2024 Distinguished Alumni and Benefactor Awards celebrate the impact and generosity of Ivy Tech graduates, donors, and volunteers
Ivy Tech Community College and the Ivy Tech Foundation recognized Ivy Tech alumni, donors, and volunteers from across the state this weekend at the 2024 Distinguished Alumni and Benefactor Awards presentation in Indianapolis.
The awards celebrate the contributions of accomplished graduates and 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.
“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 of Ivy Tech.
Ivy Tech’s Kokomo Service Area honored Nikki Nordman of Miami 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. Nordman, a native of Peru, earned an associate degree in Business Administration from Ivy Tech Kokomo in 2007.
The mother of three is a real estate agent and owner of the Pizza Quik in Peru. She is described as someone who makes a difference for the world with small acts of kindness and mentoring that create a ripple effect across her community.
Ivy Tech Kokomo also recognized the Gingerich Family of Kokomo, owners of Chariot Automotive Group (CAG), 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.
For more than 25 years, the Gingerich Family, represented by Rex Gingerich and Lisa Gingerich Hearn, have supported the Kokomo Campus and its students throughout the service area with financial donations and educational partnerships to prepare area residents for good jobs in the automotive sales and service industry.
“We are exceptionally proud to honor the Gingerich Family and Nikki Nordman with these awards,” said Dr. Ethan Heicher, chancellor of the Ivy Tech Kokomo Service Area. “They represent the many alumni and supporters who are quietly contributing so much to the future of their communities throughout the six counties we serve.”