Ivy Tech Valparaiso Campus Names Alum and Supporter of the Year

Valparaiso, Ind. – Ivy Tech Community College and the Ivy Tech Foundation recognized Ivy Tech alumni, donors, and volunteers from across the state this past weekend at the 2024 Distinguished Alumni and Benefactor Awards in Indianapolis. The awards celebrate the contributions of accomplished graduates, generous donors, and volunteers to their communities and to Ivy Tech. Each of Ivy Tech’s 19 campuses nominated a graduate and a donor for the Distinguished Alumni and Benefactor Awards, which the Ivy Tech Foundation administers annually.

Ivy Tech Valparaiso Campus honored Samantha Eriks of Porter County with the Distinguished Alumni Award, which celebrates Ivy Tech graduates who have made a lasting impact on their communities and on Ivy Tech through their exceptional professional, philanthropic or volunteer achievements. Samantha Eriks is an investigator with the Lake County prosecutor’s office IV-D child support department. Samantha has a degree in criminal justice with a focus on juvenile justice and sociology, studying at IU Northwest and Ivy Tech Valparaiso. She was recently recognized as a Thompson Reuters (CLEAR) Everyday Hero.

See here for a full list of the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients.

Ivy Tech Valparaiso also recognized J. Scott and Tina Kleppe of Porter County with the Benefactor Award, which applauds the generosity of donors and volunteers – including individuals, corporations and foundations – whose support enables the Ivy Tech Foundation to bridge financial gaps that promote the academic success and career readiness of Ivy Tech students. Scott and Tina Kleppe have been friends of Ivy Tech for more than 17 years. Scott has been President and CEO of Valparaiso-based SENSIT Technologies and has worked with Ivy Tech on many programs. SENSIT is a major supplier of gas detection instruments around the globe. Tina, meanwhile, runs the family farm and has passion for helping animal rescues. The Kleppe’s have supported the Chancellors’ scholarship
event, the Meet the Need initiative for students, and an endowed scholarship for Advanced Manufacturing and Technology students.

See here for a full list of the 2024 Benefactor Award recipients.

“Our distinguished alumni and benefactors embody Ivy Tech’s mission to transform lives and strengthen Indiana’s economy. Through their time, talent, treasure, and testimony, individuals honored this year made significant contributions to the betterment of lives and their communities,” said Dr. Sue Ellspermann, president, Ivy Tech. “This is an incredible honor and recognition for these outstanding individuals across our communities,” said Aco Sikoski Chancellor, Ivy Tech Valparaiso Campus.
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About the Ivy Tech Foundation
The Foundation provides support for Ivy Tech Community College beyond state appropriations and student tuition. Its overall program of work focuses on meeting student needs. Invest IN Ivy Tech, our recently completed $340 million statewide fundraising campaign, provides greater opportunity for each of the College’s 19 campuses to educate, train, and support all 92 of Indiana’s counties. Learn more at www.ivytech.edu/InvestINIvyTech.

About Ivy Tech Community College Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.