(BLOOMINGTON) – Ivy Tech Community College’s Bloomington campus will host a virtual ceremony and vehicle processional for the Class of 2020 and has invited all graduates to participate in the Class of 2021 in-person ceremony.
In a virtual graduation ceremony on Saturday, June 6, Ivy Tech Bloomington will confer approximately 1,272 associate degrees and certifications, which is up 107 credentials over last year.
The virtual ceremony will debut on Ivy Tech Bloomington’s YouTube channel at 6 p.m. Earlier in the day, graduates will “process” in their vehicles through the campus parking lot to pick up their graduation items, including commemorative cords, yard signs, and diploma covers.
Pam Thompson, dean of the School of Nursing, will give the graduation address. Thompson plans to retire this year after 30 years of service at Ivy Tech.
Two honorary degree recipients will be recognized, including Pam Thompson, Ivy Tech Bloomington dean of the school of nursing, and Bruce Calloway, Duke Energy district manager.
“Pam and Bruce have made significant contributions to higher education for the benefit of families in our local communities,” said Chancellor Jennie Vaughan. “Between Pam’s 30 years of service in nursing education and Bruce’s unwavering philanthropic support for Ivy Tech students through Duke Energy, their honorary degrees are well-earned and it’s a privilege to recognize their positive impact on the communities we serve.”
Ivy Tech Bloomington is graduating 155 Early College high school graduates that have earned credentials through dual enrollment opportunities. Early College graduates have earned either a certificate or statewide transfer general education core (STGEC) technical certificate, which enables high school graduates to go on to a state university with the entire 30 credit hour STGEC completed.
Early College graduates are from Paoli, Loogootee, Bloomfield, Eastern Greene, Springs Valley, Bloomington North, Bloomington South, Edgewood, Martinsville, West Washington, and the Academy of Science and Entrepreneurship.
Ivy Tech Bloomington is also conferring 87 Achieve Your Degree™ (AYD) associate degrees and certifications to 63 graduates, up from 47 last year. AYD is a tuition-deferral program in which Ivy Tech and employers collaborate to offer working adults the opportunity to earn college credentials with no upfront cost to students. Locally, Ivy Tech has agreements with 19 employers, and the college works with more than 160 companies statewide. Employers represent a variety of industries, including technology, medical, financial, and manufacturing.
Associate Accelerated Program (ASAP) graduates have earned 49 associate degrees and certifications, out of 28 graduates. ASAP is a program that offers students, ages 21 and under, the opportunity to earn an associate degree in as little as 11 months. Ivy Tech Bloomington offers ASAP degrees in liberal arts, education, business administration, informatics, and psychology.
The number of students graduating with honors is 295, with 71 graduating summa cum laude for maintaining a 4.0 grade point average.
Ivy Tech Bloomington will confer credentials to 33 military veterans and is graduating 9 international students representing the countries of China, India, Thailand, and Jamaica.
Approximately 80 Associate of Science in Nursing and 44 Practical Nursing degrees will be awarded.
