INDIANAPOLIS – On Wednesday, February 22, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., more than 400 Ivy Tech Community College students from each of Ivy Tech’s 14 regions will convene in Indianapolis to participate in the annual Ivy Tech Community College Day at the Statehouse event.

The purpose of the activity is to provide students with an opportunity to interact with state legislators, enhance their understanding of state government, strengthen their roles as citizens at the local, state, and national level, and to increase their feelings of connectedness to the College. Students have the opportunity to hear speakers during their time at the Statehouse.

Speakers may include:

• Governor Eric Holcomb
• Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch
• Supreme Court Justice Loretta Rush
• President Pro Tempore of the Senate David Long
• State Treasurer Kelly Mitchell
• Senator Dennis Kruse
• Attorney General Curtis Hill
• Representative Vernon Smith
• Representative Holli Sullivan
• Representative Robert Behning
• Commissioner Teresa Lubbers
• Superintendent Jennifer McCormick
• Representative Cherrish Pryor.

In addition, Ivy Tech President Sue Ellspermann will address the students – giving them a special insight as to the importance of this day. The students will also be joined by several legislators from across Indiana for a luncheon in the Statehouse Atrium at noon. In the afternoon, students will have time to tour the Statehouse and to visit the House and Senate galleries.

“I think the idea of having students being seen at the Statehouse is a critical part of showing our legislature who we are, what we do, and what an amazing and diverse group of people we are,” said Ivy Tech Student and SGA President East Central region, Terri Sanders. “It’s beneficial for the students and the college because it’s a chance, for many, to talk face-to-face with some of our representatives and share our comments and concerns in a setting where dialogue is permitted and encouraged.”

Ivy Tech has coordinated a Day at the Statehouse for several years. Most of the students have previously never been to the Statehouse. Students have been encouraged to have questions ready to ask their legislators and many hope to discuss concerns especially relevant to Ivy Tech students.

“I am looking forward to hearing from the people that make decisions for my family and the agencies that rely on state funding,” said Ivy Tech Student and SGA President Southeast region, Danielle Harvey. “My major is in human service and most of the jobs I will have are state funded. I am attending to better understand how the government operates to better understand my career.”

About Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College is the state’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state’s engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.