Also, Kokomo Area Career & Networking Fair set for April 15

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Community leaders, local donors and faculty and staff of Ivy Tech Community College’s Kokomo Service Area combined Tuesday to amass $60,600 in donations to support Ivy Tech student success. Together, they embodied the theme “One Day Can Mean Everything,” making the third annual Ivy Tech Day an incredible event, according to organizers.

“Yesterday’s level of engagement made for the best Ivy Tech Day yet,” said Dr. Ethan Heicher, chancellor of the Ivy Tech Kokomo Service Area. “And the most important part of the day was the financial support that we generated for our students and the palpable sense of community we created on our campus.”

The Ivy Tech Kokomo team blew past its goal of raising $45,000 in the 24-hour day of giving, leading Ivy Tech’s system with $60,600 in donations compiled from 391 gifts received. On the state level, Ivy Tech received nearly 2,900 gifts totaling more than $480,000. The money is earmarked for student success projects, scholarships and emergency support.

“We are so incredibly grateful to our many community partners who joined in supporting the Ivy Tech Kokomo culture of pulling together to help our students,” said Kelly Karickhoff, executive director of Resource Development for the service area that includes Cass, Fulton, Howard, Miami, Pulaski and Tipton counties.

“Those of us on campus all see the impact these donations have in breaking down barriers and supporting student success,” Karickhoff added. “But Ivy Tech Day shines a light on our impact in the communities and how much people believe in what Ivy Tech is doing.”

Last year, Ivy Tech Kokomo garnered 268 gifts totaling $41,687, far exceeding the first year’s results of 171 gifts and $25,000 in donations on Ivy Tech Day.

Karickhoff extended gratitude to Kokomo’s Ivy Tech Day partners, including Security Federal Savings Bank, Coca-Cola Bottling Company Kokomo, Community Howard Regional Health, La Fiesta Restaurant of Logansport, Pizza Quik of Peru, Larison Media and the Kokomo Post. She noted that donors had successfully met every match and challenge issued by more than a dozen supporters that honored everything from first-generation students to members of the Circle of Ivy Women in Philanthropy group to alumni and retirees.

“This one day ‘can mean everything’ for our students,” Karickhoff added. “All these gifts stay local and will help students who live and work in our six-county region.”

Kokomo Area Career & Networking Fair set for April 15

More than 70 central Indiana employers will be showcasing their job opportunities at the Kokomo Area Career and Networking Fair set for 12 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, in Hingst Hall in the Health Professions Center on the Ivy Tech Community College campus at 1815 E. Morgan St.

WorkOne West Central, the City of Kokomo, the Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance and Ivy Tech are partnering in presenting the fair. The event is open to Ivy Tech students and alumni and community members seeking part-time or full-time jobs or internship positions. Coca Cola and Bruno’s Pizza are sponsors of the career fair.

The event is open without charge and provides participants the chance to meet with employers and discuss potential job opportunities.

“We have more than 70 companies signed up to participate,” said Katie Loman, vice chancellor for Ivy+ Career Link for Ivy Tech’s Kokomo Service Area. “They represent employers from the nonprofit sector as well as healthcare, manufacturing, finance/banking, agriculture, automotive, construction, human services, law enforcement, government and education.

“Come dressed for success and bring several copies of your resume,” Loman continued. “Many of these employers are looking to hire and they may choose to interview participants on site.”

Jhordan Wheeler, talent connection manager for Ivy Tech Kokomo’s Ivy+ Career Link division, said the fair is a great place to find out what kind of careers are out there and what kind of credentials are needed, even if you’re not looking for a job right now.

“The day is a great opportunity for networking and learning what technical skills and soft skills employers are looking for in a qualified candidate,” she said. “Admissions officers from Ivy Tech will be on hand to talk about options for coming to college to get the certificates or degrees that will open doors to new careers.”

Treva Nichols, Region 4 Workforce Board center manager, said many companies are looking for employees on many skill levels, adding, “We are available to connect workers to employers.”

For more information, send questions to kokomo-careerlink@ivytech.edu or contact Ivy Tech’s Loman by email at kloman@ivytech.edu or by telephone at (765) 252-5495.

Tips for success

Jhordan Wheeler, talent connection manager for Ivy Tech Kokomo’s Ivy+ Career Link division, noted that talking to employers can be overwhelming for many people. She offered these tips for how participants can make the most of their time at the Kokomo Area Career Fair:

• Update your resume and bring copies. We suggest 10 to 12.
• Prepare an elevator speech that is concise. Include reasons why you are interested in the company and how you might add value. Practice in front of family and friends for feedback.
• “Dress to impress.” This includes dress pants, skirts, button-down long sleeve shirts, and clean shoes. It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed.
• Research employers and companies who are planning to be at event.
• Prepare questions to ask employers. Examples include:
• What specific positions are you looking to hire?
• What do you look for in a team member?
• Can you describe your company culture?
• What do you like most about your job?
• Can you talk more about the hiring process?
• Stay positive. Talking to so many employers can be overwhelming. Use this as an opportunity to learn more about landing your ideal career.
• Collect business cards and follow up with a card or email thanking employers for their time