Women’s Giving Circle Donates $188K To Support Ivy Tech Community College Students

The funds will support 61 campus initiatives across Indiana.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - With the challenges of 2020, Ivy Tech Foundation’s Circle of Ivy rallied together to support 61 campus initiatives across Indiana. Circle of Ivy has a statewide reach with nearly 900 members, with a focus specifically to fund local campus projects and student needs. Sixty-one projects totaling $188,000 were selected by members including providing student emergency funds, enhancing technology resources, developing outdoor learning experiences, expanding career development programming, providing student laptops, and providing additional diversity, equity and belonging initiatives.

“We have accomplished so much over the last 5 years. Our vision is that the Circle of Ivy will foster community prosperity for our students and cultivate women as philanthropists. In addition, we hope to grow to over 1,200 members by 2022. We’re so proud to have funded 239 projects to date for our local Ivy Tech campuses across Indiana,” said Lauren Salerno, Circle of Ivy Co-Chair and Ivy Tech Foundation Board Director.

“Of course, we faced different circumstances this year, but this only emphasized the important work we are doing through the Circle of Ivy. I am so proud to be a part of this group. We are able to help Ivy Tech students reach their educational goals thanks to the incredible leadership and giving spirit of so many women across the State. Our Guiding Circle who are community leader representatives across Indiana have focused on membership and fundraising growth. I know we are well on our way to our $1,000,000 fundraising goal by 2022,” said Maria Quintana, Circle of Ivy Co-Chair and Ivy Tech Foundation Board Vice-President.

Sharing the personal impact Circle of Ivy members have on students, Rebecca Tibbles, Ivy Tech Elkhart student describes how she has benefited, “The women of the Circle of Ivy have provided me support through the campus Dress for Success program. On top of giving styling advice and clothing, three members of the Circle of Ivy shopped with me. Their caring spirit and personal attention they gave to me was something I always imagined my own mom would have been able to provide. In these outfits, I feel professional and proud. The Circle of Ivy has influenced my life. I am so thankful to the support of the members. They have helped me turn my dreams into reality.” 

“Circle of Ivy is such an amazing network of women who together are funding important initiatives, including providing for some of our most urgent needs. This year has been especially important to all of us, as our students need us more than ever. We are so thankful for the wonderful work and generous hearts of the members of the Circle of Ivy,” said Sue Ellspermann, president, Ivy Tech Community College and Circle of Ivy Lifetime Member.

Circle of Ivy is open to all women who wish to become members of a powerful network of philanthropists who collectively give back to local Ivy Tech campuses and students. Members have the opportunity to participate in a dynamic and rewarding organization where they can collaborate with other women within their local circle, making a greater impact with pooled financial resources. To learn more about Circle of Ivy visit ivytech.edu/circleofivy.