50 years of growth & accomplishments
Ivy Tech Community College’s roots in Fort Wayne began in September 1969, when we opened as Indiana Vocational Technical College. Located on the third floor of the old Concordia High School, the College started with 130 students and two instructors who taught two programs: Drafting Technology and Secretarial Technology. Fifty years later, Ivy Tech Fort Wayne enrolls close to 16,000 students annually and provides higher education opportunities across 4,000+ square miles in 11 northeast Indiana counties. We’re celebrating our 50 years in Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana, and we want you to be part of the celebration!
50 years in Fort Wayne celebration events
Sunday, September 8
Grasshopper Food Truck at the North Anthony Corridor Block Party
at North Anthony Corridor & North Anthony Shopping Center
Noon to 5 p.m.
Get a taste of Ivy Tech Fort Wayne with our Grasshopper Food Truck, which will serve food at the North Anthony Corridor Block Party. Our Student Nursing Organization and other volunteers will also be on-hand with some giveaways, face-painting, and more!
Monday, September 9
College Chalk Walk
at North Campus, 3701 Dean Drive, Fort Wayne
Sidewalk between Student Life Center and Harshman Hall
Sunday, Noon to 6 p.m.
Monday, starting at 9 a.m.
Art must be complete by 3:45 p.m. Monday
Judging at 4 p.m. Monday
Decorate the North Campus sidewalks with fun designs and win a prize, or you can simply take a stroll outside and appreciate the artwork afterward.
Register online for the College Chalk Walk.
Tuesday, September 10
50th Birthday Bash
at Coliseum Campus, 3800 N. Anthony Blvd., Fort Wayne
Room CC1640 & West Parking Lot
1 to 3 p.m.
2:30 p.m. program
Wish Ivy Tech Fort Wayne a Happy Birthday! We’ll have a birthday cake made by our Hospitality students, a presentation by the chancellor, and more.
Wednesday, September 11
WOW Wednesday Retro Party on the Plaza
at North Campus, 3701 Dean Drive, Fort Wayne
Ivy Tower Plaza
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dress in your best 1969 costume while you enjoy food, music, and entertainment during this WOW Wednesday event.
Thursday, September 12
Community 50th Celebration & Public Art Dedication
at Coliseum Campus, 3800 N. Anthony Blvd., Fort Wayne
West Parking Lot
4 to 6 p.m.
5 p.m. program
This event will feature the dedication of a public art piece, time capsule, entertainment, food, cocktails, and more. RSVP required: 260-481-2243 or lleichty@ivytech.edu.
Chancellor Jerrilee Mosier recently shared her “50 for 50” vision of Ivy Tech Community College’s celebration of 50 years in Fort Wayne. She has challenged EVERYONE who has been impacted by Ivy Tech in northeast Indiana over the last five decades to invest in the future success of Ivy Tech for the next 50 years. She said, “Think of it as giving $1 for every year Ivy Tech has been in our community.” Consider making a gift of $50 or more to “50 for 50” and help spread the word! Together we will recognize our past and build a stronger future.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF 50 FOR 50 AT IVY TECH FORT WAYNE.
Activities throughout the celebration week
- Spirit Week: Students and employees will be encouraged to take part in a week-long list of fun, showing their spirit and personality.
- 50 for 50: The Ivy Tech Foundation will continue to share Chancellor Mosier's vision in asking all those impacted by Ivy Tech over the years to invest in the future success of Ivy Tech.
- Memorablia on display: Throughout the week, you'll be able to see and touch a collection of mementos from the past and present.
- T-Shirt contest & giveaway: Over the summer, the College conducted a T-Shirt design contest. Be on the lookout for the shirt giveaway that will be happening on campus during the 50th celebration.
- Video memories: We're capturing some of the great stories from Ivy Tech over the decades and plan to share them with you along the way.
- Campus decoration: Employees will be showing their spirit through a friendly office decorating contest all throughout the week.