INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Ivy Tech Foundation has honored 37 Distinguished Alumni and Benefactors from across Indiana, recognizing high-achieving graduates and generous donors and supporters who help to elevate Ivy Tech Community College’s mission. Those recognized represent each of the College’s 19 campuses and include both people and organizations that have made Ivy Tech stronger.
Carla Baker and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Indiana, selected by the Indianapolis Campus, were named Distinguished Alumni and Benefactor of the year, respectively, for their work in the community.
Distinguished Alumna:
Carla Baker had a mechanical engineering technology degree from Purdue and was an engineer at General Motors when she sought a career change at Ivy Tech. Carla enrolled in the medical assisting program and distinguished herself as a top student, eventually earning her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Marion University. Today, Dr. Baker is a triage nurse at Community Heart and Vascular Hospital.
Distinguished Benefactor:
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Indiana improves and elevates the character of mankind by promoting the principles of friendship, love, truth, faith, hope, charity, and universal justice. The organization makes the world a better place by aiding one another, the community, the less fortunate, the youth, the elderly, and the environment. Members promote goodwill and harmony through the principle of universal fraternity, and hold the belief that all men and women, regardless of race, nationality, religion, social status, gender, rank, and station, are brothers and sisters.
Kathy Reed and Amanda Whipple accepted the award on behalf of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Indiana.
Selected through a highly competitive process, each recipient across Indiana has made a lasting impact on their community and on Ivy Tech by demonstrating outstanding professional, philanthropic, or volunteer accomplishments. Those selected were recognized on September 26 at a celebration in downtown Indianapolis.
“It truly is an honor for Ivy Tech to be associated with so many alumni, friends, and organizations that underscore the value of our mission,” said Ivy Tech President Dr. Marty Pollio. “Our honorees are making Indiana communities stronger through their leadership, skillsets, and generosity. We are proud to recognize these incredible recipients.”
Carla Baker and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Indiana have made numerous contributions that have made our community and our College stronger. I could not be prouder of them, and I look forward to our collective work moving forward that makes Indianapolis even better.
– Dr. Stacy Atkinson, Indianapolis Chancellor
More than 4 of 5 Ivy Tech graduates stay in Indiana to pursue their careers, and Ivy Tech contributes nearly $4 billion annually to the state’s economy. Today, 86 percent of people who graduate from Ivy Tech do so without the burden of student debt.
For more information or to view a full list of the Distinguished Alumni honorees, visit www.ivytech.edu/alumniawards
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.
