Ivy Tech Indianapolis launched the new academic year with its 2025 Fall Convocation, a day focused on professional development, community, and aligning campus priorities. This year’s convocation highlights included a presentation of the inaugural Don Weathersbe Award, a morning keynote presentation, and the introduction of the new Indy Green Exchange SharePoint site.

Chancellor Stacy Atkinson opened the event by reflecting on the challenges and changes of the past year, including the continued progress of the Ivy Tech Indy: Reimagined for the Future capital project and the resilience of employees during times of transition. She acknowledged the disappointment surrounding the College’s budget constraints while emphasizing her gratitude for faculty and staff dedication.

Dr. Atkinson expressed gratitude for employee dedication, which has contributed to steady enrollment growth and improved performance metrics. She urged the campus community to extend grace to one another and view the convocation as a starting point for rebuilding morale and moving forward together.

“We see your dedication—in the classroom, in student advising, in enrollment events, in every corner of this campus ... Thank you for all that you do.”

– Dr. Stacy Atkinson, Chancellor

The emotional centerpiece of the morning was the reintroduction of the Don Weathersbe Award, established to honor a staff member who exemplifies the late colleague’s student-centered spirit, humility, and heart.

Dr. Atkinson announced Kate McGormley, executive director of advising, as the first recipient, praising her leadership in supporting every student while fostering a celebratory and community-focused environment for her team. McGormley received a commemorative award and $1,000 to implement an idea to advance student success on campus, with campus leadership approval.

“Kate, thank you for leading with care, for putting students first, and for making Ivy Tech Indianapolis stronger, brighter, and better,” Atkinson said.

McGormley said she was “humbled and blown away” when Dr. Atkinson announced she was the first recipient of the Don Weathersbe Award. 

“Two years ago, my second day on the job was Convocation. I was in a room full of strangers, but I felt completely energized by the mission and the friendly, welcoming people around me,” McGormley said. “You can only truly thrive at work when you're surrounded by good people—and I am incredibly lucky. In advising and across campus, I get to work with the very best: student-centered, caring, hard-working, and fun,” she continued. “I'm looking forward to continuing the work together! Thank you for selecting me!”


After the award presentation, the keynote address, “Building Belonging: The Power of How We Show Up for Students and Each Other,” was presented by Debbie Barber, executive director of student retention, and Justin Turpen, executive director of strategy and data analytics. The session provided practical strategies for improving service and support through clear communication, empathy, and consistent follow-through.

Atkinson also highlighted new tools to support this mission, including a “Where Are They Now?” navigation video to help employees regarding office relocations due to the ongoing capital project, as well as the new campus-wide SharePoint site, Indy Green Exchange, a central hub for faculty and staff campus resources.

Following the morning program, the campus community gathered for an all-employee photo before breaking for a networking lunch sponsored by Grand Canyon University.

The afternoon was dedicated to professional development opportunities designed to enhance skills and collaboration. Employees participated in a wide array of sessions, including:

  • Working With and Teaching ELL/ESOL Students

  • Goal Setting: Setting Effective Personal Development Goals

  • WorkDay Finance Essentials

  • Becoming a Student: Understanding the Process

  • Supporting Students in Distress

  • Ivy Connect: Student Success Hands-On Training

  • Emotional Intelligence

  • Dish with DSS: Do's and a Few Don'ts

  • Leveraging AI in Your Everyday Work

  • Development Department's Piece of the Puzzle

  • Growing Student Success in Virtual Spaces

  • Employee Speed Meet: Make Connections in a Flash

  • Creative Recharge

  • Walk and Talk

  • Using Your Benefits: EAP, Be Lively

  • And more.

The event provided a foundation for renewed focus and collaboration as the campus moves into the new academic year, ensuring faculty and staff are equipped to support each other and every student.

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.