When 19-year-old Avrie Landaw graduated from high school in May, she faced a choice many students wrestle with: pursue a traditional four-year university or take a different path.
For the Whitestown native, the answer became clear when she was selected as a Lilly Scholar at Ivy Tech. Now, she’s set to earn her associate degree in biotechnology in just two years—with a direct pathway to a career.
Landaw, who grew up in Boone County, always dreamed of working in science.
"I’ve wanted to be a scientist for who knows how long. I can’t even remember when it started," she said, smiling.
Initially considering a nearby four-year school, she changed course after learning about Ivy Tech’s biotechnology program and the opportunities available through the Lilly Scholars partnership.
"I visited campus and saw the labs, and it just felt like the right fit," she said. "I knew this was where I needed to be."
The Lilly Scholars at Ivy Tech program, a collaboration between Ivy Tech and Lilly, covers 100% of the tuition, fees and books for students pursuing in-demand careers such as biotechnology, biopharmaceutical manufacturing, or industrial technology.
For Landaw, the scholarship was life-changing.
"When I got the email that I was accepted, I cried. I was in shock," she said. "I was really grateful and appreciative that they chose me.”
Lilly’s massive $13.5 billion investment in three new Lilly facilities —just minutes from Landaw’s hometown—further solidified her decision.
"Knowing this huge biotech hub is going to be right down the road is surreal," she said. "It makes me even more excited to start my career."
As a college student from a small town, Landaw hopes her story inspires others in rural communities to pursue higher education.
"If you have a dream, go for it. Don’t let being from a small town hold you back," she said. "Ivy Tech gave me a chance to chase mine.”
This fall, she’ll begin her classes at Ivy Tech Indianapolis, with plans to dive straight into the workforce after graduation.
Reflecting on the impact of the scholarship, Landaw had a message for the teams at Ivy Tech and Eli Lilly who made it possible:
"Thank you for making a little girl’s dream of being a scientist possible.”
For more information on the Lilly Scholars at Ivy Tech program, visit ivytech.edu/lillyscholars.
"I visited campus and saw the labs, and it just felt like the right fit. I knew this was where I needed to be."
– Avrie Landaw, Biotechnology '27
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.
