By TARA HETTINGER
Eleven months ahead of schedule, Ivy Tech Community College, in Sellersburg, is celebrating raising more than $2 million for the campus’ renovation and expansion project.
However, fundraisers aren’t done yet. They are now working to raise the final $2 million by December, which is needed to complete the capital campaign.
Though the state of Indiana is paying for the costs of the constructing a new 82,000-square-foot building as well as renovating the existing campus building, the local campus is responsible for technology, computers, furniture, landscaping, additional parking and other costs. So, the local campus launched its fundraising efforts in September to make up the difference.
“This is not something that happened overnight,” said Chancellor Rita Hudson Shourds. “It’s something we have built toward since 2002, knowing that in the future, we were going to have a building we would need money for.”
Since she had that foresight, the college has been preparing by working on getting donors who could make the project possible.
“We were just totally amazed and very, very happy needless to say,” said Dale Orem, lead gifts chairman for the campus. “It’s been a wonderful start for us.”
Hudson Shourds said she wasn’t surprised the funds, totaling $2.2 million, came in so quickly.
“The community has affirmed that this is something they will support and something that they will embrace,” she said. “For us, it really was a reaffirmation that the community college is something this community wants and needs.”
The first $2 million raised is earmarked for computers, furniture, equipment and more. The additional $2 million needed will go toward green campus initiatives as well as more parking and instructional technology in the building, Hudson Shourds said.
Terry Nolot, vice chancellor of enrollment services, said his goal is to make certain changes to the campus such as conserving more water, having a recycling program, creating green space for students and visitors to enjoy and using indigenous plants occur. He also hopes Ivy Tech eventually will be named a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation.
Hudson Shourds said she is hopeful the school will secure the additional funds.
“It’s about momentum. To me, we are just getting ready to peak our momentum,” she said. “I think this is the start that’s going to propel us.”
She said if more money than the grand total needed of $4 million is raised, it will go toward the college’s wish list of renovating the existing building to include a student activity center, fitness center and additional labs.
The construction and renovation project is scheduled to be complete by December.
Hudson Shourds said those wanting to donate can contact Andrew Takami at 812-246-3301, ext. 4129.
TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR
• To do a virtual “fly-around” of the under-construction Ivy Tech’s Sellersburg campus, visit www.ivytech.edu/sellersburg/ and click on “fly around new campus” on the left-hand side of the page.
