Ivy Tech Community College honored local faculty and adjunct faculty, as well as a Distinguished Alumni and Benefactor, at recent events.
The College honored each for their exemplary work with students and the College community during the past year. A selection committee made up of alumni, past winners, State Trustees, faculty representatives, and college administration selected the honorees based on nominations from students, fellow faculty members, and Ivy Tech staff.
“For anyone associated with the College, this year is a year for excitement and reflection,” said Ivy Tech President, Dr. Sue Ellspermann. “Our excellent faculty, inspiring alumni, and strong partnerships allowed us to reach this point, and we have an incredible opportunity to celebrate the impact on our communities throughout Indiana.”
Along with being recognized with the President’s Award, each full-time faculty member is eligible for the Glenn W. Sample Award Founder’s Award for Excellence in Instruction. Sample was a former Ivy Tech president, who helped found the College when it was still the Indiana Vocational Technical College.
The winner of this year’s Glenn W. Sample Award was Valparaiso’s own Sarah Darrell, who serves as simulation coordinator with the campus’ nursing faculty. The Adjunct Faculty President’s Award honoree was Jimmy James Bannister, adjunct welding instructor.
The Distinguished Alumni from Valparaiso was Sandy Strilich Daly, who was the first female to ever pass the climbing class for her electric line construction degree. She is currently a working foreman in gas construction as a heavy equipment operator. The Honored Benefactor from Valparaiso was Cleveland-Cliffs, a financial friend of Ivy Tech for more than 26 years.
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, short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns to the needs of the community. The College provides 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. Follow Ivy Tech on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn for the most up-to-date information.
