Ivy Tech students participate in Gallery Walk

The first art show featuring students from Ivy Tech Community College-Lafayette will be part of the downtown Gallery Walk on May 17.  Their work will be displayed at Red Poppy Studios at 8th and Main Streets, where the classes are held.

Students who have taken ARTS 101 Life and Object Drawing II, ARTS 102 Two-Dimensional Design, and ARTS 103 Three-Dimensional Design will have their work displayed. The classes were taught by Susan Doster and Aaron Nemec.

“My years of being a professional artist in New York City provide me with a window of comparison to artists of numerous abilities throughout history,” said Doster. “I can sincerely say that Ivy Tech art students are on their way to making their personal marks in the history of art in Tippecanoe County and beyond. It is exciting to witness and contribute to their development.”

The students whose art will be displayed are: Jason Williams, Carla Vyse Getchel, Cassidy Traxler, Nik Andrews, Jeff Atkinson, Garry Bowlds, Jennifer Gray, Gina Kinney, Sean Lutes, Bruce Morgan, Elizabeth Turner, Bryan Wulf, Gabriela Angelova, Amillie Davenport, and Joseph Pietrzak.

About Ivy Tech
Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system serving nearly 200,000 students annually.  Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.

Ivy Tech Community College-Lafayette students experience the “shark tank”

Business students at Ivy Tech Community College-Lafayette found out what it might be like to present an idea to the panel of the popular television show “Shark Tank.” Ivy Tech-Lafayette’s School of Business recently held its first annual Ivy Innovate competition on Thursday, May 2 in the NCHS Auditorium on the Lafayette campus.

Students from a beginning entrepreneurship class gave a one minute elevator pitch for their small business idea to a panel of judge judges. The judges’ scores were tallied to determine four finalists. The finalists presented a 5 to 10 minute executive summary of their business plan. Judges were allowed to ask two to three questions of each finalist.

Judges were Jaimee Hartman of Regions Bank, Tracy Hudson from Purdue University, Joe Seaman of Greater Lafayette Commerce, Don Stocks of Don Stocks Consulting, and Eric Vandevoorde of Ivy Tech-Lafayette. During the judges’ deliberations, students and audience members listened to speakers Tressa Heath of Heath CPA and Phil Wright of Lafayette Tech.

The winner was Greg Hodgen for his presentation for Brutal Customs Motorcycles. Hodgen received a cash prize of $700 and a free hour of small business consultation. The cash prize was sponsored by Dr. Mary Pilotte and Purdue Federal Credit Union.

Other finalists and their small business ideas were Jessica Moskovitz (Flavors Coffee), Dallas Howard (Sachmo and Sons), and Yiwen Liu (4H Helicopters). Each received a free hour of small business consultation.

About Ivy Tech
Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system serving nearly 200,000 students annually.  Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.

NHK Seating of America announces a major gift to the Ivy Tech-Frankfort campus; The campus conference center will be named for the company

NHK Seating of America Inc. has announced a gift towards the Ivy Tech Community College-Frankfort campus. In recognition of their generous donation, the conference center that will be a part of the campus at 251 E. Clinton St. will be named the NHK Seating of America Conference Center.  The company has requested that the amount of the gift remain undisclosed.

“As one of our long time, leading Frankfort corporate citizens, NHK has shown its support of our vision for our new campus by making the conference center possible,” said Frankfort Mayor Chris McBarnes. “NHK’s generosity and giving spirit means this conference center will not only be a beautiful, functional meeting space for all those attending Ivy Tech, but it will serve as a gathering place for all community members.

“This dedicated space will connect the community to our campus, enabling everyone from our service organizations to Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to our Partners in Progress and business leaders to utilize and enjoy it. On behalf of the City of Frankfort, I thank NHK for its heartfelt gift that will beautify and add value to what we have to offer at our Ivy Tech campus for students, staff and every Frankfort resident,” Mayor McBarnes said.

The conference center will feature an 800 sq. ft. conference space, kitchen, restrooms, and lobby. The conference space opens to an outside plaza than can be used for outdoor events. The campus is scheduled to open for the Fall 2013 semester.

About NHK Seating of Americam Inc.
NHK Seating of America Inc. manufactures, assembles and distributes complete automotive seats, seat components and safety units to automotive plants in North America. The company’s headquarters is located in Frankfort, IN.

About Ivy Tech
Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system serving nearly 200,000 students annually.  Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.

Commencement for Ivy Tech in Lafayette will be held May 5

Commencement exercises for Ivy Tech Community College in Lafayette will be held on Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 2:00 pm in Elliott Hall of Music on Purdue University’s campus. Guests of graduates may arrive one hour prior to the ceremony.

Mayor Todd Barton, City of Crawfordsville, will deliver the commencement address. Mayor Barton oversaw efforts to complete the Ivy Tech-Crawfordsville campus on-time and under budget. The project was recognized with an Indiana Career and Technical Education Award for Excellence by the Indiana Department of Education.

Dr. Mary E. Ostrye, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost, will deliver the message from the President’s office. Angela Tate will deliver the student address.

On the occasion of Ivy Tech’s 50th anniversary, honorary degrees will be awarded to William Beard, Joe Bumbleburg, Steve Golliher, and Jim Risk.

Participating in the ceremony will be 438 students. From the Lafayette region, Ivy Tech will graduate 1040 students who have earned or are anticipated to earn an associate of applied science degree, associate of science degree, associate of arts degree, technical certificate, and/or certificate during the Fall 2012, Spring 2013 and Summer 2013 semesters.

About Ivy Tech
Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system serving nearly 200,000 students annually.  Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.

Ivy Tech students and United Way volunteers prepare and e-file tax returns

During this past tax season, IRS-certified Ivy Tech Community College-Lafayette accounting students and United Way volunteers combined efforts to provide free tax preparation and e-filing services to 906 low-to-moderate income earners. A total of 1,801 state, federal, prior year and amended income tax returns were filed between the Ivy Tech campus site and the United Way sites, one of which was located on Purdue University’s campus.

“Partnering with United Way this year made a big difference in the number of taxpayers we were able to serve,” said Kelley Butler Heartfield, assistant professor of accounting at Ivy Tech and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) office coordinator. “The interaction between our students, United Way volunteers and members of our community was a good experience for everyone.”

Ivy Tech and United Way sites helped taxpayers in Tippecanoe and surrounding counties receive $796,141 and $569,093 respectively in net federal and state refunds. Combined that is over 1.3 million dollars that came back to taxpayers in our community. Ivy Tech and United Way also estimate an additional $135,000 was saved in tax preparation fees, based on an average of fees charged locally.

VITA volunteers were trained and certified under the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The program offers free tax assistance to taxpayers with household incomes under $50,000. Returns were electronically submitted to the IRS and state at no cost to the taxpayer. The IRS provided the computer software used to prepare the tax returns.

Ivy Tech and United Way plan to offer the VITA program again in 2014.

About Ivy Tech
Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system serving nearly 200,000 students annually.  Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.

About United Way of Greater Lafayette
United Way of Greater Lafayette improves our community by focusing on Education, Income and Health. We bring people, organizations and resources together to deliver results. You can give, advocate and volunteer. Join us and Live United.

Ivy Tech Community College-Lafayette Instructors receive awards for excellence in the classroom

Two Ivy Tech Community College-Lafayette faculty members are recipients of the 2013 McAllister Excellence in Teaching Award. Instructors are nominated by students and chosen by a peer committee. The award symbolizes demonstrated competency, excellence in the classroom, hard work and determination. The awards will be presented at Ivy Tech’s Commencement, scheduled for May 5 at 2:00 p.m. in Elliott Hall on the Purdue University campus.

Full-Time Faculty Award
Massimiliano Giorgini

Massimiliano Giorgini

Massimiliano Giorgini began adjunct (part-time) teaching at Ivy Tech Community College in January 2008. He accepted a full-time faculty fellow position in January 2009 and became assistant professor of Spanish in August 2011. He received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in peninsular and Latin American literatures from Purdue University, where he is also preparing his dissertation for a doctoral degree.

Giorgini has an extensive background as a musician and record producer, and operates a recording studio in Lafayette. His multimedia approach to teaching incorporates music from Spain and Latin American countries that he has produced. His students describe his teaching style as energetic and enthusiastic.

He serves the community as a volunteer Spanish/English translator for the Lafayette School Corporation, Head Start, and YWCA as well as providing translation services to the college.

Giorgini will receive a commemorative plaque, a professional development grant, a $1000 monetary award presented by the McAllister Foundation, and represent the region as a candidate for the statewide Glenn and Mary Catherine Sample Award for Excellence in Instruction.

Adjunct Faculty Award
Brenda Campbell

Brenda Campbell

Brenda Campbell began teaching ASA Math classes part-time in February 2009. She earned a bachelor of science degree in industrial engineering from Purdue University and a master of business administration degree from Southern Methodist University. Before coming to Ivy Tech, she was a department manager for Procter & Gamble in Dallas TX, station manager at WHPL radio in Lafayette, and a substitute teacher for Lafayette School Corporation and Faith Christian School.

Students in Campbell’s classes may be surprised at first when they use tape measures, cereal boxes, and M&Ms to learn mathematical concepts. The activities are designed to engage the students in group work and actively participating in the class. She is particularly in tune with adult learners in her class and uses real world applications that are familiar to the students.

Her students describe her as being in touch with every student in the class. She makes herself available for one-on-one help whenever needed. One student commented, “Algebra has been a challenge for me, but thanks to Mrs. Campbell, I am learning and passing algebra.”

Campbell will receive a commemorative plaque and a $1000 monetary award presented by the McAllister Foundation.

About Ivy Tech
Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system serving nearly 200,000 students annually.  Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.

John Duncan receives Ivy Tech Community College-Lafayette’s Distinguished Alumni Award

A dedicated lifelong learner who is also an educator has been named one of Ivy Tech Community College-Lafayette’s top alumni. John Duncan, currently a licensed elevator technician at Purdue, is the recipient of Ivy Tech’s 2013 Distinguished Alumni Award from. The award will be presented during the college’s commencement ceremony on May 5 in Elliott Hall on the Purdue campus.

Duncan graduated from Ivy Tech-Lafayette in 2000 with an associate of applied science degree in industrial technology and a technical certificate in industrial maintenance. He continued to further his education, earning a journeyman industrial electrician card and studying for a bachelor’s degree through Indiana State University’s DegreeLink program and additional courses at Ivy Tech. He worked in the private sector before accepting a journeyman electrician position at Purdue University.

While at Purdue, he continued his pursuit of a bachelor’s degree and also received additional training that led to promotions at Purdue. He was initiated into the Epsilon Pi Tau honor society at Indiana State University and completed his bachelor’s degree in industrial technology in May of 2008. He immediately set out to acquire additional technical skills, beginning his second four-year apprenticeship to become a certified elevator technician which he successfully completed in 2012.

John began at Ivy Tech in 2006 when he taught his first motor controls class for Ivy Tech Corporate College. He has continued to teach for both the Corporate College and the School of Technology, sharing his knowledge with a new generation of students. He is currently chair of the Advanced Manufacturing Advisory Committee at Ivy Tech and a part-time graduate student in the College of Education at Purdue University.

“From the years I have spent working to improve my place in life through labor and study, I have learned that it takes a great deal of effort, sacrifice, and persistence,” Duncan said. “To traverse such a difficult path also requires a versatile and flexible vehicle. That vehicle is Ivy Tech Community College.”

About Ivy Tech
Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system serving nearly 200,000 students annually.  Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.