Indianapolis, Indiana – A decade of generosity, collaboration, and steady transformation took center stage Thursday morning as the Ivy Tech Indianapolis Circle of Ivy gathered for its annual celebration. This year’s event, themed “Morning of Gratitude & Growth,” carried extra meaning as the women’s philanthropic collective marked its 10th anniversary and unveiled its list of funded campus projects for 2025. In total, the group committed $32,000 toward initiatives designed to strengthen student wellbeing, academic success, and community connections across the Indianapolis campus.
Held in the penthouse of the Ivy Tech Conference Center and Culinary Institute, the event brought together supporters, faculty members, and staff in a setting filled with gratitude and anticipation. The morning opened with remarks from Jama Tighe, Indianapolis Assistant Director of Annual Giving, who emphasized how much the Circle’s members contribute to shaping the campus environment year after year.
“Thank you all for joining us early this morning—I’m grateful to have all of us in one room,” Tighe said as she welcomed attendees. “I’m excited to celebrate our Morning of Gratitude & Growth with you all and celebrate the exciting projects you all funded this year.”
A warm tone carried throughout the room as Tighe spoke, reflecting a genuine pride in the group’s collective work. Over the past decade, Circle of Ivy members have quietly become a powerful force behind meaningful improvements on campus, and the 2025 slate continues that tradition of targeted impact.
Ivy Tech Indianapolis Chancellor Dr. Stacy Atkinson followed with remarks of her own, taking a moment to recognize the sustained commitment the Circle has shown toward student success. While her comments were brief, her appreciation was clear—especially as she noted how philanthropy from within the Ivy Tech community continues to open doors for students who might otherwise go without certain opportunities or resources.
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The keynote address was delivered by Audrey Ballard, a Guiding Circle member and proud Ivy Tech Indy alumna. Ballard’s message resonated strongly with the audience as she highlighted how far the Circle of Ivy has come since the Indianapolis chapter was founded in 2015. With more than $278,000 raised and 65 projects funded, the organization’s footprint now stretches across nearly every corner of campus life.
“In 2025, we are celebrating 10 years of Circle of Ivy!” Ballard announced. “That’s 10 years of us being surrounded by individuals who believe in the power of education, community, and philanthropy … This work is meaningful. This work matters. And YOU make it possible.”
Ballard also shared one of the morning’s most energizing milestones: the Circle now includes 113 active members, the largest number since its creation. “This is the largest our Indy Circle has been to date!” she added, underscoring how much momentum the group has gathered.
A Closer Look at the 2025 Project Selections
After the speeches, organizers formally revealed the ten projects chosen through member voting. Each one speaks to a specific priority—whether academic support, wellness initiatives, or enriching student engagement.
Welcome Back Wellness Kits (Maissie Valiyi):
A thoughtful initiative aimed at easing the emotional load of returning students. These mental health kits will be distributed during Welcome Week, offering resources that promote wellness and introduce students to campus counseling support.
Supplies for Organic Chemistry II (Allison Babij):
A practical project that ensures Organic Chemistry II students have the essential lab supplies needed to complete coursework safely and effectively.
Baking and Pastry Lab Equipment (Jenni Schouppe):
New tools—including a chocolate refiner—will help students in the Baking and Pastry program practice advanced culinary skills with updated industry-standard equipment.
Student Learning Tools & Flexible Seating (Amanda Crecelius):
This project will enhance physical education classrooms with active learning tools and flexible seating options, creating a more dynamic environment for student participation.
Writing in Harmony: Summer Retreat (Emily Watson):
A creative opportunity that supports student writers through a summer retreat hosted in New Harmony, Indiana, offering space for reflection, collaboration, and improved writing skills.
Investing in First-Year Success (Debbie Barber):
Focused on new student orientation, this project will supply materials and Ivy Tech gear that help first-year students feel supported and connected from day one.
Urban Garden Supplies (Carrie Sample):
Part of the #Teach2Grow initiative, this project funds essential garden supplies that allow students to grow and donate fresh produce while learning about sustainability and food systems.
Scientific Communication Tools (Mallika Krishnan):
A high-quality printer and related materials will support science students as they prepare posters and presentations for academic events and competitions.
Online BESTI (Cayden Brewer):
Designed to empower online learners, this incentive-based program offers structured support within Canvas to improve student engagement and academic performance.
Global Leadership (Gerald Maki):
This project brings internationally recognized speakers to engage with students through virtual leadership talks, connecting Ivy Tech learners with global perspectives.
A Celebration Rooted in Community
Beyond the project announcements, the Morning of Gratitude & Growth served as a space for reflection and renewed purpose. Attendees shared conversations, celebrated the organization’s progress, and looked ahead to the possibilities that another decade of giving might bring.
The Circle of Ivy reinforced its commitment to keeping donors connected, noting that more information about these new initiatives will be shared throughout 2026. Supporters were encouraged to stay informed by subscribing to the Ivy Indy Community Chronicle.
About the Circle of Ivy
Founded in 2015, the Circle of Ivy is a women-led collective giving circle at Ivy Tech Community College. Its mission revolves around pooling annual contributions to fund projects that directly support students, strengthen academic programming, and uplift the broader community. Members vote each year on which proposals to fund, ensuring that every dollar is directed toward immediate and measurable needs.
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