant, I know how difficult that can be. This financial aid will be tremendous for them because they’ll be able to complete their degree with a smaller financial burden,” said Sikoski.
Each student beamed while receiving their scholarship award. As they shook both chancellors’ hands, their loved ones cheered them on, some even running up to take photos. The event was a great way to not only show the students some much-deserved appreciation but their families as well.
“Our students have persevered and overcome a lot of challenges, but it’s not just them that have been working hard – it’s their families and loved ones too. This doesn’t happen without a support system. It’s important to celebrate the students as well as their support systems so they can move forward and accomplish even more,” said Rodriquez.
Scholarships weren’t all the night had in the store. After each student received their award, José Padilla, president of Valparaiso University (VU), took to the stage to share some life-changing news. Padilla announced that each student had also been accepted at VU and would have the opportunity to finish up their last two years of college there free of charge.
“We consider Ivy Tech family, and when we consider each other family, we’re able to take better care of the children,” said Padilla.
Applause thundered through the room. People jumped up from their chairs, cheering as loud as they could. Several of the students and their loved ones even broke into tears. It was heartwarming to see firsthand the great things that become possible when organizations work together.
Between the Ivy Tech scholarships, two free years of tuition at VU, and an outpouring of community support, it’s easy to say that Ivy Tech’s Denim and Diamond scholarship recipients have a bright future ahead of them.
“These scholarships combined with the partnerships we have with our sister institutions are going to help put these students on the path they want, and we’re happy to be a part of that journey,” said Rodriquez.
Ivy Tech is proud to have helped its students grow and can’t wait to assist even more students moving forward.
“I’d love to see us outgrow this space and be able to give this opportunity to even more students. I think, with the support of our community and our generous donors, we’ll be able to do that. I look forward to supporting this as we head into the future,” said Rodriquez.
Of course, the night wouldn’t have been possible without the support of countless organizations and generous individuals throughout the Region.
“I deeply appreciate everyone who has sponsored us as well as everyone who continues to come out and support this event year after year,” said Cindy Hall, executive director of Resource Development for Ivy Tech Valparaiso and Lake County campuses.
To learn more about Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana, visit www.ivytech.edu.
