Ivy Tech Celebrates 25th Annual Chancellors’ Scholarship Event

Ivy Tech Community College hosted its 25th annual Chancellors’ Scholarship Event on Thursday, September 17, at the Avalon Manor Banquet Center in Merrillville. The evening included dinner, presentation of this year’s scholarship recipients, and recognition of the 2026 Benefactor of the Year: the James W. & Betty Dye Foundation.

Over its 25 years, the Chancellors’ Scholarship program has improved the circumstances and academic opportunities of more than 450 students, thanks to the generosity of local donors and organizations. This year, roughly 150 Ivy Tech students across Lake County and the Valparaiso campus were eligible for the scholarship — and only 34 were selected, 17 from each campus. Thursday’s celebration honored those students, along with the donors who made their academic dreams possible.

To qualify, students must maintain a minimum 3.75 GPA or greater, complete an essay, and have at least 30 credits in a degree program.

Cindy J. Hall, CFRE, executive director of resource development, has led the program for 23 years, making this milestone anniversary especially meaningful to her.

“Every dollar raised can make a real difference for students who depend on financial assistance to stay on track and reach their dreams,” Hall said ahead of the event. “Eighty-four percent of our students who are Chancellors Scholars graduated with an associate degree,” Hall added.

Aco Sikoski, chancellor of the Valparaiso campus, followed Hall behind the podium, carrying on the students’ accolades, and reminded attendees what the evening was about.

“Tonight we gather together to celebrate the hard work of a select group of students, but please know this group represents many of the hardworking students across our two campuses,” Sikoski said.

Sikoski had the opportunity to read student essays during the application process — candid, vulnerable accounts of how the scholarship could change their circumstances to assist in achieving a degree. 

“Everyone is just explaining from the bottom of their hearts their dedication and why they’re coming to Ivy Tech, why they wanted to earn that degree, and how they wanted to improve their goals and their lives,” Sikoski said.

Tuition, day-to-day expenses, and books are among the financial burdens that often delay or derail a student’s path through higher education. The Chancellors’ Scholarship continues to ease those burdens— for some students, it’s the extra push to keep going; for others, it’s what makes graduating possible.

Ivy Tech foundation President Stephannie Bailey opened her remarks with gratitude.

 “Among those we’re celebrating tonight are the students whose hard work, perseverance, and commitment has earned this recognition, and we give thanks for the opportunity to help them continue pursuing their educational goals. We are also so grateful for the generosity of the donors, sponsors, and community partners whose support makes these opportunities possible and helps strengthen our communities through education,” Bailey said.

Though Ivy Tech prides itself on affordability, scholarship support remains hard-earned and deeply appreciated by students.

2026 Chancellors’ Scholarship Recipients

Valparaiso Campus:

Sofia Alvarez, Joselyn Bennett, Amy Blount, Joshua DeWalt, Jose Enriquez, Stephen Fejes, Marcie Guzman, Rebekkah Kienzl, Christopher Konopasek, Elizabeth LaHaie, Chasiti McCance, Shams Mohammed, Angelina Mora, Kyle Morris, Matthew Murphy, Sabrina Thomason, and Chelsea Wolter.

Lake County Campus:

Abiola Famorroti, Carmina Fernandez, Gabriella Gal, Erica Gatewood, Mia Graffis, Terisha Griffin, Rachel Kupsis-Smith, Robert Madon, Jasmyn Mendoza, Katie Moffatt, Sofia Paredes, Brylle Reasol, Destiny Salas, Fathima Shihan, KeAiara Standford, Jovannka Stojanoska, and Hannah Stutton.

Special thanks were given to local donors, including: Linde Corporation, McMillian Family Foundation, CLAYCO, Powers Health, Hard Rock Casino, the Kleppe Family Fund, NIPSCO/NISOURCE, Ameristar Casino, and Purdue Federal Credit Union, and many others.

Thursday’s celebration was made possible by the continued support of the Lake and Porter County community and the dedication of the students themselves — to their education, to bettering their circumstances, and, for many, to one day give back to their own communities.

If you are interested in the many ways to financially support Ivy Tech students, contact Cindy J. Hall, CFRE the Executive Director of the foundation at cjhall@ivytech.edu.

For more on Ivy Tech Community College click here: www.ivytech.edu