This March, Ivy Tech Community College's Lafayette campus is excited to showcase the School of Public Affairs and Social Services, emphasizing the distinct educational pathways available in Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Legal Studies. While these programs share a common goal of improving communities and fostering public welfare, Ivy Tech Lafayette celebrates the unique journey each student embarks on within their chosen field.

In a special event titled "Make A Difference," set for March 8th from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm in the Ivy Hall Lilly Rooms, the focus will be on how careers across these disciplines intersect to create a cohesive community improvement strategy. The event, a panel discussion aimed at inspiring high school students interested in careers in public service, will offer insights into the synergies between these fields, while also highlighting the unique contributions of each.

This panel discussion features esteemed professionals from the public affairs and social services sectors, including Jason Biss, Esq., Chief Deputy Prosecutor of Tippecanoe County; Robert Little, Esq., Chief Deputy Public Defender of Tippecanoe County; Chief Scott Galloway of the Lafayette Police Department; Sheriff Robert Goldsmith of Tippecanoe County; Kelly Morehouse, Deputy Director of Community Corrections; Brandi Christiansen, CEO of Mental Health America-Wabash Valley Region; Ericka Lee, YWCA's Director of Domestic Violence Intervention and Prevention; and Briton Weise, Director of Social Services at the Salvation Army.

Ivy Tech Lafayette is committed to providing a diverse array of program offerings, allowing students to pursue their passions in a way that best serves their professional goals and community needs. The "Make A Difference" event is a testament to this commitment, offering a platform for future public servants to explore the breadth of opportunities available within the School of Public Affairs and Social Services.

“Make a Difference” promises to be an enlightening experience, showcasing the real-world impact of public affairs and social services professionals. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear firsthand about the challenges and rewards of working within these vital sectors, fostering a deeper understanding of the roles they play in community improvement.

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.