(From left) Hamilton County Commissioner Christine Altman, Chancellor Rachel Kartz, and County Commissioners Steve Dillinger and Mark Heirbrandt. (Photo provided)
Hundreds join fourth annual Ivy Tech Day, breaking record for one-day giving
More than 130 gifts from alumni, friends, and partners across Indiana contributed $35,100 to the Hamilton County campus on Ivy Tech Day.
Across the Ivy Tech system, more than 3,100 alumni, friends, and partners contributed $614,421 on the fourth annual Ivy Tech Day on April 21. The 24-hour celebration of Ivy Tech’s contributions to Hoosier communities supports student success initiatives at the College’s 19 Indiana campuses.
The statewide day of giving brings the four-year Ivy Tech Day total to more than $1.7 million. This year’s total broke the record for giving since the start of Ivy Tech Day in 2023, bringing the four-year total to more than $1.7 million. Ivy Tech Day contributions fund the greatest needs at each campus and power workforce development supporting Indiana’s economy.
In recognition of the College’s impact, the Hamilton County Commissioners, along with the mayors of Noblesville and Westfield, officially proclaimed April 21 as Ivy Tech Day, underscoring the institution’s vital role in the community.
Pollio
“We are so proud to break our one-day giving record, and so grateful to our alumni, partners, and friends for once again generously supporting our students in meaningful ways that will benefit our state,” Ivy Tech Community College President Dr. Marty Pollio said. “Their generosity will empower our students to reach goals that will support our communities.”
At the Hamilton County campus, that impact is both immediate and long-lasting. In fiscal year 2024-25, Ivy Tech Hamilton County generated $21.2 million in total economic impact and supported 270 jobs across the county. The campus serves more than 3,000 students annually, preparing local residents for in-demand careers while strengthening the regional workforce.
Beyond annual economic activity, Ivy Tech Hamilton County delivers significant long-term value. The College generates $298.6 million in total benefits to society across Indiana, reflecting increased lifetime earnings for graduates, stronger business productivity, and reduced demand on public services. Graduates see meaningful economic mobility, earning an average of $12,900 more annually than individuals with only a high school diploma.
“Ivy Tech Hamilton County is proud to be a driver of opportunity and economic growth in our community,” Ivy Tech Hamilton County Chancellor Dr. Rachel Kartz said. “Every gift made on Ivy Tech Day directly supports our students by helping them complete their education, enter the workforce, and contribute to the vitality of Hamilton County. The impact of this generosity will be felt for years to come.”
Ivy Tech campuses across Indiana hosted events to celebrate successes; students, staff, and faculty shared their stories about how Ivy Tech has impacted them; and community partners joined in with challenges, donated items, and matching funds.
At the Hamilton County campus, the celebration took the form of an open house-style event designed to engage the community and showcase campus culture. Attendees enjoyed a variety of interactive activities, including a hot dog and toppings bar, a bracelet bar, karaoke, games in the gym provided by SERVE Village, and a pie-in-the-face challenge area. The event created a welcoming, high-energy environment that brought together students, employees, and supporters in a shared celebration of impact.
In addition, OneAmerica Financial supported the effort with a matching gift challenge of up to $5,000, further amplifying the generosity of donors. Pickleman’s in Noblesville also partnered with the campus on a three-day fundraising promotion, helping drive participation and community engagement.
The College’s impact in Indiana is clear:
- More than 80 percent of graduates stay in Indiana to live and work
- Ivy Tech contributes $4.8 billion annually to the state’s economy
- Four of five graduates leave Ivy Tech without student loan debt
- Nearly 100,000 high school students take dual credit courses, giving them a jump start on their college work
- Ivy Tech has more than 14,000 apprenticeships, the largest program in the country.
Ivy Tech offers diverse opportunities for more than 210,000 students that are directly tied to Indiana’s dynamic economy including pharmaceutical manufacturing, early childhood education, cybersecurity, and a leading two-year nursing program that awards more associate degrees than any other institution in the U.S.
About the Ivy Tech Foundation
The Foundation provides support for Ivy Tech Community College beyond state appropriations and student tuition. Its overall program of work focuses on meeting student needs. Invest IN Ivy Tech, the recently completed $340 million statewide fundraising campaign, provides greater opportunity for each of the College’s 19 campuses to educate, train, and support all 92 of Indiana’s counties. Click here to learn more.
