The Pilates Author – Ivy Tech alumna pens Idiot’s Guide manual

Linda Paden, a 2004 and 2005 graduate of Ivy Tech Community College Northeast, has a clinical doctorate degree and now a book under her belt. Idiot’s Guide: Pilates came out late last year, and her Ivy Tech Northeast associate degrees helped her get to the point she needed to be considered an expert in the field. Continue reading →

Excited to pursue a career in informatics, Ivy Tech graduate Idriss Bah earned his associate degree in May 2018. After graduating, he wanted to continue his education and transferred to Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.

“I really enjoyed the diversity and the amount of people,” said Idriss. “It was cool to have because in the real world, you work with different sets of people.” Continue reading →

When Mira Cassidy decided to go to college, she was a single mom looking for the opportunity to improve herself and to provide a better quality of life for her child. She wanted a school that was cost-friendly and convenient.

Mira became interested in Ivy Tech after visiting the campus and hearing the wonderful things said about the school.

“The one thing that attracted me the most was the reputation. When giving advice, others would suggest to me, ‘Try Ivy Tech,’ and I’m glad I did,” she said. Continue reading →

Kelah McKee was the definition of what it meant to be involved on campus during her time as a student at Ivy Tech Community College. She attended the Indianapolis campus from 2015 to 2018, started an organization, and was involved in a plethora of on and off-campus activities.

Kelah’s organization, PolishedBricks, is a nonprofit that allows talented African Americans to share their experiences and their stories of triumphs against struggles. The purpose of the organization is to provide a professional skills, positive publicity and networking opportunities for African Americans in the community. Continue reading →

After Preston Franklin graduated from Ivy Tech Indianapolis with his Associate of Applied Science from the School of Information in Technology, he proudly displayed it on his wall. It was placed just underneath the picture of his mother, who passed away when he was 10-years-old.

“This one is for her,” he said. “It’s a long time coming.”
Preston studied information technology support, noting it was the best program to learn the basics of what he wanted to accomplish. Continue reading →

In 2010, Jacqueline Navedo, or “Jackie” as she goes by to her fellow classmates and colleagues at Ivy Tech Indianapolis, never would have thought she would be where she is today. The mother of three had just lost everything in a house fire and in the middle of it all, Jackie was trying to find the best care for her youngest son, a newborn at the time, with special needs. Continue reading →

Going back to school as an adult can seem daunting. However, Stacey May did not let that stop her from continuing her education. She is now in a master’s program, and it all started at Ivy Tech.

“Ivy Tech Community College was affordable, and I felt like it was geared towards me. As a non-traditional student, the online, evening, and weekend classes appealed to me,” Stacey said.

Stacey graduated from Ivy Tech in 2014. After completing her associate degree at Ivy Tech, she went on to further pursue her education and became a graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University with her bachelor’s in Human Services and Social Work. Continue reading →

When looking back on the foundation of her career in respiratory care, Audrey Ballard immediately thinks of Ivy Tech. Not only did her time as a student create the inspiration to go down this path, but also showed her how rewarding a career that helps others could be.

Audrey discovered Ivy Tech while attending a four-year college. She was three years in with an undecided major, working in a hospital that surrounded her with career ideas.

“I was intrigued by the desire to help someone in need,” she said. Continue reading →

Sara Keedy lost her mother when she was 16 years old. When she graduated from high school, she decided to put her college aspirations on hold. She also had many voices around her telling her she wouldn’t succeed and college wouldn’t help her advance in life. However, years later, Sara ignored what others said and began to pursue her passions.

While working full-time at Elements Financial Federal Credit Union, Sara wanted to advance in her career. She learned about Ivy Tech through family and decided to take the next step to enroll. She knew by obtaining a degree, she would be able to further advance in her career. Continue reading →

When it comes to overcoming obstacles, Human Services graduate Shanee Mason says they are well worth the fight.

After being the CEO of S.M. & 3D Changing Directions Inc., Shanee was ready to make a career change and wanted to pave the way for the future generations of her family. Ivy Tech was close to home and a perfect fit.

Shanee loved the Human Services program, especially participating in the Human Services Club.

“We did hands-on volunteer work in town and every year we traveled to Chicago to the Hull House and First Mission,” she said. Continue reading →