Kokomo Grain celebrates 75th anniversary with transformational gift to Ivy Tech

Last Updated on October 13, 2025 by Cass County Communication Network

Kokomo area students to benefit from company’s commitment to education

KOKOMO, Ind. –In celebration of 75 years of service, innovation, and community commitment, Kokomo Grain Company is marking its milestone anniversary with a $75,000 gift to Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo to establish the Kokomo Grain Company Endowed Scholarship. This legacy gift will support students pursuing degrees in agriculture, business, and education.

The gift, made by the Ortman family and Kokomo Grain, will be distributed over three years to build an endowed scholarship fund that will provide lasting support to students for generations to come. The first scholarships will be awarded in Fall 2026.

“This investment reflects the heart of Kokomo Grain – deeply rooted in our community and committed to helping people grow,” said Scot Ortman, president of Kokomo Grain. “We are honored to celebrate our 75th year by creating opportunities for local students to pursue careers that will shape the future of our region.”

The scholarship will benefit students attending Ivy Tech Kokomo enrolled in degree programs in Agriculture, Business Administration, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, or Secondary Education. Preference will be given to students from Howard County.

Kokomo Grain has long been a proud supporter of both Ivy Tech and Purdue University, actively promoting pathways that help students begin their education at Ivy Tech and complete their bachelor’s degrees at Purdue. This “start here, finish there” approach not only expands access to higher education but also helps students minimize debt and maximize opportunity in critical fields like agriculture and education.

“Kokomo Grain has been an anchor in this community for 75 years, and this gift is a powerful statement of their belief in the potential of our students,” said Dr. Ethan Heicher, chancellor of Ivy Tech Kokomo. “We are incredibly grateful to the Ortman family for investing in education and workforce development through this meaningful scholarship.”

The scholarship will provide awards of up to $1,000 per student, with selections made by the Ivy Tech Community College Scholarship Committee.

To learn more about how to support Ivy Tech students, visit ivytech.edu/kokomo.

SOURCE: News release from Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo Region