Ivy Tech Community College Celebrates Commencement May 9th

Valparaiso, IN – Ivy Tech Community College’s will honor over 1,200 graduates at the annual commencement ceremony on Thursday May 9, 2024 at 6pm CT. The ceremony will take place at the Valparaiso University Athletics Recreation Center located at 1009 Union Street, Valparaiso, IN. 
 
Students earned almost 1,700 degrees and certificates during the 2023-2024 academic year. Commencement ceremony will highlight distinct honors and awards to Distinguished Graduates and Alumnus of Ivy Tech. Ceremony will also feature keynote speaker Dr. Sue Ellspermann, President of Ivy Tech Community College.
 
“We are incredibly excited and proud of all of our students and their many accomplishments. Our students have worked tirelessly to accomplish their degrees. We are greatly looking forward to seeing all our students gathered alongside their families and guests of honor to share in this special day,” said Campus Chancellor, Aco Sikoski.
 
Ivy Tech will present the 2024 Honorary Degree to Lisa Daugherty. Daugherty serves as President + CEO for Center of Workforce Innovations, a multi-management nonprofit workforce development organization with its finger on the pulse of employment, education, and economic development. Prior to joining CWI, Lisa served as President and CEO for Lake Area United Way leading the organization through a significant transition to a new community impact model. While in that role, she earned NIPSCO's Luminary Award for Outstanding Community Leadership. Daugherty currently serves on the Ivy Tech Community College Board of Campus Trustees.
 
Faith Carlson will be honored as the 2024 Distinguished Graduate. She has demonstrated strong commitment to both academic excellence and involvement across several different student groups at Ivy Tech. Carlson, works full time and is Student President of the Rotaract Club, which actively focuses on promoting community service projects and volunteerism. Carlson is also an active member of Ivy Tech’s Student Government Association and the Psychology Club. She plans on transferring to a 4-year institution upon completion of her Psychology degree at Ivy Tech.
 
Samantha Eriks will be honored as the 2024 Distinguished Alumna. Eriks serves as an Investigator with the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office IV-D Child Support Department. Eriks holds a degree in Criminal Justice with a focus on Juvenile Justice and Sociology, from Indiana University Northwest and Ivy Tech Community College, as well as Skip-Tracer certifications. She was recently recognized as a Thompson Reuters (CLEAR) Every Day Hero and a 2022 State of Indiana KID award recipient.
 
For those interested in learning more about the event, please contact the Ivy Tech Valparaiso campus main telephone line at 219-464- 8514 or via info@ivytech.edu. Commencement ceremony will be livestreamed on the Ivy Tech Valparaiso Facebook page via the following link http://valpotv.sidearmstreaming.com/watch/?Live=1091&type=Live.
 
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech 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 to the needs of the community. The College provides 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 Ivy Tech on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn for the most up-to-date information.