For years, the hospitality program at Ivy Tech's Evansville campus was growing at such a rapid pace that classroom and lab space was severely limited, with many classes moved to off-campus facilities. That all changed in the fall of 2008. Thanks to a group of community donors, the College has moved its hospitality classes to a state-of-the-art facility on its main campus. Now, not only does the program have space to accommodate existing students, but it's poised to grow even larger in the future.

The new Charles and Dolores Browning Family Foundation Culinary Arts Center is a comprehensive facility that trains students to pursue a variety of food service careers. The Center gives future executive chefs, sous chefs, event planners and nutritionists access to equipment, a dining area, and an instruction area designed specifically with their needs in mind.

The facility was named for the Browning family due to their generous support of and vision for the project. According to

The new facility named for the Browning family will train students in Evansville for a variety of careers in hospitality and culinary arts. Pictured clockwise from upper right are Jennifer Miller Browning, Dolores DeWitt Browning and
Dr. Mark Browning.

Dolores DeWitt Browning, the family was motivated by a desire to help students thrive in an industry very important to the regional economy. "The culinary industry is one of the largest employers in the Evansville area," says Dolores DeWitt Browning. "The new Culinary Arts Center at Ivy Tech will fulfill many of these needs within our tri-state area. It warms my heart to know that more students will benefit from this type of education at our new center."

Not only does the facility give Ivy Tech students a Grade A education; it also gives them a considerable advantage once they enter the workforce. Graduates obtain the technical, manual, and theoretical skills that allow them to take leadership roles in their industry. Dr. Mark Browning adds that Ivy Tech students are no longer at a disadvantage compared to graduates of four-year programs. "Representation from community colleges over the past five decades has been somewhat limited," he says. "Ivy Tech Community College now allows individuals to become skilled, competent members of the workforce."

Watez Phelps, Hospitality Administration Program Chair and Carol Katowitz, Dean of the School of Education, the School of Public and Social Services and School of Fine Arts and Design give students the skills they need to succeed in high-growth hospitality and culinary arts careers.

While the Browning family has supported Ivy Tech for quite some time, they have grown to respect the College even more during the past few years. Jennifer Miller Browning says this is a direct result of what Ivy Tech does for students who might not otherwise be able to access higher education. "Support to Ivy Tech has a significant impact at the most critical level," she states. "Many students at Ivy Tech are first generation College students who are working hard to ensure their future success."

This has led the Brownings to support the College in other ways, including the establishment of five separate endowed scholarships that create opportunities for students who need financial support. Over the past three years, 22 students have benefitted from scholarship endowments funded by the Brownings.

Dan Schenk Ph.D., chancellor of Ivy Tech Evansville recognizes the impact the Browning family has had on Ivy Tech. "Their recognition of the critical role played by community Colleges, and their investment in the success of students, underscores their commitment to improving the lives of the members of our community. We are grateful for the example they have set, and for their very generous support."