Last Updated on March 8, 2018 by cassnetwork
Nineteen leaders from around north central Indiana have come together to help raise local funds to complete the announced transformation of the Kokomo Campus of Ivy Tech Community College at 1815 E. Morgan St. on the northeast side of Kokomo.
Over the next 24 months, Ivy Tech’s Kokomo Campus will undergo a long-awaited, $43 million transformation funded by a $40 million appropriation in state funding approved by Indiana General Assembly in June 2017 and an expected $3 million in philanthropic support from friends and supporters. As members of the leadership team for the “Kokomo Campus Transformation: The Time is Now” campaign, these volunteers will be leading the effort to gather local support necessary to complete what is one of the largest public educational projects ever undertaken in Howard County.
Karen McCoy, public affairs manager at NIPSCO and a 1989 graduate of Ivy Tech Kokomo, is serving as chair of the “Kokomo Campus Transformation: The Time Is Now” leadership team.
“With this project, we have an incredible opportunity to redefine Ivy Tech as an educational leader, an economic development power, and an innovator in meeting workforce needs in north central Indiana,” McCoy said.
“The campaign leadership team understands that this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to have a positive impact on our communities that will resonate for years to come,” she continued. “We are excited to come together to encourage our fellow community leaders, neighbors, friends, and co-workers to support the Kokomo Campus transformation.”
Ivy Tech’s Kokomo Campus has been serving the community for more than 40 years, with a history of providing educational programming to prepare a skilled workforce for the community. During this time, the Kokomo Campus expanded beyond its 1976 “Main Building,” acquired new and repurposed buildings around the city, and renovated space – all to accommodate changing needs and growth – without a major facilities investment for more than 25 years. The transformation project will result in a centralized cohesive campus where students can walk to classes, participate in student life, and get any service they need in one location.
Dean McCurdy, chancellor of Ivy Tech Kokomo, said the College is grateful to these business, industry, and civic leaders for their commitment to this project. “The willingness, even eagerness, of these men and women to step up as members of this leadership team illustrates their belief in the value of Ivy Tech and the importance of making it an even stronger partner in creating a better future for our communities,” he said.
Members of the leadership team are:
John Adler, president of Adler Feed Express; Dick Belcher, chairman and CEO of First Federal Savings Bank and Ivy Tech Kokomo regional trustee; Jean Cole, owner of Cole Hardwood and Ivy Tech regional trustee; Steve Daily, Ivy Tech chancellor emeritus and Ivy Tech Foundation director; Rex Gingerich, president of H.E. McGonigal and vice president of Button Motors Inc.; Fran Hardin, Peru community leader; Bob Hingst, chief financial officer of Mid-America Beverage Inc.; Joe Hooper, president of Community Howard Regional Health.
Also, Rita Jackson, Peru community leader; Celestine Johnson, Kokomo community leader; Margie Johnson, president of St. Vincent Northwest Region; Scott Maple, owner of Maple Farms; Karen McCoy, public affairs manager of NIPSCO; Ron Metz, managing partner of Bucheri McCarty & Metz;
Annette Russell, president and CEO of Security Federal Savings Bank; Rick Smith, owner of Smith Financial Corporation; Willie Stroman, president of Indiana Black Expo Kokomo Chapter; Tom Trauring, attorney; and Bob Varsanik, general manager of FCA.
For information about the capital campaign and the campus transformation plans, contact Kelly Karickhoff, executive director of resource development for Ivy Tech Kokomo, at kkarickhoff@ivytech.edu or 765-252-5501.
SOURCE: News release from Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo Region