May 4, 2009

For further information contact:
Edward J. Reed
Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
(O) 260-480-4250
(H) 260-627-0252
ereed@ivytech.edu

Senator David Long to Speak at
Ivy Tech Community College Graduation

Senator David Long will be the Commencement Speaker at Ivy Tech Community College–Northeast’s 39th annual Commencement ceremonies on Thursday, May 14, 2009. Commencement will be held at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum at 7:30 p.m.

Senator Long serves in the Indiana Senate, where he represents District 16 and serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. Senator Long also serves as General Counsel for Pizza Hut of Fort Wayne, Inc. He has earned a bachelor’s degree from University of California at Davis as well as a Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University.

Ivy Tech Community College-Northeast will award degrees and certificates to 712 graduates in the class of 2009. The diplomas will represent newly acquired expertise in Business, Education, Technology, Public and Social Services, Health Sciences, and Liberal Arts and Sciences. The graduates will receive the Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Applied Science degrees as well as various certificates.

Awards to be presented at graduation include: the Sample Award for Excellence in Instruction, to an outstanding instructor; and the Melvin L. Curtis Award for Academic Excellence, to a superior member of the graduating class.

Throughout the state, approximately 8,500 Ivy Tech Community College students will receive an associate degree or certificate at 14 graduation ceremonies around Indiana in the month of May. In addition to awarding nearly 8,500 degrees and certificates, the Community College has granted more than 21,835 certifications thus providing over 30,000 credentials preparing Hoosiers for the workforce and providing credits that transfer to four-year colleges and universities.

Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public post-secondary institution and the nation’s largest singly-accredited statewide community college system with more than 120,000 students enrolled 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.