Indianapolis– Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis is proud to recognize Joseph (Joe) Jackson and Carol Schuck as recipients of the Ivy Tech Foundation's 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award and Benefactor of the Year honors, respectively. Both were recognized during a statewide celebration in Indianapolis on September 25.
Joe Jackson was honored with the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award, the College's highest honor for alumni achievement. The award recognizes graduates who have made a lasting impact on their professions, communities, and Ivy Tech through outstanding professional, philanthropic, or volunteer accomplishments.
Jackson, a 1984 graduate of Ivy Tech's Associate of Applied Science in Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technology program at the Indianapolis campus, has distinguished himself through more than 40 years of experience in the HVAC and controls industry, including 18 years with industry leaders Edwards and Trane and the past 24 years with family-owned Jackson Systems, where he helped build and lead the company’s Custom Controls Division. His expertise has helped ensure complex facilities operate safely, efficiently and reliably. A longtime member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), Jackson has remained committed to advancing his field while sharing his knowledge and expertise with others.
Beyond his professional career, Jackson has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to serving his community through the Boy Scouts, Our Lady of Greenwood Church, veteran organizations and local philanthropic efforts, including Servants Heart of Indy and The Wishing Well Foundation.
Carol Schuck was recognized as the 2026 Indianapolis Benefactor of the Year, honoring exceptional generosity and commitment to Ivy Tech students and programs. Schuck was selected for her dedicated 43 years to Ivy Tech Community College-Central Indiana, serving in a variety of faculty and administrative roles, including program chair for English and dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, before retiring in 2019. Throughout her career, she was deeply committed to the success of Ivy Tech students and the College community.
Her contributions were recognized upon retirement with faculty emerita status, an honorary Associate of Science degree in College and Community Service, and recognition as a “Trusted Advisor” to the Indianapolis student chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). The downtown Ivy Tech library also dedicated a space in her honor for her selfless contributions to student success.
Schuck’s commitment to Ivy Tech has continued well beyond her retirement. She served three years as secretary of the Guiding Circle of the Circle of Ivy and remains actively engaged in supporting the organization’s efforts to fund projects that benefit faculty, staff and students throughout Central Indiana.
Together, these honorees reflect the many ways individuals strengthen Ivy Tech's mission through achievement, leadership, philanthropy, and service.
We celebrate two remarkable individuals whose contributions reflect the transformative power of education and philanthropy. Through professional achievement, leadership, generosity, and service, Joe Jackson and Carol Schuck have strengthened opportunities for our students and communities. We are proud to recognize their extraordinary impact.
– Steph Amos, Interim Chancellor of Ivy Tech Indianapolis
"Our Distinguished Alumni Award recipients and Benefactor of the Year honorees represent the very best of Ivy Tech's mission in action," said Stephannie Bailey, president of the Ivy Tech Foundation. "Their achievements, leadership, generosity, and service create opportunities for students and strengthen communities across Indiana. We are proud to celebrate those whose impact inspires others and advances our mission."
For more information about the Distinguished Alumni Awards and Benefactor of the Year program, visit the Ivy Tech Foundation website.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public post-secondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system. Ivy Tech serves more than 200,000 students annually and offers associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training in more than 70 programs across Indiana. The College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is committed to providing affordable, high-quality education aligned with the needs of Indiana’s workforce.
