Category Archives: Inside Ivy Tech

Ivy Tech Fort Wayne hosts lunch buffet series

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Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne’s Hospitality Administration students are hosting a series of lunch buffets open to the community at Coliseum Campus (3800 N. Anthony Blvd.) most Thursdays in February. It’s an opportunity to have students get a real-world restaurant experience.

The dates and their respective lunches are as follows:

  • Feb. 2 – Lunch buffet featuring pork rillette, Provençal chicken, pike quenelles, and desserts
  • Feb. 9 – Three-course tasting menu
  • Feb. 23 – À la carte menu

Lunches will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for $15 per person. Guests must reserve their spot beforehand. Lunches are limited to 35 people, so those interested will need to RSVP as soon as possible by going to link.ivytech.edu/lunchbuffet.

Ivy Tech Fort Wayne announces student winners of annual European Competition for study abroad experience

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Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne hosted its annual European Competition on Friday. Ten Hospitality Administration students in culinary arts or baking and pastry arts spent the day competing for a chance to win a scholarship that would fund a trip to study culinary arts in Italy this spring.

2023 European Competition winners from left: Grant Wolfe, Natalie Wright, Ashlyn Young, Isabelle Sims, Maggie Becraft, Esther Powers, and Kattia Tarnow.

Seven students won the opportunity to travel to Italy: Grant Wolfe, Natalie Wright, Ashlyn Young, Isabelle Sims, Maggie Becraft, Esther Powers, and Kattia Tarnow.

“We’re so excited to be able to reward our Hospitality Administration students with this incredible opportunity,” says Amanda Parkinson, Hospitality Administration program chair. “It’s so hard to narrow down the winners because everyone has worked so hard the past two years. They all did amazing, and we’re really proud.”

Culinary students prepared a meal with an appetizer; an entrée with a protein, vegetable, and starch; and a dessert. Baking students prepared items including plated chocolate and fruit desserts, yeast bread and rolls, and a decorated cake.

Kitchen judges watched and rated students as they worked, paying attention to technique and ability. Floor judges blind tasted the completed meals. Judges based their scores on American Culinary Federation (ACF) criteria, and to be considered for the European trip, students must place at bronze standard or higher.

Based on students’ experiences in Italy, they will create the menu for this year’s A Reason to Taste, the College’s largest annual fundraiser. Money raised at A Reason to Taste funds scholarships for the winning students’ European trips.

“I’ve never done anything like this before and appreciate getting the chance to compete,” says Maggie Becraft. “Going to Italy was always something that I dreamed about, but I never knew I’d get to experience it while also learning new things about a subject I love. I think the fact that Ivy Tech offers opportunities like this for us is amazing.”

Ivy Tech Fort Wayne invites students, community to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy with mural dedication

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Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne’s Office of Student Life is hosting a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mural Rededication Ceremony open to students and the public Wednesday, Jan. 18 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Student Life Center (3701 Dean Drive). The MLK mural was recently reimagined by the college’s Visual Communications program.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Mural in the Student Life Center

The rededication is also being made possible through efforts of the college’s Diversity Council and the new Black Student Union (BSU). BSU’s president, members of the Visual Communications department, and campus leadership will give speeches during the ceremony.

Afterwards, everyone is invited to a free lunch in the college’s Student Life Commons that includes pulled meat sandwiches (chicken, pork, and beef), chips, beans, and more. Attendees may also receive a stuffed bear with an MLK quote t-shirt.

For more about the event, you can visit Student Life’s website.

WHEN:

Noon to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 18

WHERE:

Ivy Tech Fort Wayne North Campus

Student Life Center

3701 Dean Dr.

Fort Wayne, IN 46805

Ten individuals from the Chain O’ Lakes Correctional Facility to graduate with welding certificates from Ivy Tech Fort Wayne on Friday

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Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne is holding its 14th graduation of inmates from the Chain O’ Lakes Correctional Facility in Albion, IN. These 10 individuals will receive their welding certificates after successfully completing their training. Since the program’s inception in May 2018, more than 100 individuals have graduated with welding or CNC certificates.

“It’s gratifying to work with incarcerated individuals and see them get a second chance and a high-paying job,” said Joe McMichael, Executive Director of Ivy+ Career Link at Ivy Tech. “We look forward to building our partnership with the Department of Corrections and help strengthen the futures of underserved populations for years to come.”

WHEN:

1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Jan. 13

WHERE:

Ivy Tech Fort Wayne’s North Campus

Steel Dynamics, Inc. Keith E. Busse Technology Center

3701 Dean Dr.

Fort Wayne, IN 46805

80/20 LLC, Ivy Tech Fort Wayne, and the Don Wood Foundation pioneer innovative partnership expanding employee family opportunities

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Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne is excited to announce a new partnership with 80/20 LLC. that extends 80/20 employees’ tuition reimbursement program to their children and grandchildren for the first time in the industry. A generous grant funds this initiative from the Don Wood Foundation to Ivy Tech.

“80/20 is honored to be awarded the Don Wood Memorial Scholarship Fund,” said Vicki Cook, HR Director at 80/20. “This will allow Don Wood’s legacy to continue with the company he built and connection he had with Ivy Tech.  We are excited to give this back to the employees, employees’ children and grandchildren.”

Through the Achieve Your Degree (AYD) initiative at Ivy Tech, eligible employees and their families can receive tuition reimbursement when they enroll into programs related to manufacturing and business. Families can also apply for the $5,000 Don Wood Foundation Scholarship by contacting the human resources department at 80/20. The decision to award the grant reflects 80/20 founder Don Wood’s love for both the company and Ivy Tech, where he received his second degree and served on the Regional Board of Trustees.

“This is a wonderful program that speaks not only Don Wood’s dedication to both Ivy Tech and 80/20, but also fits squarely into his desire to help fund scholarships for people to advance in their career,” said Don Wood Foundation President and CEO Laura Macknick. “The unique approach and focus on collaborative partnerships could serve as a pilot for similar programs in the region to help fill the need for skilled employees in the manufacturing sector.”

This pilot program was constructed to support Wood’s mission of creating more opportunities for people seeking a career in industrial trades, advanced manufacturing, leadership, and innovation. He passed away in March 2019, but his legacy lives on through the Don Wood Foundation, which has long supported Ivy Tech through programs like Northeast Indiana FAME and the WorkMatters program on Ivy Tech Muncie’s campus.

“Ivy Tech is honored to play a part in extending Don Wood’s legacy further into the community by building pathways to an invaluable education,” said Ivy Tech Fort Wayne Chancellor Kim Barnett-Johnson. “This is a pivotal opportunity for 80/20 employees and their families that strengthens our mission to meet people where they are to help them create the future they want.”

In celebration of the new partnership, 80/20 and Ivy Tech are hosting a registration fair for employees and family members interested in joining the program Jan. 6 from noon to 4 p.m. at the company which is in Columbia City. Ivy Tech enrollment specialists will be there to provide general admissions and application assistance.

Happy Holidays!

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Happy Holidays from Ivy Tech Fort Wayne & Warsaw! A special thank you to all of our community partners and alumni who made this video possible. We appreciate every chance we get to show the amazing things that are happening as a result of your hard work. Wishing everyone a great year ahead!

Ivy Tech Foundation’s Women in Philanthropy – Circle of Ivy awards more than $260,000 to Campuses

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Ivy Tech Foundation’s Women in Philanthropy Circle of Ivy awarded $263,649 to 84 projects at its seventh annual Circle of Ivy Gathering on Friday, November 4. The initiative raises funds to make access to higher education easier for Ivy Tech Community College students. Circle of Ivy has a statewide reach, with a focus specifically on campus needs and projects that positively impact students. 

Several projects from Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne and Warsaw received funding:

  • Helping Hands Emergency Funds (Fort Wayne)- $1,900
  • Rent and Utility Fund (Fort Wayne)- $1,900
  • The Disability Sensory Services Sensory Positive Study Room (Fort Wayne)- $953
  • Coffee with a Professor (Fort Wayne)- $942
  • Helping Hands Emergency Funds (Warsaw)- $3,000
  • Emergency Transportation Funds (Warsaw)- $1,600
  • Basics Bank Supply Pantry (Warsaw)- $1,100
  • Thanksgiving Meal-in-a-Box (Warsaw)- $500

“At Ivy Tech, we believe in a mission that creates resources and breaks down barriers to higher education for our students,” said Dr. Kim Barnett-Johnson, chancellor of Ivy Tech Fort Wayne and Warsaw. “Our local Circle of Ivy chapters have grown from 8 to 70 members since its inception in 2016. It’s encouraging to see this program thrive and witness our students walk better, more accessible paths toward success because of our generous donors.”

The projects funded this year give students easier access to educational opportunities by tackling the issue of food insecurity and providing things like transportation and rent and utility assistance.

“This organization has done so much over the years and continues to provide transformative experiences for Ivy Tech students. When women join together, we are a force for good. We are so proud of all the projects that have been funded by the Circle of Ivy,” said Courtney Roberts, President of the Ivy Tech Foundation.

Since its inception in 2015, Circle of Ivy has grown to more than 1,000 members. In seven years, the members have raised more than $1 million to assist with 384 projects.

To learn more about Circle of Ivy visit ivytech.edu/circleofivy.

Donation drives Ivy Tech Fort Wayne Diesel Technology students to new opportunities

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Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne’s Diesel Technology program has recently received a new PACCAR MX-13 engine from Palmer Trucks, a full-service Kenworth dealership serving Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and Illinois, valued up to $40,000 when brand new.

Students in the program take a hands-on approach to the industry, working with new technology and the latest trends in a fast-growing field. Department leaders say this engine will serve as a critical learning tool because it ensures students will have the necessary knowledge of current machinery.

“PACCAR Engines are a leading, quality brand, and are the engine of choice for Kenworth and Peterbilt-brand commercial trucks, which together account for more than 30 percent of the medium and heavy-duty truck market,” says Brad Knipp, service manager of Kenworth of Fort Wayne. “This engine will serve as a learning resource for Ivy Tech students to find meaningful, stable and long-term employment with Fort Wayne mainstays like Palmer Trucks.”

“By utilizing the state of the art, real world components in our curriculum, our graduates are ready to take on any challenge they might meet in the truck repair industry,” says Nick Goodnight, chair of the Diesel Technology program at Ivy Tech Fort Wayne.

Interested in Ivy Tech’s Diesel Technology program? Visit ivytech.edu/diesel-tech or contact Goodnight at ngoodnight@ivytech.edu or 260-480-4293.

Special topic courses keep things interesting for students

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Over the years, Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne faculty get creative in the classroom by offering some special topic courses for students. Who would ever thought you could take a writing class themed after the popular series Harry Potter? We have put together a sampling of introductory classes offered this spring semester. Most start this Monday (Jan. 14), but may be offered in the fall, summer, or future spring semesters as well.

ENG 111 English Composition

Want to come back to school but worried about getting through the prerequisites? In the past three years, the English program has been revamping their introductory writing courses to incorporate interesting themes. This spring, Susan Howard is running a Harry Potter themed class entitled, “Harry Potter—The Innocence and Experience.”

Contact Howard at showard62@ivytech.edu for more information.

HLHS 123 Meal Planning Course

This class combines healthcare, nutrition, and culinary arts. It’s a great for anyone interested in meal preparation for homecare, family members, or just yourself. Students learn basic cooking skills along with learning how to prepare meals for individuals with certain diseases/conditions, i.e. diabetes, heart disease, allergies, etc. Upon completion, students can earn a Basic Cooking Skills Certificate as well as a Certificate for each special diet. 

Contact Shelly Ann Dobler at sdobler@ivytech.edu  for more information.

MKTG 252 Introduction to Digital Marketing

Students learn digital and social media marketing from Patrick McCormick, who has successfully started a brand, Travels with Delaney, using social media. Students will learn about the goals of social media marketing, and how it can either create or enhance business.  The class will focus on creating value in content, maximizing search optimization, and creating relationships with subscribers, followers, etc.

Contact Patrick McCormick at 260-480-4253 or pmccormi@ivytech.edu for more information.

VISC 183 Introduction to UI/UX

This fun tech class covers user interfaces and user experiences on websites, mobile apps, and more. If the user interface (think Netflix menu) isn’t designed well, then the user experience won’t go well. Students will use Adobe XD to create or improve existing interfaces. Some technology experience is highly recommended.

This class is one of our 2nd 8-week class offerings, which begin March 18. Contact Erin Salyers at esalyers@ivytech.edu for more information.

Interested in learning more about our spring offerings? Check out our online class search tool.

NOTE: Several classes start in March! Take a look.

A season of giving

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Starting in August 2018, Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne’s Paramedic Science students perform at least 24 hours of community service. To fulfill part of this requirement, a group of students decided to donate first aid items to Mission Donate during The Rescue Mission of Fort Wayne’s National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, Nov. 12–16.

The students not only chose to participate but were determined to make a difference. They created 120 first aid kits for Mission Donate. The kits had bandages of assorted sizes, alcohol preps, 2×2’s, antibiotic ointment, a hand wipe, antiseptic wipes, antifungal cream, a toothbrush, floss, shampoo, conditioner, bars of soap, lotion, a pair of socks, a mylar blanket, and an encouraging quote. 

“When I dropped the first-aid kits off at the rescue mission, the workers were so excited,” says Jennifer Knapp, instructor of paramedic science. “They told me people rarely donate first-aid kits even though they’re in demand. They were so happy to be getting their need filled; and filled well beyond their expectations.”

Students were overwhelmingly supportive and enthusiastic for this program. After they were finished, some students even inquired about additional opportunities to help others and give back to the community.

“The community service project helped enhance my education through giving me a visual aid of what some of the less fortunate members in our community could benefit from,” says Deborah Angstrom, paramedic science student. “I thought this was a very insightful project, because it helped me a little to put myself in the shoes of people in need. It also made me think about all the little luxuries we take for granted. It was an awesome learning and giving experience!”