Ivy Tech Foundation announced the successful completion of its regional Building Communities. Changing Lives. Vision Campaign to raise funds for the continued educational growth of Ivy Tech’s Kokomo region campuses. Funds were raised for a variety of programs and expansion projects in Kokomo, Logansport, Peru and Wabash communities.

The campaign goal was $4,250,000. The total raised was an astonishing $12,200,527. According to Ivy Tech Chancellor Steve Daily, “Not only did we exceed our goal monetarily by nearly 300 percent, we made many new friends and strengthened relationships in each of the communities we serve.”

Ivy Tech President Thomas J. Snyder added, “This is an excellent example of how community support can help open doors for many more Kokomo-area residents who are pursuing a higher education degree. The community college is the gateway to higher education by providing an affordable and accessible option for Indiana residents.”

Gifts from the campaign allowed the college to build a new campus in Logansport, purchase the former DuPont building to expand office and classroom space, acquire the former Holman Elementary School in Peru to serve as an additional instructional site, and to acquire the Kokomo Event & Conference Center. Additionally, a $1.5 million bequest added to the success of the campaign.

“The new Logansport campus stands today as a tribute to the success of the campaign and what can happen when a community comes together to reach a common goal,” said Greg Aaron, former executive director of Resource Development, now executive director of Finance for Ivy Tech’s Kokomo Region. “This expansion project truly was a highlight of my career.”

Kelly Karickhoff, the new executive director of Resource Development expressed her gratitude to the donors who made the campaign a success and continue to share the vision of Ivy Tech Community College. “The impact is evident. Graduation rates are up. Students are finding good paying jobs with the credentials they earn from their education at Ivy Tech. The Vision Campaign provided a strong foundation throughout the region for continued growth.”

Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system serving nearly 200,000 students annually. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.