Ivy Tech conducts graduation Thursday

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Nearly 8,500 Ivy Tech Community College students throughout the state will receive an associate degree or certificate as the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college conducts its annual commencement in 14 regional ceremonies around Indiana in the month of May.

The Wabash Valley Region will conduct its commencement at 7 p.m. Thursday in Indiana State University's Hulman Center. The Honorable Duke Bennett, mayor of Terre Haute, Ivy Tech graduate and the 2008 Distinguished Alumnus will be the keynote speaker.

Thomas J. Snyder, president of Ivy Tech Community College, will participate in the ceremony along with Dr. Jeff Pittman, chancellor of the Wabash Valley Region, which includes the Greencastle campus.

About 400 Wabash Valley graduates are expected to take part in commencement with 2,500 of their friends and families in attendance.

Presentations to be made will include the following distinguished student awards: Larry Lowey Award, Leon Blum Award, Morley Award, C. Huston Isaacs Award, Phi Theta Kappa Award, Information Systems and Technology Award, Keri Sharpe Award and Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Nearly 93 percent of all Ivy Tech graduates remain in the state of Indiana after receiving their degrees, and the annual lifetime earnings of Ivy Tech graduates are estimated to be 74 percent higher than Hoosiers with only a high-school diploma.

Ivy Tech Community College will award an estimated 8,500 associate degrees and certificates in May across the State. This is in addition to the 21,835 certifications it has provided over the last year.

Ivy Tech Community College is the state's largest public post-secondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, and has campuses across 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.

It also offers courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.

The Wabash Valley Region offers 27 degree programs at eight locations throughout the area.

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