Ivy Tech-Bloomington named Employer of the Year by Indiana Chapter of the National MS Society

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASENovember 12, 2013

Ivy Tech-Bloomington named Employer of the Year by Indiana Chapter of the National MS Society

Ivy Tech Community College’s Bloomington campus was named Employer of the Year by the Indiana Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at its annual Moving Forward event, held on Saturday, November 2 in Indianapolis.

“It is truly and honor for Ivy Tech Community College – Bloomington to be recognized as Employer of the Year by the National MS Society and I am humbled,” said Chancellor John Whikehart. “Ivy Tech-Bloomington works hard to employ a diverse body of faculty and staff, which only broadens and enriches the lives of our students, and creates an inclusive and welcoming work environment where employees can excel in their positions.”

Elizabeth Lyon, Ivy Tech-Bloomington International Student Services Coordinator, says that Ivy Tech’s Bloomington campus is worthy of this recognition because of its commitment to go above and beyond what is expected. Lyon was diagnosed with MS in 2002, and nominated the campus for this prestigious award.

“Forward thinking leader, Chancellor John Whikehart, saw potential in me that could be a real win for the college,” Lyon said. “More than once, he placed me into jobs with steep learning curves, instead of limiting the college and me to ‘reasonable accommodations’ required by law. To him, those were simply details.”

Lyon says that Chancellor Whikehart knew that given the right working environment and job to do, that she could deliver in her role at the college. He was right.

Two years ago, just days before the start of the academic year, Lyon was moved into her current position advising international students, which required intensely specialized training. Today, Ivy Tech-Bloomington enjoys a 105 percent increase in international student enrollment.

“At Ivy Tech-Bloomington, I see past disability and see ability,” Whikehart said.

“When an employer believes in abilities, the results can be of a global magnitude, literally,” Lyon said.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society–Indiana State Chapter’s Moving Forward event is an opportunity for the entire Hoosier MS community to come together in celebration of the ways in which we are moving toward a world free of multiple sclerosis. The annual event allows the Chapter’s constituents to learn more about the many ways in which the Society is fulfilling its mission of mobilizing people and resources to drive research for a cure and address the needs of all people affected by MS.

About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
For more than fifty years, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (www.nationalmssociety.org) has been dedicated to its mission of mobilizing people and resources to drive research for a cure and to address the challenges of everyone affected by MS. The Indiana State Chapter of the National MS Society provides help for today—through numerous programs for families living with MS—and hope for tomorrow through national research to find a cure.

About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College (www.ivytech.edu) is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system serving nearly 200,000 students 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 communities.  In addition, its courses and programs transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.

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