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INDIANAPOLIS – For students carving out a career, a day can mean everything. On April 11, ������Ƶ alumni, friends, and people across Indiana can help the College develop the next generation of Hoosier healthcare professionals, manufacturing specialists, entrepreneurs, and others by participating in ������Ƶ Day, the College’s first-ever Day of Giving.

Starting at midnight – for 24 hours – alumni and friends everywhere can support the College’s 19 campuses and 173,000 students who are building brighter futures for themselves and those around them. The ������Ƶ Foundation, which is organizing the statewide day, wants to reach 600 gifts in recognition of the College’s 60th anniversary.

“������Ƶ Day is a big moment for our entire College family,” said Sue Ellspermann, president, ������Ƶ. “As Indiana’s community college, we want to create a fun, memorable way to come together and demonstrate our collective passion for our students, the college, and our communities. I believe our donors, alumni, students, employer partners, faculty and staff, and friends in the community will rally in celebration of ������Ƶ’s impact and 60th anniversary.”

One leader who blossomed from her ������Ƶ experience is Ashley Gurvitz, who today is president of the United Northeast Community Development Corporation in Indianapolis. Gurvitz worked to find her true passion right out of high school before embracing the world of advocacy and public policy. She earned a degree in business administration from ������Ƶ before graduating from Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs. She recently received the ������Ƶ Distinguished Alumni Award.

“When I went to college, there was a lot of fear and uncertainty on my part,” Gurvitz said. “������Ƶ validated the fact that I belonged and that my life experiences mattered. I cannot underscore this point enough: I would not be where I am today without ������Ƶ.”

Supporters will be able to contribute toward the future of ������Ƶ by visiting . Participants can contribute through the ������Ƶ Foundation – whether it’s $6 or $6,000 or more – starting at midnight. The Foundation encourages everyone associated with ������Ƶ to wear green and share videos and photos on social media showing their passion for the College and expressing why they are participating in ������Ƶ Day. Alumni and friends can use the hashtags #give2ivy and #growivygrow to show their support. Supporters will be able to follow the Indianapolis campus all day long on , , , and .

At the ������Ƶ campus in Indianapolis, there will be activities throughout the day including a pizza lunch sponsored by Giordano’s Pizza from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Illinois Fall Creek Center at 2535 N. Capitol Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46208. For just a $10 donation, guests can help support the worthy cause and join the festivities on campus.

������Ƶ was founded 60 years ago on March 15, 1963. Today, ������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.
• Awards more than 40,000 credentials and certifications each year, and nearly all who graduate – 93 percent – stay in the Hoosier State.
• ������Ƶ Day is part of the Foundation’s 5-year, $285 million campaign.

“������Ƶ Day is more than just a 24-hour day of giving campaign. It allows our campus family and community to come together to celebrate and support the intentional work that we do each day to E.M.B.R.A.C.E Indy,” said Dr. Lorenzo Esters, Indianapolis Chancellor. “Truly embracing our community means that we live these words - Every Moment Be Ready to Act, Care, and Elevate.”

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 .

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