Indianapolis, Indiana – On May 1, 2025, Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis marked a significant milestone by awarding more than 4,400 degrees and credentials during its 2025 Commencement Ceremony at the Corteva Coliseum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The event was a momentous occasion for the nearly 950 graduates who successfully completed their programs across a variety of fields, including associate degrees, certificates, and technical certificates.
Family, friends, faculty, and staff gathered to celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of the graduates from the Indianapolis main campus as well as those from instructional sites in Marion, Boone, and Hendricks counties, and even those who completed their studies online. The atmosphere was filled with pride and joy as each student’s achievements were recognized.
The commencement ceremony was a reflection of the college’s commitment to providing accessible education to a diverse group of students. Chancellor Dr. Stacy Atkinson of Ivy Tech Indianapolis delivered remarks, emphasizing the significance of the day and the lasting impact of the students’ hard work. Ivy Tech Community College President Dr. Sue Ellspermann, who has served in her role since 2016 and is set to retire in June 2025, also addressed the crowd as the keynote speaker. During the ceremony, Dr. Ellspermann was honored with an honorary degree from Ivy Tech, acknowledging her nearly decade-long leadership of the college system.
One of the most memorable moments of the ceremony came when student speaker Luke Miller, a graduate of the Early Childhood Education program, took the stage. Miller, who was receiving his second degree from Ivy Tech Indianapolis, shared an inspiring message with his peers about the importance of perseverance, passion, and building strong communities through education and service. His heartfelt speech resonated deeply with the audience, reminding everyone of the transformative power of education.
Across the 2024-2025 academic year, Ivy Tech Indianapolis awarded a total of 4,459 credentials to its graduates. This impressive figure included 1,855 associate degrees, 1,859 certificates (CTs), and 2,424 technical certificates (TCs), reflecting the college’s dedication to preparing students for the workforce with practical, career-ready skills. Of those graduates, 1,433 received honors, demonstrating their exceptional academic achievements. Among the graduates were 562 who earned Transfer Single Articulation Pathway (TSAP) degrees, 238 who received associate degrees in nursing, and 62 who completed practical nursing certificates (LPNs).
A notable achievement this year was the 312 “Achieve Your Degree” (AYD) credentials, which were earned in partnership with area employers. This program is designed to support working adults in completing their degrees while maintaining full-time employment, further demonstrating Ivy Tech’s commitment to providing flexible educational opportunities for students of all backgrounds.
The class of 2025 also included 948 first-generation college graduates, a testament to the college’s success in making higher education more accessible to families who may not have previously considered it an option. In addition, 223 graduates earned dual credit while still in high school, further showcasing Ivy Tech’s commitment to ensuring that students have access to advanced educational opportunities from an early age.
Graduates hailed from a wide range of career fields, including healthcare, advanced manufacturing, business, information technology, and education. These diverse career paths speak to the varied needs of the local workforce and the college’s ability to prepare students for the ever-evolving job market. Ivy Tech Indianapolis plays a crucial role in the state’s largest public postsecondary education system, and it remains a key player in helping to meet the demand for skilled workers in industries critical to Indiana’s economy.
Ivy Tech Indianapolis serves more than 31,000 students annually, offering a wide range of programs that align with the needs of local communities and industries. As part of Indiana’s largest public postsecondary system, Ivy Tech awards nearly half of all credentials earned by Hoosiers from the state’s public colleges and universities. This consistent track record of success underscores the importance of Ivy Tech’s mission to provide high-quality, accessible education to all students.
As the college looks ahead to the future, it remains committed to supporting its students and offering pathways to success in both academic and professional careers. With a growing number of graduates each year, Ivy Tech Indianapolis continues to lead the way in providing affordable, flexible educational opportunities that equip students with the skills they need to thrive in their chosen fields.
For more information about Ivy Tech Indianapolis and upcoming enrollment opportunities, prospective students and families are encouraged to visit IvyTech.edu/Indy. The college is excited to continue supporting the academic journey of future students and helping them reach their educational and career goals.
