The Ivy Tech Indianapolis Circle of Ivy, a women’s philanthropic collective, is proud to announce the funding of ten transformative campus projects for 2025, allocating a total of $32,000. The announcement was made during the Circle’s “Morning of Gratitude & Growth” event on Thursday, Dec. 11, a celebration that also marked the Circle’s impactful 10th anniversary.

The event, held in the Conference Center and Culinary Institute’s penthouse, brought together donors, faculty, and staff to celebrate the power of collective giving. The morning began with a welcome from Jama Tighe, Indianapolis Assistant Director of Annual Giving, who highlighted the Circle’s vital role in campus life.

“Thank you all for joining us early this morning—I’m grateful to have all of us in one room,” said Tighe. “I’m excited to celebrate our Morning of Gratitude & Growth with you all and celebrate the exciting projects you all funded this year.”

Dr. Stacy Atkinson, chancellor of Ivy Tech Indianapolis, offered remarks, thanking the Circle for its sustained commitment to student success and innovation.

The keynote address was delivered by Audrey Ballard, Guiding Circle member and Ivy Tech Indy alumna. Ballard underscored the monumental impact of the Circle since its Indianapolis founding in 2015, having raised over $278,000 and funded 65 projects.

“In 2025, we are celebrating 10 years of Circle of Ivy!” Ballard announced. “That’s 10 years of us being surrounded by individuals who believe in the power of education, community, and philanthropy … This work is meaningful. This work matters. And YOU make it possible.”

Ballard also celebrated the Circle’s growth, noting a record 113 active members. 

“This is the largest our Indy Circle has been to date!”

The 2025 Funded Projects

The ten projects, selected by member vote, represent a wide-ranging commitment to student wellness, academic excellence, and community engagement:

  • Welcome Back Wellness Kits (Maissie Valiyi): Mental health kits for Welcome Week to promote wellness and campus counseling resources.
  • Supplies for Organic Chemistry II (Allison Babij): Essential lab materials for students in Organic Chemistry II.
  • Baking and Pastry Lab Equipment (Jenni Schouppe): Updated equipment, including a chocolate refiner, for culinary arts students.
  • Student Learning Tools & Flexible Seating (Amanda Crecelius): Active learning tools and flexible seating for physical education classrooms.
  • Writing in Harmony: Summer Retreat (Emily Watson): A summer writing retreat in New Harmony, IN, for student writers.
  • Investing in First-Year Success (Debbie Barber): Orientation materials and Ivy Tech gear to support retention at New Student Orientation.
  • Urban Garden Supplies (Carrie Sample): Supporting the #Teach2Grow initiative, where students grow and donate produce.
  • Scientific Communication Tools (Mallika Krishnan): A high-quality printer and materials for student science presentations.
  • Online BESTI (Cayden Brewer): An incentive-based program to build empowerment and success for online students in Canvas.
  • Global Leadership (Gerald Maki): Bringing internationally recognized speakers for virtual leadership talks across campuses.

The Morning of Gratitude & Growth event served as both a celebration of these ambitious projects and a heartfelt thank you to the members whose donations make them possible. The atmosphere was one of celebration and connection, reflecting the Circle’s core mission: to unite women in funding projects that provide immediate, tangible benefits to Ivy Tech Indianapolis students and faculty.

We’re excited to share more about each of these projects with you in 2026! Stay up to date with us by subscribing to the Ivy Indy Community Chronicle. 

About the Circle of Ivy:

The Circle of Ivy is a women’s collective giving circle at Ivy Tech Community College. Since 2015, members have pooled their contributions to fund impactful, campus-based projects that empower students, enhance learning, and strengthen the community. Each member contributes an annual gift, and together, the group votes to select the projects that will be funded each cycle.

Interested in joining? You can learn more here.

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.