A Conversation with Rose Wilson, Ivy Tech Indianapolis’ 2026 Grand Marshal & Mace Bearer

When Rose Wilson leads the procession at Ivy Tech Community College’s Indianapolis commencement on Thursday, Apr. 30, she will carry more than the ceremonial mace as the 2026 Grand Marshal. She will carry with her a 25-year career built on service, the lessons of a small steel town upbringing, and a deep-seated belief that meaningful connection is the foundation of real learning.

The Grand Marshal serves as the faculty leader of the commencement procession, a role reserved for an educator whose contributions exemplify the institution’s highest values. At Ivy Tech Indy, the grand marshal carries the ceremonial mace, which symbolizes the college’s authority and legacy, while guiding graduates to their seats. Wilson, a 2025 honoree of the Glenn W. Sample Award Founder’s Award for Excellence in Instruction, was selected for this distinguished role in recognition of her decades of impact both inside and outside the classroom.

Wilson’s path to this moment began far from the podium. Raised the youngest of six children in a small steel town in southwestern Pennsylvania, she watched her stay-at-home mother model compassion and her father, a crane operator at the local mill, demonstrate persistence and work-life balance. Inspired by her older sister, who was the first in the family to attend college, Wilson pursued higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and later a master’s degree in special education. It was during those college years that she met her husband, also an educator, beginning a shared life dedicated to service and learning.

Her professional career began in Indiana’s First Steps program as a developmental therapist before she joined Ivy Tech as an adjunct instructor in the early childhood education program. That role ignited a passion for adult education, leading to a full-time teaching position and, for the past four and a half years, as program chair for early childhood education. As chair, she has secured grant funding to expand student access, reduce barriers to fieldwork, and strengthen partnerships with community agencies.

Throughout her career, Wilson has remained focused on what she calls “humbled education,” an approach centered on listening, recognizing the humanity in every learner, and creating spaces where students feel valued and supported.

We sat down with Wilson to discuss her journey, the meaning of this honor, and what she hopes graduates will carry with them as they cross the stage.

First, congratulations on being selected as the Grand Marshal & Mace Bearer for the 2026 Commencement. What does this honor mean to you personally and professionally?

Thank you for the congratulatory sentiments. This honor is deeply meaningful to me. Personally, it feels like a full-circle moment; it is an affirmation of why I chose this work in the first place: to support, uplift, and walk alongside students as they pursue their goals. Professionally, it represents the collective effort of so many people, like faculty, staff, administrators, and community partners, who are committed to student success every day.

I think of something Fred Rogers often emphasized: the greatest gift we can give is to help someone feel seen and valued. Being selected for this role feels like the same message being reflected back to me, and I carry it with a great sense of gratitude and responsibility.

Commencement is such a meaningful milestone. What does this moment represent for you as an educator?

Commencement represents transformation. It’s the visible moment where growth, perseverance, and courage come together. As educators, we know the behind-the-scenes of what students may be experiencing, the late nights, the doubts, the balancing of life responsibilities; commencement is where all of that becomes something tangible and celebrated.

To me, it’s a reminder that education is not just about content; it’s about “becoming.”  Becoming more confident, more capable, and more aware of the impact you can have in the world.

You’ve worked closely with students throughout their journeys—what is it like to see them cross the stage as graduates?

It’s a joyous moment! Each student carries a unique story, and when they cross that stage, you’re not just seeing a graduate; you’re seeing resilience, sacrifice, and determination.

There’s a quiet pride in that moment. Not pride in what I’ve done, but in what they’ve accomplished. Watching them cross the stage feels like watching that potential come to life.

From your perspective, what makes Ivy Tech Indianapolis a special place for students?

What makes Ivy Tech Indianapolis special is its commitment to meeting students where they are and helping them get where they want to go. Our students come from diverse backgrounds, life experiences, and programs, and we honor that diversity in meaningful ways.

There’s a strong sense of community here. Students are not just numbers; they are known, supported, and encouraged. We create pathways, but more importantly, we build relationships. And that’s where real learning happens.

What do you hope graduates take with them—not just from commencement, but from their time at Ivy Tech?

I hope they leave with a strong sense of self-confidence in their abilities and clarity in their purpose. Beyond the technical skills and knowledge, I hope they carry resilience, empathy, and the understanding that they belong in whatever spaces they enter next. I hope our graduates take with them that their voices, perspectives, and presence have value.

You were also recognized as a 2025 President’s Award honoree. How did that recognition impact you, and what does it say about the work happening within your program?

Receiving the President’s Award was incredibly humbling. It affirmed the work that I am doing, but more importantly, it highlighted the strength of our program and the people within it.

This recognition isn’t about one individual; it reflects a collective commitment to innovation, student support, and workforce development. It shows that the work we’re doing is making a meaningful difference, not only for our students but for the communities they will go on to serve.

Many Ivy Tech graduates go on to directly impact their communities. What does that mean to you, especially in a field like Early Childhood Education?

It means everything. In Early Childhood Education, the impact is both immediate and generational. Our graduates are shaping the experiences of young children during some of the most critical years of development.

They are not just teaching, they are nurturing, advocating, and building foundations for lifelong learning. When we support our students, we are indirectly supporting every child and family they will work with. That ripple effect is powerful.

If you could say one thing directly to the Class of 2026 in that moment, what would it be?

I would say:

You belong here, and you are ready. Carry forward what you’ve learned, but also trust who you’ve become. The world needs your skills, your compassion, and your voice. And as you move forward, remember to look for the good, support one another, and never underestimate the difference you can make, because even the smallest acts of care can have the greatest impact.