Ivy Tech to celebrate ‘Gratitude Tuesday’ with thanks to donors on Dec. 2, 2025
Last Updated on December 2, 2025 by Cass County Communication Network
KOKOMO, Ind. – The Ivy Tech Foundation is “flipping the script” on America’s annual Giving Tuesday, set this year for Dec. 2. Instead of focusing on new contributions, Ivy Tech will be spending the day saying thank you to the people and organizations who have generously supported its students over the last year.
An example of those earning the gratitude of Ivy Tech faculty, staff and students are the members of the Circle of Ivy, the women’s organization of the Ivy Tech Foundation. The Kokomo circle celebrated its 10th year by raising nearly $21,000 in 2025 to support programs that benefit students at Ivy Tech Kokomo Service Area.
“Having grown to 131 members over 10 years of service, the local chapter raised $20,982 this year and voted to fund seven projects that will empower, equip and elevate our students,” said Dr. Ethan Heicher, chancellor of the Ivy Tech Kokomo Service Area. “Many of our students are the first in their families to attend college, and the generosity of Circle of Ivy will allow more of them to excel and adequately prepare for their careers. These opportunities make Indiana and our community stronger.”
Kelly Karickhoff, vice chancellor of Development and Community Engagement for Ivy Tech Kokomo, said, “As we celebrate Gratitude Tuesday, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for the continued support of Ivy Tech. Because of our donors, we’re able to provide students with critical resources, innovative programs, and scholarships that open doors and remove barriers.”
Members of the Kokomo circle voted to fund the following seven projects for 2025-26:
· $3,950 to provide Health Care and Nursing students who cannot afford a CastleBranch Program subscription that is required to record background check, drug screen and immunization records
· $3,960 to provide Starter Tool Kits for Automotive Students who have completed a technical certificate and continuing on to pursue an Associate Degree of Applied Science.
· $3,975 to the Student Readiness Clinic for incoming Nursing and Health Science students to receive the required physicals, TB testing and vaccinations prior to attending clinicals.
· $4,000 to the ASAP Program for student Enrichment activities and experiences.
· $1,800 for the Logansport Library Revitalization to make the library a warm inviting place to visit.
· $2,000 for Teaching Apprenticeship Support for classroom resources and celebration events for paraprofessional apprentices.
· $1,297 to Cass County Student Support to support the diverse population of Cass County by addressing the unique challenges students face.
The Kokomo circle will meet April 30, 2026, in Hingst Hall on the Kokomo Campus for its spring dinner meeting and Giving Shelf food drive. Grant recipients will report on how the funded projects are impacting student success.
To learn more about how to become a member of Ivy Tech’s Circle of Ivy, visit ivytech.edu/circleofivy, or contact Miriam Thomas, director of Resource Development for Ivy Tech Kokomo, at mlthomas@ivytech.edu or at 765-252-5500.
Over the last 10 years, Circle of Ivy statewide has grown to more than 1,000 members at Ivy Tech’s19 campuses and has raised more than $1.4 million to help students across the state.
Founded in 2015, Circle of Ivy focuses on the needs of students attending Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana’s largest postsecondary institution and workforce engine. Circle of Ivy builds opportunities and diminishes barriers to higher education by raising funds to help with emergency needs as well as sending students abroad for educational opportunities, providing instructional support with classroom technology, textbooks and other critical programs.
“The commitment of the women who make up Circle of Ivy should be inspiring to everyone associated with Ivy Tech,” said Nancy Rhodes of Logansport, who represents the Kokomo area on the Guiding Circle that coordinates the Circle of Ivy statewide. “I am personally proud to be part of an organization doing so much good for our students – the future leaders of our communities. Ivy Tech is integral to Indiana’s success story, and the commitment and generosity of women who belong to Circle of Ivy help make it happen.”
SOURCE: News release from Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo Service Area