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.
Brian Miles and Dave Rodgers, selected by the Richmond campus, were named Distinguished Alumni and Benefactor of the year, respectively, for their work in the community.
Brian Miles graduated from Ivy Tech in 2013 with a degree in Construction Technology and he quickly progressed from a controls technician to leading the automation team at Bullen Ultrasonics. He now directs the design and integration of cutting-edge automated systems and also has come full circle as an adjunct faculty member at Ivy Tech Richmond.
Dave Rodgers was a pillar of the Richmond community whose quiet generosity and firm belief in service left a profound and lasting impact. As owner of Whitewater Broadcasting for over 50 years, Dave used his leadership, resources, and influence to elevate causes across arts, education, youth, nature, and community well-being. He was passionate about expanding opportunities and education in the community, and in recent years, he thoughtfully included the Ivy Tech Foundation in his philanthropy.
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. Our honorees are making Indiana communities stronger through their leadership, skillsets, and generosity. We are proud to recognize these incredible recipients.
– Ivy Tech President Dr. Marty Pollio
Dave Rodgers and Brian Miles have each made lasting contributions that have strengthened both our College and our community. Dave’s legacy continues to inspire us, and Brian’s leadership as a distinguished alumnus carries that spirit forward. I could not be prouder of them, and I look forward to building on their impact as we work together to make our community even stronger.
– Ivy Tech Richmond Chancellor Chad Bolser
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 the Ivy Tech Foundation
The Foundation provides support for Ivy Tech Community College beyond state appropriations and student tuition. Its overall program of work focuses on meeting student needs. Invest IN Ivy Tech, our recently completed $340 million statewide fundraising campaign, provides greater opportunity for each of the College’s 19 campuses to educate, train, and support all 92 of Indiana’s counties. Read more at the Ivy Tech Foundation website.
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.
