BLOOMINGTON – Ivy Tech Community College’s Bloomington campus will hold its annual spring commencement ceremony on Friday, May 16 at 6 p.m. in the Indiana University Auditorium, where it will confer 1,123 Associate degrees and certifications to graduates.
“This is my first commencement ceremony as Chancellor of Ivy Tech’s Bloomington campus, and I could not be more proud of our students for accomplishing their academic goals,” said Chancellor Jennie Vaughan. “Commencement is the culminating event for our graduates and their families, and I look forward to celebrating with them.”
The commencement address will be given by graduate, Jessica Troxel, Associate of Science in Human Services. Troxel is the single mother of two boys and has overcome enormous obstacles to achieving her educational goals, including losing her home in a Martinsville flood and then losing her left arm in a tragic car accident. Troxel has earned numerous scholarships and awards during her time at Ivy Tech-Bloomington, including being named a 2014 Coca-Cola New Century Scholar, selected from more than 1,700 entries nationwide. She volunteers her time as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Troxel received the outstanding student award in her program of study and is graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors.
Honorary degree awards will be presented to Chancellor Emeritus, John R. Whikehart, Ivy Tech-Bloomington and to University Chancellor Emeritus, Kenneth Gros Louis, Ph.D., Indiana University, for their leadership in creating seamless educational opportunities for students.
Some of the graduates who will be celebrated at commencement are a husband and wife, honors students, international students, military veterans, transfer students, and those who have found employment because of their education and training at Ivy Tech.
The number of students graduating with honors is 181, with 15 graduating Magna Cum Laude for maintaining a perfect 4.0 grade point average.
The campus will confer degrees to 34 military veterans this year, and is graduating seven international students representing the countries of China, England, India, Venezuela, South Korea, and New Guinea.
This May, Ivy Tech-Bloomington is graduating its first two students from the newly established Associate of Fine Arts and Design program.
Approximately 71 Associate of Science in Nursing degrees and 9 Practical Nursing degrees will be awarded.
There are 78 graduates who are members of Phi Theta Kappa international honor society. Phi Theta Kappa honor society recognizes and encourages scholarship through leadership and academic excellence among two-year college students.
Each year, Ivy Tech-Bloomington recognizes students for outstanding academic achievements. Academic program chairs have chosen 32 students to receive this award. Outstanding Student award recipients include:
Accounting – Allyson Smerud
General Studies – Victoria Neely
Liberal Arts – Mark Huffman
Business – Stacey Zike
Kinesiology – Dujuan Webster
Industrial Technology – Billy Long
Energy Technology – Mark Harp
Radiation Therapy – Christopher Alley
Health Care Support – Colin England
Public Safety – Lucas Hughes
Paralegal – Jamie Smith-Bonham
Respiratory Care – Allyson Evans
Paramedic Science – James Richardson
Licensed Practical Nursing – Sara Waggner
Registered Nursing – Bridgett Pemberton (traditional)
Registered Nursing – Tonya Fish (transitional)
Computer Information Systems – Robert Russell
Computer Information Technology – Steven Harshbarger
Office Administration – Sarah Bennington
Early Childhood Education – Jennifer Stinson
Education – Melissa Mullis
Biotechnology – Matthew Hicks (AAS)
Biotechnology – Gwen Weathers (AS)
Criminal Justice – Aleisha Cain
Hospitality – William Cunningham
Design Technology – Jason Fish
Fine Arts – Robert Soper
Human Services – Jessica Troxel
Engineering Technology – Robert Krebbs
Electronics and Computer Technology – Troy Mullis
Heating and Cooling – Lucas Epley
Information Security – Samantha Lake
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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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.
