Ivy Tech Community College and the Ivy Tech Foundation recognized Ivy Tech alumni, donors, and volunteers from across the state earlier this month at the 2024 Distinguished Alumni and Benefactor Awards in Indianapolis. Each of Ivy Tech’s 19 campuses nominated a graduate and a donor for the Distinguished Alumni and Benefactor Awards, which the Ivy Tech Foundation administers annually.
(image provided, Ivy Tech Community College)
Ivy Tech Valparaiso Campus honored Samantha Eriks of Porter County with the Distinguished Alumni Award, which celebrates Ivy Tech graduates who have made a lasting impact on their communities and on Ivy Tech through their exceptional professional, philanthropic, or volunteer achievements. Samantha Eriks is an investigator with the Lake County prosecutor’s office IV-D child support department. Eriks has a degree in criminal justice with a focus on juvenile justice and sociology, studying at IU Northwest and Ivy Tech Valparaiso. She was recently recognized as a Thompson Reuters (CLEAR) Everyday Hero. Here is a full list of the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients, a news release said.
(Image provided, Ivy Tech Community College)
Ivy Tech Valparaiso also recognized J. Scott and Tina Kleppe of Porter County with the Benefactor Award, which applauds the generosity of donors and volunteers – including individuals, corporations, and foundations – whose support enables the Ivy Tech Foundation to bridge financial gaps that promote the academic success and career readiness of Ivy Tech students. Scott and Tina Kleppe have been friends of Ivy Tech for more than 17 years. Scott has been President and CEO of Valparaiso-based SENSIT Technologies and has worked with Ivy Tech on many programs. SENSIT is a major supplier of gas detection instruments around the globe. Tina runs the family farm and has passion for helping animal rescues, the news release said. The Kleppe’s have supported the Chancellors’ scholarship event, the Meet the Need initiative for students, and an endowed scholarship for Advanced Manufacturing and Technology students. Here is a full list of the 2024 Benefactor Award recipients.
“Our distinguished alumni and benefactors embody Ivy Tech’s mission to transform lives and strengthen Indiana’s economy. Through their time, talent, treasure, and testimony, individuals honored this year made significant contributions to the betterment of lives and their communities,” said Dr. Sue Ellspermann, President, Ivy Tech.
“This is an incredible honor and recognition for these outstanding individuals across our communities, said Aco Sikoski Chancellor, Ivy Tech Valparaiso Campus.
