Indianapolis, Indiana – Ivy Tech Community College’s Third Annual Ivy Tech Day was a monumental success, with the Indianapolis campus raising an impressive $50,231 in support of its students. The event, held on Tuesday, marked another year of collective giving to bolster the nearly 200,000 students across Indiana, including more than 31,000 students in the Indianapolis area. As part of a statewide effort, Ivy Tech Indianapolis secured 255 individual donations, making it the second-highest fundraiser among all Ivy Tech campuses in the state. The total raised is a testament to the power of community engagement and the strong commitment to ensuring that higher education remains accessible and affordable for all Hoosiers.
The $50,231 raised by Ivy Tech Indianapolis will directly benefit student success initiatives, including scholarships, academic resources, wraparound services, and state-of-the-art technology. These donations help empower students to overcome financial barriers and pursue quality education, which in turn provides them with the tools to excel in their careers. The funds also assist in equipping Ivy Tech students with the necessary resources to succeed in fast-growing fields such as cybersecurity, pharmaceutical manufacturing, early childhood education, and nursing.
“This year’s Ivy Tech Day has been a fantastic demonstration of the support and belief our communities have in Ivy Tech’s mission,” said Dr. Sue Ellspermann, president of Ivy Tech Community College. “Thanks to the generosity of our alumni, students, and partners, we are able to continue providing the education that fuels the success of individuals and strengthens the economy of Indiana. The donations help ensure that our students thrive in the workforce and make meaningful contributions to their communities.”
Ivy Tech Day 2025 also saw an impressive statewide total of $483,813 raised from 2,893 gifts. This total surpassed last year’s figures, helping to bring the three-year cumulative total for Ivy Tech Day to over $1 million. This milestone not only reflects the generosity of donors but also highlights Ivy Tech’s critical role in shaping Indiana’s workforce and economy. With the state’s demand for skilled workers continuing to grow, these funds help position Ivy Tech as a vital player in meeting those needs.
The contributions raised during Ivy Tech Day will support a wide range of initiatives across all 19 Ivy Tech campuses. These efforts are designed to address the greatest needs on each campus, from funding academic resources to offering student scholarships. The donations help Ivy Tech remain a leader in education, particularly with the college’s nationally recognized nursing program, which awards more associate degrees than any other institution in the United States. Additionally, Ivy Tech’s commitment to keeping education affordable is reflected in the fact that over 84% of its graduates leave the college without student debt, providing them with a strong foundation for their careers.
At Ivy Tech Indianapolis, the community came together to celebrate the day’s success with a range of activities, including karaoke, life-size games, popcorn, and rock painting. Local businesses and alumni also contributed to the festive atmosphere, with Ivy Tech alumnus Brady Foster of Foster’s Cafe and Catering providing lunch in the downtown campus’s Conference Center and Culinary Institute. Breakfast and lunch were served at Ivy Tech sites across the service area, adding to the sense of community and excitement surrounding the event. The AES Indiana headquarters in downtown Indianapolis even lit up in Ivy Tech green, marking the start of the day’s festivities.
Avery Smith, director of development at Ivy Tech Indianapolis, reflected on the power of the day’s collective giving. “Ivy Tech Day is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together across our 19 campuses,” he said. “Here in Indianapolis, we’re incredibly grateful for every donor—no matter the size of the gift—who helps create opportunities for our students. Your support strengthens our campus and the futures of those we serve.”
The day’s success also contributes to Ivy Tech’s broader impact on the state of Indiana. Each year, Ivy Tech plays a pivotal role in preparing students for careers that drive the local economy. In fact, more than 80% of Ivy Tech graduates stay in Indiana to launch their careers, contributing significantly to the state’s economic health. In 2023-24, Ivy Tech awarded over 46,000 credentials, preparing Hoosiers for today’s jobs and those of the future. Additionally, Ivy Tech contributes nearly $4 billion annually to the state’s economy, further underscoring the importance of the college’s mission in advancing both individuals and communities.
Ivy Tech Indianapolis, which serves as the largest service area in the state, provides an array of academic programs across its locations in downtown Indianapolis, Lawrence, Plainfield, the 16 Tech Innovation District, and the International Marketplace. The campus is dedicated to meeting students where they are—whether that’s on campus, online, or through hybrid learning formats—ensuring that access to education is not limited by location.
Courtney Roberts, president of the Ivy Tech Foundation, expressed her gratitude for the incredible support shown by the Ivy Tech community. “We are grateful to our alumni and friends for their support on Ivy Tech Day 2025,” she said. “It will make a real difference for thousands of students who are working to build better lives for themselves while supporting Hoosier communities. The generosity of our alumni and friends will directly lead to greater opportunities for students who are the future of Indiana. I’m personally thankful for everyone’s commitment to our College and Foundation.”
Looking ahead, Ivy Tech Community College continues to build on the momentum of this successful Ivy Tech Day. With a collective commitment to serving Indiana’s students, faculty, and alumni, Ivy Tech remains dedicated to providing the education and resources necessary for the state’s economic growth. The success of Ivy Tech Day 2025 is a testament to the power of community support and its lasting impact on student success.
To learn more about how to contribute or get involved with Ivy Tech Day in future years, visit Ivy Tech’s Giving Day website.
