Tag Archives: Donation

Ivy Tech Fort Wayne culinary students gifted free uniforms from college alumna

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From left: Island Scrubs owner Lynn Haffner and Dean of the School of Business, Logistics and Supply Chain and the School of Public Affairs and Social Services Eric Allmon

Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne recently received a donation of chef uniforms estimated to be worth $1500. Dozens of chef jackets, pants, aprons, and hats were included in the donation from Lynn Haffner, owner of Island Scrubs and Ivy Tech alumna.

“We are extremely grateful for the gifts from Island Scrubs,” says Aaron Parkinson, Program Chair of Hospitality Administration. “Because of their generosity, we have been able to provide several uniforms to students who have been unable to purchase their own.”

Haffner attended Ivy Tech Fort Wayne in the 90’s as part of the former Medical Assistant program. She took over Island Scrubs five years ago selling medical and culinary scrubs but decided last year to keep the store’s focus at its new location on medical. While she tried to figure out what to do with the extra culinary uniforms, she thought of her alma mater.

“Ivy Tech gave me a push to find out who I am and what I could do and really changed the trajectory of my life,” Haffner says. “30 years later, I realized there was an opportunity to pay it forward and help current students who may need extra assistance.”

Flight simulator donation brings new opportunities to Ivy Tech Fort Wayne students

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Back row from left: Clark Winans, Aaron Jamison, Paul Hopkins, Sophia Layos; Front row from left: Aviation Technology instructor Dan Leonard, Chancellor Dr. Kim Barnett-Johnson, Dean of the School of Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Sciences Deborah Pitzer

Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne is adding FAA-approved flight simulator training to its Aviation Technology curriculum after receiving a generous donation valued up to $200,000.

The Precision Flight Controls DCX MAX NG simulator allows students to earn some credit towards their licenses and can save them up to $200 an hour. It doesn’t take the place of actual aircraft training but serves as a safe way to gain needed experience.

“Someone who has never flown in their lifetime can safely learn the ropes while using this simulator,” says Dan Leonard, an Ivy Tech Aviation Technology instructor. “It’s a great tool for our students and community members to keep up on vital techniques and skills.”

This instrument allows users to experience a virtual reality that allows them to achieve, train, and maintain proficiency in the operation of an airplane without the risk to a person or property. Users have the ability to “fly” anywhere in the country and train through different types of weather.

“With the simulator, students can practice repeatedly to gain confidence before getting in the aircraft,” says the donor, who wishes to remain anonymous. “When you’re learning to fly, it takes you a couple months before you don’t make mistakes. This instrument allows you to learn how to not make mistakes without using natural resources. I feel students will get the maximum benefits of it with Ivy Tech.”

This simulator was donated in pieces so it could be transported to Ivy Tech. College faculty were able to put it back together and calibrate it to working condition during winter break. It’s now being used in class with students.

Dr. Kim Barnett-Johnson tests out simulator with student Sophia Layos

“Anytime we’re struggling in the air, it’s always great practice to come back down here and review what we’ve missed in the simulator,” says Paul Hopkins, student in the Aviation Technology program. “It’s the biggest help, and it saves us a lot of money.”

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.