Tricia Hall Buchholz’s educational journey began at West Lafayette High School.  At graduation, she was unsure of what direction she would go with her education.  Immediately after high school she took several courses at Ivy Tech and in her mid-20’s began her serious study at Ivy Tech, intent on pursuing an associate degree in criminal justice.  During an introductory criminal justice course, the professor took notice of her abilities and suggested Tricia genuinely consider law school.

“She had seen something in me at that moment that completely changed the trajectory of my future.  I thought the idea of my going to law school was ridiculous, but her believing in me stayed with me.”  After that conversation, Tricia’s plans for her future changed.

While studying at Ivy Tech Community College Lafayette, Tricia served as an intern in Tippecanoe County juvenile court, received the Dean’s Award for Criminal Justice, and represented her graduating class as student commencement speaker.  After graduating cum laude and earning her associate degree in criminal justice from Ivy Tech, Tricia received her bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University in 2008.  After a five-year career with Tippecanoe County Youth Services, Tricia returned to school and earned her Juris Doctor degree from the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law in 2016. During her time at McKinney, Tricia was named to the Moot Court Society’s Order of the Barristers, represented McKinney in two national moot court competitions, and served on the Moot Court Society Board as the Assistant Chief Justice for National Competitions.  As a result of her pro bono work throughout law school, Tricia received the Norman Lefstein Award of Excellence.

In August of 2017, Tricia began her current position at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida.  As Assistant Director in the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, a few of her many duties include: serving as an administrator for student conduct hearings; delivering Title IX hearing officer training for students, faculty, and staff; advising hearing officers and panels during student conduct hearings; and providing supervision and support for graduate assistants and interns. In May 2018, Tricia received the Florida State University Division of Student Affairs New Employee of the Year Award.

Tricia is described as “a champion” by Mary Mitchell, the Ivy Tech staff member that nominated her for the Distinguished Alumni Award. “Tricia stepped onto the Ivy Tech campus as a student, unaware of her exceptional intellect and drive,” Mary said. “Tricia rightfully garnered numerous awards and accolades along the way for her exceptionalism and largely credited her experiences at Ivy Tech as one reason for her personal success.” As an Ivy Tech Distinguished Alumna, she has another accolade to add to her impressive collection.

Tricia has remained connected to the Lafayette Ivy Tech criminal Justice program.  She has been able to return and speak to criminal justice students and considers it a highlight that she was able to attend the 2018 reunion of the criminal justice program. She looks forward to more opportunities to work with students and faculty.

“The impact Ivy Tech has had on my education, life, and career cannot be overstated.  The instructors in the outstanding Lafayette criminal justice program unlocked previously unrealized talent and potential in me, laying the foundation for the success I have since experienced.”

Ivy Tech Community College is proud to celebrate Tricia’s success and achievements with the Distinguished Alumni Award. This annual award honors alumni for their commitment to the College and to their communities. The awardees are leaders in their professions who make significant contributions benefiting their community, state, or College.

The alumni recognized with this award represent the very best of what an Ivy Tech education makes possible. Alumni, faculty, staff, and friends are all encouraged to submit nominations online.