Ivy Tech Community College welcomed federal education leaders on campus for a tour and discussion this month about the role such schools play in strengthening the country’s economy, a news release said.
Nicholas Kent, the U.S. Department of Education undersecretary, on March 11 visited key learning spaces on the Indianapolis site, which offers students hands-on experience in fields including health care, biotechnology and welding, the release said.
The statewide college system also has a campus in Fort Wayne.
“Community colleges play an essential role in America’s talent strategy, educating millions of students across the country to enter an evolving, technology-driven workforce,” Kent said in a statement.
He met the institution’s leaders to learn about programs preparing Hoosiers for high-demand careers, the release said.
“It was an honor to join Ivy Tech leaders who are not only helping provide affordable pathways to opportunity, but also re-aligning workforce development and education to help build our workforce’s next Golden Age.”
Ivy Tech was proud to showcase the impactful work of its students, faculty and partners, President Marty Pollio said.
The college offers more than 70 programs and 41 locations statewide, providing flexible and affordable options for students pursuing degrees, certificates or workforce training, the release said.
“Our campuses are driving workforce development and expanding opportunity for students from all backgrounds,” Pollio said in a statement.
Visitors also included the education department’s deputy undersecretary and deputy general counsel along with the state director for Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind., the release said.
Events
Magician Cody Clark will perform at Indiana Tech from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the Snyder Academic Center’s Multi-Flex Theater. Clark, who is autistic, helps people with disabilities gain life skills and become successful adults. He performs at schools, colleges, corporations and nonprofit organizations, showing his audiences what it’s like to live with autism as well as how lives can change with acceptance of others. The performance is free and open to the public.
Indiana Tech will host an open house for its new Warsaw location from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday at Woodland Plaza, 3624 Commerce Drive. The university has a long-standing presence in the Warsaw area. The new location underscores its continued commitment to serving students and communities throughout the region. Attendees may tour the new facility and meet representatives from the university and the Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce. Refreshments and a ribbon‑cutting ceremony are also planned.
Trine University alumna Mycah Houser will launch her first novel, a cozy romantasy titled “Sing the Dark to Sleep,” at the Angola campus Wednesday. Beginning at 3:30 p.m. in Wells Theater, Houser and Isabel Newcom, another Trine alumna who works as a children’s librarian at the Carnegie Public Library of Steuben County, will discuss the book along with the creative process and writing. There also will be an opportunity for audience members to ask questions. A reception with snacks will follow from 4:30 to 5 p.m. Houser will sign copies of her book. A limited number will be available for purchase for $15.
Indiana Tech, in partnership with Ball Ventures, will present five Senior Digital Skills Technology workshops next month at the Parkview Family YMCA Community Room, 10001 Dawsons Creek Blvd. The free workshops are supported by a grant from the Ball Venture Fund. Workshops are scheduled from 8:30 to 10 a.m. April 20, 22, 24, 27 and 29. Topics are introduction to computers and the internet; staying connected; online safety and cybersecurity; using smartphones effectively and safely; and artificial intelligence and everyday life. Register at sdl.tcecs.org by March 31.
FWCS
The Fort Wayne Community Schools board March 9 recognized Blackhawk, Kekionga and Lane middle schools for their respective first, second and third place awards in the Indiana Regional Future City competition.
The Blackhawk team, which represented the state at the national contest in Washington, D.C., comprised eighth graders Gage Anema, Scarlet Leonhardt, Robert Navarro, Cori Schmeltz, Dominick Stallard and Harrison Wulpi; seventh graders Elianna Bradley, Olivia Buttes and Samara Roddy; and sixth graders Arjun Boparai, Aaron Hernandez and Peyton Yochim.
The Kekionga team comprised eighth graders Micah Dawkins and Nathan MacDonald along with sixth graders Gavin Malone, Suri Shuster and Jaleasa Taylor.
The Lane participants were eighth graders Andrea Aleman, Lyrik Brown, Aubrey Jaquish, Juhlian Lopez, Ezekial Muan, Owen Snelson and Ayarmin Swe.
Ivy Tech
Sejal Vaishnav will start as Ivy Tech Community College’s chief information officer March 30. She will be responsible for technology strategy, operations, cybersecurity, data and digital transformation across Ivy Tech’s 19 campuses and more than 40 sites. She most recently held the same title at Illinois Tech in Chicago.
Recognition
Concordia Lutheran High School students Anna Clem, Abby Hawk, Sam David, Hannah Clark and Lilly Schlicker will represent Indiana at the international DECA competition in Atlanta next month. DECA prepares students worldwide in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.
Carroll High School sophomore Sophie Goodman will perform in Indianapolis as a member of the 2026 Honor Band of America following a rigorous audition process. The honor band is part of the 33rd Music for All National Festival, which is Thursday through Saturday. The Honor Band of America concert is scheduled for 8 p.m. Saturday at Clowes Memorial Hall at Butler University. Go to festival.musicforall.org for information, including livestreaming details.
Saint Francis
The University of Saint Francis announced these Allen County students won a $28,000 scholarship through the Saint Francis Scholars competition: Shinny Carmel Gabutero and Sarah Koors of Bishop Dwenger; Zoe Cramer and Kolbe Mitchell of Bishop Luers; Gabriela George of Carroll; and Anfal Mahamat of Northrop.
Trine
Former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels will present the Trine University commencement address May 2. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. in the Keith E. Busse/Steel Dynamics Inc. Athletics and Recreation Center on the Angola campus.
