Giving Thanks - Literally

For most of the U.S., today is Giving Tuesday. Except at Ivy Tech, where it’s not.

At Ivy Tech, today is Gratitude Tuesday.

What is a Gratitude Tuesday? It’s when the team at Ivy Tech literally flips the script. Rather than asking for a little more from the people who’ve already given so much, they are reaching out to thank them for their generosity over the last 12 months.

No strings attached. Just a big thank you and a virtual hug for the Ivy Tech community.

For clarity’s sake, the Ivy Tech Foundation is a client (and one of my favorites). The Foundation raises a lot of money that goes back to positioning students, and Indiana, for long-term success. Earlier this year – thanks to a contribution from Eli Lilly and Company – Ivy Tech opened the Biopharma Science and Technology Lab on its Indianapolis campus. The 4,000-square foot space prepares students for careers in pharmaceutical manufacturing by simulating biotechnology facilities such as state-of-the-art labs that allow students to learn about cell cultivation, purification, and quality control.

Ivy Tech also produces more nurses with associate degrees than any college in the nation — filling a challenging gap — while preparing students for careers in cyber security, business, hospitality, and entrepreneurship (among many others) to keep the state’s economy churning.

I cherish my 4-year college experience. It directly led to any success I’ve achieved. But it’s not for everyone. For tens of thousands of Hoosiers, Ivy Tech is a better starting point. And for that, we should thank them.