FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 15, 2011

Ivy Tech Community College’s Bloomington campus Student Veteran Organization (SVO) has been awarded a $2,000 grant based upon initiatives presented in the December 3 Operation Diploma grant competition. In the category of New and Emerging SVOs, the Operation Diploma panel awarded top honors to the Ivy Tech Bloomington campus organization.

Operation Diploma is an initiative of the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. Grant awards ranged from $1000 to $2000, totaling $7,000 in awards.

Presenters for Ivy Tech SVO included Commander Michael Wood, Executive Officer Rachael Rosso, and Sergeant of Arms Ashley Qualkenbush.

Grant funds will be used to support student service members and veterans on the Ivy Tech Bloomington campus. Objectives of SVO include increasing participation of members at meetings, organization and campus events; increase membership by 50 percent; fully entrench themselves into the community through volunteerism and civic engagement activities; and provide support to all student veterans throughout their academic careers. Ways in which SVO will accomplish these objectives are through supporting the Ceremonial Flag Burning event (takes place in coordination with American Legion), volunteer at retirement homes where veterans live, host camaraderie events such as cookouts and bowling events, work on recruiting and sponsor a meet and greet for veterans and family members of all Ivy Tech student veterans.

Ivy Tech Community College’s Bloomington campus was named a military-friendly school in Sept. 2011 by G.I. Jobs, a premier magazine for military personnel transitioning into civilian life.

About Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.