Ivy Tech students share tradition

Bingo Players Kyla Randall, Robin Shemwell, Betty Harris and Christie Witty enjoyed free food and great prizes at the annual Ivy Tech Fall Bash welcoming students back to the Greencastle campus.

The Annual Fall Bash at Ivy Tech Community College was another big success.

The event is a welcome back to students at the Greencastle campus and is supported not only by staff but also by area merchants.

The event offers a free catered lunch to students and staff as well as bingo and raffle prizes that included things like a $50 Visa card from North Salem State Bank, a digital camera from Wal-Mart Distribution, four box seats from the Indianapolis Indians, $200 worth of savings bonds from the Teacher's Credit Union and a $25 gift Haye's Murphy and Sharp Insurance.

Students Ashlee McCammon and Justina Scales were enjoying lunch in the 70-degree weather.

"Fall Bash is a lot of fun and there are a lot of people here that I haven't seen before," said McCammon.

"It's pretty cool," said Scales. "A little cheese on the hamburgers would be good but it's free food and it's good."

Between 650 and 700 students are enrolled at the Greencastle campus this year. The Fall Bash, which started out a few years ago with seven or eight pizzas, has grown into a fairly large event with lots of participation from the community and the students.

Fox Canteen catered the event offering a free lunch of hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, cookies and beverages.

"We like to give back to the students and show our appreciation of them. And, the support from the community is really great," said Brad Johnson, Ivy Tech's Greencastle campus coordinator.

"I took care of the weather and the staff took care of everything else," joked Johnson.

"We get great support from the students and from so many businesses and organizations in the community," added Johnson. "It's just a great event."

Prize donations for the Fall Bash came from Wal-Mart Distribution, Humphrey's, the Indianapolis Indians, Fox 59, Children's Museum, Headley Hardware, Indiana State Museum, Creative Touch, Holiday World, Pap Murphy's, Indiana Pacers, B & B Ink & toner, Almost Home, Comedy Sports, Rave Pictures, Curves, Super Wash, Crackers Comedy, Indiana Beach, Bright Futures, Family Video, Auto Zone and Employment Plus.

Also Mill Pond, Putnam County Hospital, Teacher's Credit Union, Dr. Wayne Lewis, Ivy Tech, State Farm Insurance-Brad Tucker, State Farm Insurance-Therese Cunningham, North Salem State Bank, Haye's Murphy & Sharp Insurance, Fox Canteen, Eitel's Florist and Wendy's.

For information about Ivy Tech Community College call 765-653-7410 or visit their Web site at www.goivytech.net