Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne and Warsaw recently awarded the first Michael and Rebecca Kubacki Scholarship to Rodrigo Ramos Bautista, a senior at Warsaw Community High School. Katie Kubacki and Vice Chancellor of Ivy Tech Warsaw Allyn Decker, Ph.D., presented Bautista with the award during the Warsaw Community High School senior scholarship night on May 21.

“The job skills required today are far more advanced than they were in the past and require more than just a high school education,” says Rebecca Kubacki. “Whether it is a certification of a trade or associate degree, Ivy Tech is preparing Rodrigo to meet the demands and provide the skills sets necessary for future employment. We are so proud of what Rodrigo has accomplished. He is setting the example for other Latinos and paving the way to a successful future.”

The scholarship offers financial support to students of Latin heritage who show academic and personal excellence and plan to pursue a two-year degree at Ivy Tech. As the scholarship awardee, Bautista will receive $5,000 for his first year of schooling and $5,000 for his second year. This will cover all academic expenses for the completion of his associate degree.

“Since relocating back to Indiana in 1999, the Kubacki family has generously given of their time and resources—not only to improve the lives of those living in Kosciusko County, but even statewide,” says Decker. “We are thrilled that they have chosen to establish an Ivy Tech scholarship for students of Latin heritage and believe this investment will bring great rewards for generations to come.”

Bautista moved to Kosciusko County from Guatemala two years ago and worked as a painter to pay for his own expenses while living in the area. Throughout his two years in Warsaw, he has achieved academic excellence and plans to study physical therapy while in college.