Rowena Hawkins’ family was shocked when she announced she was going to culinary school. This widow and mother of four never excelled in cooking and laughs about her lack of culinary experience prior to attending Ivy Tech’s Hospitality Administration program. She graduated with a Culinary Arts degree in May 2016.

“I could not cook eggs, I could not cook rice,” she said, noting how people asked her how she raised her children without cooking.

Rowena went back to school for herself and her children. Once she began taking classes, she became inspired and fell in love with cooking different recipes. She also loved the support system that her instructors and classmates gave her during her time at Ivy Tech.

Since graduating from Ivy Tech, Rowena had plenty of job opportunities. “I would say there is no reason to not have a job after Ivy Tech,” she said.

Rowena loved how the college helps students throughout their academic career. She is happy she chose to go back to school at Ivy Tech.

Casey Bridgeford graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and started his own successful company to help fellow entrepreneurs, all by starting at Ivy Tech.

Casey Bridgeford made the decision to enroll at Ivy Tech Community College after his first business venture was unsuccessful. At the start, his primary goal was to earn good enough grades to retain the Bowen Scholarship he had been awarded. It wasn’t long before he established himself as a stellar student, consistently on the Dean’s List. That led Casey to consider what else he might be able to accomplish. He joined the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society and started to apply himself. “I began to set my sights higher,” he says. “I began to inquire about the possibility of going to an Ivy League university.”

That dream became a reality after Casey was accepted to the University of Pennsylvania. He was able to transfer the credits he earned at Ivy Tech to earn a bachelor’s degree in Political Science-International Relations. During his time at the University, he was a member of the Onyx Academic

Honors Society and served as a Wharton Fellow, working on the roll-out of Wharton Social Impact Initiative-Africa.

Casey started his own company, OnCast Media, which helps African entrepreneurs overcome barriers and connect them to resources to help get their businesses off the ground. He has also received several honors, including the Citizen’s Energy “125 Leaders” Award and the opportunity to give a TED Talk titled “When Talent Isn’t Enough.” He was recently asked to be on a panel with Forbes 30 under 30 on CNBC Africa’s Young Money segment to discuss the state of entrepreneurship in Africa.

He is actively involved in his community, as a current advisor for My Brother’s Keeper, board member of 18TWENTY8 and advisory board member for NetLiteracy. Casey is also a member of Think Tanks and Civil Societies, a prestigious research group to produce content for the internationally acclaimed publication “The Global Go To Think Tank Index.”

Casey says his experience at Ivy Tech transformed him from someone who adamantly rejected the benefits of higher education to one who sees it as an essential tool for achieving his goals. Accordingly, he has become an advocate for young people to attend college.

“I can, and any other student can, make it from right here. Anyone can achieve anything from starting right here at Ivy Tech.”

“Always believe in yourself that you can do it. It is never too late to get your degree.”

Ivy Tech graduate Emily Weldon-Willis is proof that it is never too late to get back in school. Ivy Tech graduate Emily made the decision to go back to school at the age of 55 after her children graduated from high school. Her goal was to finish her degree in order to advance in her profession. Obtaining a college degree was necessary for her in order to accomplish that. Continue reading →

“Going back to school really helped me to figure out what I wanted to do and who I was.”

Ernesto Rivas vividly recalls two of the toughest years in his life.

Rivas had high expectations in 2011 after opting to leave the Marines following 12-plus years in the military. However, the harsh reality of an unforgiving job market quickly crashed those aspirations and drastically altered life as he knew it.

“When I got out, I thought I was going to get a federal job with Homeland Security right away,” the 36-year-old said. “I didn’t know the process would take about a year or longer. About four months after I got out, I couldn’t afford to pay my mortgage.”

Continue reading →

“Ivy Tech has been instrumental in redefining, re-inspiring and redirecting my life.”

During Chris Bowen’s time at Ivy Tech, he got to meet President Obama, serve as Student Government Association President and start a whole new career path. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it, and he would be the first to tell you.

“Returning to school as a 40-something is not a decision easily made, and with the demands of children, current career, and just everyday life, following through on the decision can seem impossible,” he said. But Chris knew he had to do it. “For me, it was about doing my part to set a good example for my child. Continue reading →

“I came to Ivy Tech because I wanted to have some hands-on experience…”

Daniel Sailor is getting a head start on his success. A full-time high school student, Daniel is also a student in the Machine Tool Technology program at Ivy Tech’s Warsaw campus.

Like many other teens, Daniel’s priorities include excelling in school, participating in extracurriculars and spending time with friends. The 16-year-old does all of that, but he also has made his future career a priority. Interested in computer programming, robotics and mechanical engineering, Daniel already has set his sights on a career in the manufacturing field. And it’s Ivy Tech that is helping him accomplish that goal. Continue reading →

“…I needed a college that was affordable, flexible, and close to home…”

At the age of 5, Rochelle was sent to live with extended family in the Michiana area. It was different, and a long way from her home in Denver, Colorado. Michiana had no mountains, and the winters were bone-chillingly cold—nothing like a Colorado winter. But, Rochelle eventually adjusted to her new life, making the best of it until she had to leave home again as a high school senior. This time, after just turning 18 years old, it was Rochelle’s responsibility to find a place to live. She was 18, out on her own, and still in high school. Continue reading →

 

Going With the Grain – Student excels at construction studies, career goals despite physical challenge

 

With his hard hat and tool belt in tow, Joshua Willman is on the road by 4 a.m. most mornings. His nearly 15-hour days in ideal weather can take him as far as the Toledo suburbs, where he works in residential construction. Continue reading →

Not only was Steve able to earn his degree in human services, become the president of Collegiate Veterans Association, and serve as a veteran in the Marine Corps. He helped found and name the Bear Necessities Food Pantry.

This Ivy Tech graduate was able to do it all.

Having a history of homelessness and addictions pushed Steve to help make a difference in others’ lives. In May 2015, Steve was certified in substance abuse counseling. Stout has always focused on working with those who are homeless and people who are hungry. “I can help homeless people get off the street, but if they are still in the addiction, they will go back to the street. I want to help them overcome their addictions.” Continue reading →

“…Ivy Tech made it possible for me to afford school…”

Crack! Nick Sufana hit the ball straight up the middle towards the pitching mound where his dad stood. It was the last night of summer before Nick’s freshman year in high school and it was getting dark. Nick, his dad, and his three brothers had gone out to the baseball field near their home to practice batting. A storm was rolling in, and it quickly became too dark to see. Nick’s dad suffered a detached retina and fractured orbital bone when the ball made direct content with his eye. The injuries caused him to undergo a dozen surgeries, incur several thousands of dollars in medical bills, and permanently lose part of his vision. Continue reading →