Ivy Tech Community College will recognize this year’s graduating class with commencement ceremonies across the state from May 8 to May 16.
The Community College estimates that nearly 20,400 credentials will be awarded this year representing an increase of approximately 22 percent over last year. This year marks the first that Ivy Tech will exceed the 20,000 mark.
Over the last four years Ivy Tech’s total number of credentials awarded has increased by 67 percent. In addition to earning credentials, Ivy Tech students have earned thousands of credits to transfer to four-year institutions throughout the state, saving those students more than $32.6 million dollars in tuition costs.
“Commencement ceremonies are a wonderful culmination of all the students’ hard work toward earning their credentials,” said Ivy Tech President Thomas J. Snyder. “It is the chance we get to come together and celebrate what these students have achieved. As an institution, we are focused on increasing the number of annual credentials to 50,000 by 2025, as the state needs Ivy Tech to be successful in order for us to continue to build our middle class here in Indiana.”
Over its 51-year history, the college has served over one million Hoosiers. Nearly 97 percent of all Ivy Tech graduates stay in Indiana after graduation and directly and positively impact the state’s economy. The Community College’s most recent economic impact study shows that Ivy Tech’s cumulative economic impact is $8.2 billion in total annual benefits. Former Ivy Tech students had a cumulative impact of $1.6 billion in Indiana, due to higher earnings and the increased output of their employers.
Students graduating from Ivy Tech Southeast will have an opportunity to attend commencement ceremonies on Sunday at the Homer Center at Hanover College. The featured speaker will be Rep. Randy Frye of Greensburg.
The college will also present honorary degrees to 29 individuals this year. Former Ivy Tech Southeast Chancellor Jim Helms will be presented with the degree during the commencement ceremony in Hanover.
Each of this year’s honorary degree recipients will receive an Associate of Science in College and Community Service in recognition of their commitment to education and Ivy Tech Community College.
