The 23rd annual Ivy Tech Community College Chancellor’s Scholarship Event took place at the Avalon Manor Banquet Center in Merrillville on Thursday, October 3. This event serves as a celebration of academic excellence and a crucial fundraiser for the Chancellor's Scholarship Fund. This highly anticipated evening honors high-achieving students from Ivy Tech's Lake County, Valparaiso, and Michigan City campuses.
The proceeds from the evening directly support Ivy Tech students who maintain a GPA of 3.75 or higher and have completed at least 30 credit hours, marking a significant milestone toward graduation. As Executive Director of Resource Development Cindy J. Hall stated, the scholarship has helped maintain an impressive 83% graduation rate among chancellor scholars over the past two decades, proving the event's success in encouraging students to persist in their educational journeys.
The evening featured a formal dinner, a presentation of scholarships, and the recognition of distinguished alumni, including Rebekah Arevelo from the Lake County campus and Samantha Eriks from the Valparaiso campus. Although they were not Chancellor Scholars, their achievements were recognized during the celebration. Eriks, now an investigator with the Lake County prosecutor’s office, holds a degree in criminal justice, and was recently recognized as a Thomson Reuters (CLEAR) Everyday Hero. Arevalo holds an associate’s degree from Ivy Tech Lake County and is now Valparaiso University’s assistant vice president for Hispanic serving institution initiatives.
For many students, the evening was not only just about financial support, it was a moment of recognition for their hard work and determination. Hall noted the unique challenges faced by Ivy Tech students, many of whom balance multiple responsibilities.
“I believe students really appreciate being acknowledged as our highest achievers,” Hall said. “It’s incredibly challenging to balance school, family, and work. Our average student is 26 years old. Many have children, are married, and hold jobs.”
The extra funding they receive helps reduce their college debt, allowing them to focus on their studies. Ivy Tech, already offering the lowest tuition in the state, relies on events like this to further assist its students, ensuring they can maintain the grades they need to succeed.
Hall encourages the community to participate and cheer on the students, and to recognize how financial assistance made possible through events like this directly impacts students' ability to succeed. The event not only honors academic excellence but also cultivates community support for the next generation of graduates.
Chancellor of Ivy Tech Community College Lake County Marcos Rodriguez Jr. welcomed attendees and pointed out all of the students wearing medallions in the room. He encouraged guests to introduce themselves to these students, acknowledging their hard work and achievements. Rodriguez expressed gratitude for the support from the community, noting how heartwarming it is to see a full room of people who care about Ivy Tech.
Erika Mihalek, Ivy Tech's director of marketing, expressed her excitement about being part of the Ivy Tech team and contributing to the college’s mission.
“Ivy Tech offers higher education at the speed of life, and we’re here for the students,” Mihalek said. “It’s wonderful to be part of an event that celebrates their hard work and achievements.”
The 2024 event also honored Powers Health, Jeffery Scott, and Tina Kleppe as Benefactors of the Year for their continued support of Ivy Tech’s mission. All proceeds from the event will go toward supporting students in their academic pursuits, helping ensure that Ivy Tech continues to foster the next generation of graduates.
For those interested in learning more about the Chancellor's Scholarship Event and additional ways to support Ivy Tech Community College's mission contact Hall at cihall@ivytech.edu.
