������Ƶ

INDIANAPOLIS – ������Ƶ Day – the first-ever Day of Giving for ������Ƶ – brought alumni, students, and friends of the College together on Tuesday to celebrate 60 years of achievement and opportunity in Indiana. The 24-hour event also exceeded its goal with 1,839 gifts contributing $241,685 that will provide for immediate student and programmatic needs across the state. The Foundation set a goal of 600 contributions to recognize ������Ƶ’s 60^th anniversary this year.

The ������Ƶ campus in Indianapolis received 346 contributions equaling $28,383 on the first day of giving.

Several events across Indiana knitted together the state’s passion for the nation’s largest singly accredited community college – such as lighting downtown Evansville green, a commemorative ������Ƶ wine in Terre Haute, a “green scene” in downtown Muncie, and a Monument Circle lighting in downtown Indianapolis.

“The response underscores the importance of ������Ƶ to the State of Indiana,” said Sue Ellspermann, president, ������Ƶ. “Our donors, alumni, students, employer partners, faculty and staff, and friends in the community demonstrated the collective passion people have for Indiana’s community college, and I am incredibly grateful to the many people and organizations who support our work.”

Approximately 173,000 people attend ������Ƶ’s 19 campuses across Indiana. Last year, over 41,000 credentials and certifications were awarded, and 93% of those who graduate stay in the Hoosier State to pursue their careers.

More than 50 challenge donations, ranging from $200 to $10,000, were received during the day.

“������Ƶ Day was about bringing people together across Indiana, and we are thrilled with the response of our communities and campuses,” added Courtney Roberts, ������Ƶ Foundation president. “Our college and communities work together to make Indiana a great place to live. More than 90 percent of our graduates stay in Indiana to pursue their careers, and they showed us this week how they make a real difference for Hoosiers.”

������Ƶ was founded 60 years ago on March 15, 1963. ������Ƶ contributes $3.9 billion annually to Indiana’s economy, including a net impact of $3.6 billion from alumni working in the state. Eight of ten students who graduate from ������Ƶ do so without student debt. Additionally, ������Ƶ:

• graduates more nurses with 2-year degrees than any college in the nation, and most stay in Indiana to pursue their careers.

• contributes to 1 of every 70 jobs across Indiana.

“Our loyal supporters showed up in great numbers yesterday helping us raise $28,383 for ������Ƶ Indianapolis as part of ������Ƶ Day. I am humbled by your generosity and am even more #IvyIndyProud of what this means for our students, Dr. Lorenzo Esters, Indianapolis Chancellor said. “Our collective giving will make a lasting impact on our campus community and will support our 28,000 students who call ������Ƶ Indy 'home'.”

About ������Ƶ – Indianapolis

������Ƶ is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. ������Ƶ 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 with the needs of the community. The College provides a 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 ������Ƶ Indianapolis ,��,��, and  for the most up-to-date information.

About the ������Ƶ Foundation

The Foundation’s most important function is to provide support for ������Ƶ beyond state appropriations and student fees. Its overall program of work focuses on meeting student needs. Invest IN ������Ƶ, a $285 million statewide fundraising campaign, provides greater opportunity for each of the College’s 19 campuses to educate, train, and support all 92 of Indiana’s counties. Learn more at .