The Foundation’s mission is to partner with donors to invest in Ivy Tech Community College students, faculty, and programs to build stronger communities and a better Indiana. Our success depends on the support of generous benefactors who give of their time, talent, and treasure to support its mission.
Ivy Tech Foundation annually honors an individual, corporation, or foundation that has changed the lives of our students and the communities in which they live, learn, and work by providing exceptional philanthropic and volunteer leadership. This award celebrates the gifts and volunteer service the recipients have bestowed on the college.
2025 Benefactor Award Recipients
Laurie Brough
Anderson
Laurie Brough has addressed adversity with unbridled bravery. Faced with losing a long-time job, numerous medical bills, and grieving the death of a close family member she enrolled at Ivy Tech in 2010. Her goal was to work for Ivy Tech and help others fulfill their dreams. Laurie graduated in 2012 with an associate’s degree in office administration and began working at Ivy Tech one month after her graduation. She also earned a business degree in Marketing Management from Western Governor’s University and is a tireless volunteer in her community.
Claire Nisonger
Bloomington
Claire Nisonger is a dedicated educator and scientist whose teaching and mentorship—especially of underrepresented students—have made a lasting impact. She began her career during the civil rights era at Tougaloo College and later taught for decades at Indiana University, inspiring students in biology and genetics. Committed to equity, she supported initiatives like the National Alliance on Mental Illness and mentored minority students. Her legacy includes a Life Sciences scholarship and continued support for Paramedic Sciences at Ivy Tech Bloomington.
Cummins, Inc.
Columbus
Cummins Inc. is a multinational corporation that designs, manufactures, and distributes engines, filtration, and power generation products. With headquarters in Columbus, Cummins has been an incredible partner to our campus, providing more than $2.3 million since 2012. Cummins has partnered with our Columbus campus on numerous projects with the most recent being Green2Gold – a partnership between Ivy Tech and the Purdue College of Engineering that will foster local engineering talent.
Professor Joseph Hostetler
Evansville
Professor Joe Hostetler joined Ivy Tech in August 2001 as Program Chair of Visual Communications. Prior to his academic appointment, he spent 14 years in the graphic design industry, holding positions at Indiana Mills & Manufacturing, the IU School of Medicine, and ASI Sign Systems. He earned his Master of Science in New Media from IUPUI in 2001. Throughout his tenure, Professor Hostetler has taught over 200 courses and mentored thousands of students.
Plumbers, Steamfitters & HVACR Service Technicians Local 166
Fort Wayne
Plumbers and Steamfitters Local Union 166 is committed to training and supporting skilled tradespeople in plumbing, pipefitting, welding, and HVACR disciplines. In close collaboration with Ivy Tech, Local 166 provides apprenticeship pathways that combine hands-on trade experiences with academics – enabling apprentices to earn an associate degree while advancing in their craft. The partnership helps students gain valuable skills and credentials while strengthening the local workforce pipeline.
JoJo’s Jumpstart Foundation
Hamilton County
JoJo’s Jumpstart Foundation has demonstrated a strong commitment to providing financial assistance for students pursuing higher education, trade school, or entrepreneurship since establishing the Jordan Kontor Memorial Scholarship in 2024. The foundation has significantly increased its support at our campus, pledging $10,000 for 2025 to assist students in achieving their dreams. JoJo’s Jumpstart Foundation was founded in memory of Jordan Kontor, a hardworking and compassionate entrepreneur whose determination and legacy continues to inspire all of us.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Indiana
Indianapolis
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Indiana improves and elevates the character of mankind by promoting the principles of friendship, love, truth, faith, hope, charity and universal justice. The organization makes the world a better place by aiding one another, the community, the less fortunate, the youth, the elderly, and the environment. Members promote good will and harmony through the principle of universal fraternity, and holding the belief that all men and women regardless of race, nationality, religion, social status, gender, rank, and station are brothers and sisters.
Nancy Heckard Rhodes
Kokomo
Nancy Heckard Rhodes believes Ivy Tech is a critical component of a successful community and has dedicated her time, talent, and treasure to supporting our students. Nancy is on the Ivy Tech Foundation Board of Directors and is a member of the Circle of Ivy Women in Philanthropy. She graduated from Purdue University with an AAS in Nursing and retired from a successful career after 39 years at Logansport Memorial Hospital and at a family practice. She has established the Nancy Heckard Rhodes Nursing Scholarship to assist students on their journey.
Ronald and Cynthia Rossiter
Lafayette
Ronald and Cindy Rossiter are highly valued donors and supporters of Ivy Tech. They established a state gift several years ago, currently valued at almost $500,000, and for the last several years have donated at least $10,000 to our Technology program. They feel strongly about the importance of technical skills needed in our community and have supported at least two students beyond their annual donations.
Linde, Inc.
Lake County
Linde, Inc. has been a strong supporter of Ivy Tech for 17 years, contributing to transformative initiatives such as the Chancellors’ Scholarship event, the Process Operations Lab, and the Skilled Pipeline Project. Linde’s commitment to community-building runs deep, combining charitable contributions with employee volunteerism to foster sustainable impact. Guided by their mission to make the world more productive and their vision to lead as the best-performing industrial gas and engineering company, Linde exemplifies responsible corporate citizenship.
David R. Goodman Jr.
Madison
David R. (Dick) Goodman Jr. was the longtime President of Madison Chemical Company and today is chairman of the board. A proud Lehigh University graduate and U.S. Air Force veteran, Dick has been a devoted friend and champion of Ivy Tech for many years, including his service on our Foundation Board. His generosity, along with that of his family, continues to make a lasting impact through the Goodman Family Scholarship, helping Ivy Tech students achieve their goals.
Lori Howard
Marion
Lori Howard is a lifelong servant-leader whose quiet dedication has strengthened both Ivy Tech Marion and the greater Grant County community. From her decades of chaplaincy work to her leadership with The Boren Foundation, Lori has devoted her life to connecting people with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. She serves numerous community organizations, always with humility and a genuine desire to make this place we call home a more generous and vibrant place. At Ivy Tech Marion, Lori’s behind-the-scenes advocacy and partnerships have helped students access life-changing opportunities…leaving a legacy defined not by recognition, but by the lives she has touched.
Bridges Community Services, Inc.
Muncie
Bridges Community Services, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation formed in 1994 with objectives to develop, provide, and coordinate housing, supportive services, education and employment programs for low-income individuals and families in the Muncie and Delaware County areas. BCS provides help and hope to those in need through innovative and integrated efforts that enhance the quality of life for everyone in the community.
David Rodgers
Richmond
David Rodgers was a pillar of the Richmond community whose quiet generosity and firm belief in service left a profound and lasting impact. As owner of Whitewater Broadcasting for over 50 years, David used his leadership, resources, and influence to elevate causes across arts, education, youth, nature, and community well-being. He was passionate about expanding opportunities and education in the community, and in recent years, he thoughtfully included the Ivy Tech Foundation in his philanthropy.
New Washington State Bank
Sellersburg
New Washington State Bank has been a strong supporter of Ivy Tech and our mission for many years. They support several of our fundraising efforts including Night of Impact, our annual golf scramble, our academic programs, capital campaigns, and other areas of need. They have been a true partner of our campus.
Jacqueline Barton
South Bend/Elkhart
Jacqueline Barton, a resident and businesswoman in the South Bend/Elkhart region for more than 25 years, founded Specialized Staffing – offering full-service HR Consulting and Workforce solutions to many industries. Jacqueline and the company’s 30 Human Resources professionals focus on making a difference in the staffing industry and in the communities and lives of the people they serve. Specialized Staffing employs 6,500 associates annually in Indiana, Michigan, and Kansas.
Wabash Valley Community Foundation
Terre Haute
The Wabash Valley Community Foundation has partnered with Ivy Tech for three decades and provided nearly $400,000 in support of the college and our students. Most recently, the Foundation provided critical funding to launch the Recovery Scholars Program, which helps students who are in recovery discover their purpose through meaningful careers. The Foundation manages $113 million in assets in nearly 800 funds, creating a permanent source of capital to benefit the Wabash Valley.
Northwest Health
Valparaiso
Northwest Health has been a friend of Ivy Tech for 20 years and is dedicated to serving the health care needs of people living in Northwest Indiana. They were the first to provide program support to our state-of-the-art Simulation labs which includes manikins that provide life-like situations for our nursing and health care students. Northwest Health emphasizes patient experience, quality outcomes, and has earned much recognition for delivering excellent care.