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.
2026 Benefactor Award Recipients
Tom and Bobbette Snyder
Anderson
Tom and Bobbette Snyder have dedicated their lives to expanding educational opportunity and strengthening communities throughout Indiana. During his nine-year tenure as Ivy Tech’s eighth president, Tom Snyder led the College through significant growth, strengthening workforce partnerships, student success initiatives, and access to higher education. Equally committed to Ivy Tech’s mission, Bobbette Snyder has been a passionate advocate for philanthropy and student support, serving as a founding member of Circle of Ivy and helping build a culture of generosity across the state. Together, Tom and Bobbette Snyder have invested their time, leadership, and resources to help thousands of students pursue brighter futures through education.
Connie and Steve Ferguson
Bloomington
Steve and Connie Ferguson have made a lasting impact on Ivy Tech Bloomington and the broader Southern Indiana community through their extraordinary generosity and service. Their support has helped fund scholarships, entrepreneurship programs, nursing education, and campus initiatives that expand opportunities for students. Connie Ferguson has also provided decades of leadership through service on the local campus board, helping guide the College’s growth and success. Beyond Ivy Tech, Steve and Connie Ferguson have championed education, workforce development, healthcare, historic preservation, and community improvement efforts. Their commitment to creating opportunities for others continues to strengthen lives and communities throughout the region.
Carolyn N. Pitt
Columbus
Carolyn N. Pitt has been a steadfast supporter of Ivy Tech Columbus for decades. She has remained a dedicated donor and advocate since making her first gift in 1989. Carolyn’s philanthropic leadership includes establishing a scholarship in honor of her mother, supporting major campus fundraising efforts, and encouraging future generations of community leaders to become involved with Ivy Tech. Carolyn N. Pitt’s commitment extends beyond financial support through mentorship, community engagement, and tireless advocacy for students. Her generosity and dedication have made a lasting difference in the lives of countless Ivy Tech students.
Waupaca Foundry
Evansville
Waupaca Foundry has been a valued partner of Ivy Tech and a driving force in workforce development throughout Perry County. As one of the region’s largest employers, the company works closely with Ivy Tech to support student success, industry training, and career readiness. Waupaca Foundry has contributed financial resources, equipment, training support, and real-world learning opportunities that help prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing. The company also plays an active role in strengthening local schools and workforce initiatives that benefit the broader community. Its commitment to education and economic development continues to positively impact students and employers alike.
Parkview Health
Fort Wayne
Parkview Health has been an exceptional partner in advancing education, workforce development, and healthcare opportunities across northeast Indiana. Through scholarships, tuition assistance programs, specialized training resources, and student engagement initiatives, Parkview has helped remove barriers to education while creating pathways to meaningful careers. The organization’s partnership with Ivy Tech extends beyond financial support, providing leadership, clinical expertise, and employment opportunities that strengthen the healthcare workforce. As a leading regional health system, Parkview Health continues to invest in students, employees, and communities, demonstrating a deep commitment to improving lives through education and healthcare excellence.
One America Financial
Hamilton County
OneAmerica Financial has been helping individuals, families, and businesses build financial security for nearly 150 years. As a national leader in life insurance, retirement, employee benefits, and long-term care solutions, the organization remains committed to serving customers with a long-term focus on stability and value. Through its dedication to workforce development, education, and community investment, OneAmerica Financial supports initiatives that help individuals achieve financial confidence and career success. The organization’s enduring commitment to people and communities reflects the values of leadership, innovation, and service that make a meaningful impact throughout Indiana and beyond.
Carol Schuck
Indianapolis
Carol Schuck devoted more than four decades of service to Ivy Tech Community College, where she served in numerous faculty and leadership roles, including Program Chair for English and Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Throughout her career, Carol was a passionate advocate for student success and academic excellence. Following her retirement, she continued her commitment to Ivy Tech through leadership and volunteer service with Circle of Ivy, supporting programs and initiatives that benefit students, faculty, and staff. Carol Schuck’s extraordinary dedication to education has left a lasting legacy that continues to influence the lives of countless students.
Greater Lafayette Commerce
Lafayette
Greater Lafayette Commerce serves as the region’s leading chamber of commerce and economic development organization, connecting education, workforce development, and business growth. Through initiatives that support career exploration, talent retention, entrepreneurship, and regional development, the organization helps strengthen opportunities for students and employers alike. Greater Lafayette Commerce works closely with educational institutions, community leaders, and industry partners to promote long-term economic success and quality of life throughout the region. Its leadership in workforce readiness and community development continues to create pathways for individuals to live, learn, and thrive in Greater Lafayette.
James W. and Betty Dye Foundation
Lake County/Valparaiso
For more than three decades, the James W. and Betty Dye Foundation has expanded educational opportunities for students throughout Northwest Indiana. Established in 1993, the Foundation reflects James and Betty Dye’s belief that education strengthens communities and improves quality of life. Through one of Indiana’s largest privately funded scholarship programs, the Foundation has supported thousands of students pursuing higher education. Its partnership with Ivy Tech continues to remove financial barriers and help students achieve their goals. Under the leadership of the Dye family, the Foundation’s enduring commitment to educational access is transforming lives across the region.
Koehler Welding Supply, Inc.
Madison
Koehler Welding Supply, Inc. has been a dedicated advocate for career and technical education and workforce development throughout the Madison region. For more than a decade, the company has supported students through scholarships, equipment donations, and hands-on learning resources that strengthen welding and advanced manufacturing programs. Its long-standing partnership with Ivy Tech reflects a commitment to helping students gain the skills needed for successful careers in high-demand industries. By investing in education and workforce readiness, Koehler Welding Supply, Inc. continues to create opportunities for students while helping meet the needs of local employers.
Marion Health
Marion
Marion Health has served as a trusted healthcare provider and community partner for generations, delivering high-quality care to individuals and families throughout Grant County. The organization’s commitment to clinical excellence, innovation, and compassionate service has helped improve the health and well-being of the region. In addition to providing exceptional patient care, Marion Health supports workforce development and educational partnerships that prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. Through its investment in both healthcare and community advancement, Marion Health continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those it serves.
Thrive Credit Union
Muncie
Thrive Credit Union has become an invaluable partner to Ivy Tech Muncie through its extraordinary commitment to student success and community engagement. Whether supporting campus events, workforce initiatives, STEM programs, or fundraising efforts, Thrive consistently invests both financial resources and volunteer support to strengthen opportunities for students. The organization is known not only for its generosity, but also for its hands-on involvement and genuine enthusiasm for helping students achieve their goals. Thrive Credit Union’s partnership reflects a shared commitment to education, economic vitality, and community service that continues to benefit the entire region.
Corsi Family and Pat Corsi
Richmond
Pat Corsi and the Corsi Family have built a legacy rooted in perseverance, entrepreneurship, and community investment. After overcoming personal and professional challenges, Pat successfully grew a cabinet business that served the Richmond area for decades. His commitment to creating opportunities for others inspired the establishment of the Corsi Family Scholarship at Ivy Tech Richmond, helping students pursue education and workforce-focused career pathways. Through this philanthropic investment, Pat Corsi honors his family’s heritage while supporting future generations of students. The Corsi family’s generosity reflects a strong belief in the transformative power of education and opportunity.
John & Tonja Wells
Sellersburg
John and Tonja Wells have spent their lives building successful businesses while giving generously to their community. Their entrepreneurial accomplishments span agriculture, real estate, automotive services, and small business ownership, demonstrating remarkable leadership and vision. Beyond their professional success, John and Tonja Wells have dedicated countless hours to civic, charitable, and community organizations throughout Southern Indiana. Their commitment to service, mentorship, and philanthropy has strengthened the region and created opportunities for others to succeed. Together, they exemplify the values of leadership, generosity, and community engagement that define distinguished benefactors.
Cultivate Food Rescue
South Bend/Elkhart
Cultivate Food Rescue is transforming lives by reducing food waste and fighting hunger throughout northern Indiana. Through innovative partnerships, the organization rescues surplus food and redistributes it to individuals, schools, shelters, and community organizations in need. Its partnership with Ivy Tech South Bend-Elkhart provides hundreds of meals each month to students facing food insecurity, helping ensure they can focus on their education and future success. Since its founding, Cultivate Food Rescue has recovered millions of pounds of food while creating lasting community impact. Its mission-driven work demonstrates the powerful connection between service, compassion, and opportunity.
David and Hazel Robinson
Terre Haute
David and Hazel Robinson have long believed in the power of education to transform lives and strengthen communities. Following distinguished careers in engineering, business, healthcare, and community service, they chose to invest in future generations through their support of Ivy Tech Terre Haute. Their generosity includes an endowed scholarship that assists students balancing the demands of work, family, and education. By helping remove financial barriers, David and Hazel Robinson have created opportunities for students to pursue meaningful careers and brighter futures. Their philanthropy reflects a lifelong commitment to education, service, and community advancement.
Google
Statewide
Through philanthropic investment, workforce development initiatives, and community engagement, Google is expanding access to education and career pathways that prepare Hoosiers for success in a rapidly evolving economy.
In 2026, Google partnered with Ivy Tech to support the development of Fiber Optic and Network Installer training programs at the Bloomington, Fort Wayne, and Valparaiso campuses, creating new opportunities for students pursuing careers in telecommunications, networking, and digital infrastructure. Google also helped launch Ivy Tech’s statewide AI Basics Workshop Series, broadening access to artificial intelligence education for employers, workers, and communities across Indiana.
Beyond its financial contributions, Google has demonstrated a strong commitment to strengthening communities through collaboration, innovation, and investment in talent development. Through its partnership with Ivy Tech, Google is helping create opportunities that benefit students, employers, and Indiana’s future workforce for years to come.