Milt Cole never had the chance to go to college. He built a successful career in the lumber industry, but he knew he succeeded despite not having continued on past high school. Today, he and his family are working to ensure that others get the education they need to enjoy a successful career.

"We are affecting the lives of people that could possibly fall through the cracks," Cole says. "If we help them now, it will do great things for society down the road." Milt Cole and his wife Jean have been designated honorary chairpersons of the Kokomo Region's Building Communities, Changing Lives Vision Campaign. This campaign aims to raise $4.25 million dollars for Ivy Tech campuses in the area.

Gregory Aaron, executive director of resource development for the Ivy Tech Foundation, worked with the Coles to ensure that the campaign got off to a good start. "Milt gave our leadership gift," he says. "We asked him to be the honorary chairman of the entire campaign and he graciously accepted."

The Coles have a true understanding of Ivy Tech's unique mission. They know that giving to Ivy Tech means students will have the opportunity to access an affordable, high-quality higher education, and that the College's graduates will help build stronger communities and a stronger workforce.

"Helping build communities is a fundamental role of community Colleges across our nation," says Cole.

"By providing academic programs that fulfill the need of our area employers to maintain a skilled workforce, Ivy Tech is vital to building the very communities in which we, our children and grandchildren live. Economic growth is essential to the prosperity of our communities - and education is the key. I can't think of a better way to leave a profound impact on one's community than by giving to Ivy Tech."

The Coles have played a significant role in making the new Ivy Tech Logansport facility a reality.

Milt and Jean are well suited to chair the campaign not only because of their enthusiasm for Ivy Tech, but also because of their past generosity, including an unrestricted $1 million gift to support the new Logansport campus.

"The Coles speak from the heart," says Steve Daily, chancellor of the Kokomo region. "They're playing a real leadership role in our campaign and in the entire community." This generosity extends to other parts of the Coles' life. In 1998, the Cole Hardwood lumberyard was completely destroyed by fire. Despite the significant financial burden it presented, he promised his dedicated employees that they wouldn't miss a paycheck, and they didn't.

"One of the things that has motivated me to be successful monetarily is the ability to give," Cole states. "I don't need anything more for myself, but I've learned that the more you give the more you receive."