RICHMOND, IN — 2003 Class of 2003 Lauralee Hites was awarded the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award at Ivy Tech Community College Richmond.
The state’s community college system will select 18 students from its campuses for the award, according to a news release. Graduates are honored to have made a lasting impact on Ivy Tech and its community through their professional, charitable, or volunteer achievements.
Dr. Sue Ellspermann, President of Ivy Tech said: “Our distinguished alumni have proven that an Ivy Tech education equates to career fulfillment and financial prosperity, and have witnessed first-hand the role the university has played in their lifelong success. I am honored.”
After earning a degree in business administration, Hites has spent nearly 20 years leading strategic design and implementation, communications, and professional development programs for Fortune 100 companies. Then in 2016 he founded Stratavize Consulting. Stratavize Consulting is a client-focused strategic planning and management consulting firm.
“Ivy Tech gave me a strong foundation for my bachelor’s degree, and I am now working towards my master’s degree,” said Hites. After his corporate career, he later opened his own consulting firm.
“They have made their first step towards academic achievement easy and affordable. We are honored to be recognized as outstanding graduates.”
Girls Inc. CEO and Executive Director Tai Muldoon was named for Mr. Heitz’s outstanding professional achievements and service to the community.
“She has proven that Ivy Tech graduates can do anything, including starting and growing their own businesses. We are investing,” Muldoon wrote in her nomination.
Indiana’s largest public institution of higher education, Ivy Tech, has recognized notable alumni since 1988.
A complete list of winners can be found at www.ivytech.edu/alumniawards.
Gerald “Gerry” Gerard was awarded the Richmond Campus Benefactor Award, which honors individuals, companies and foundations who have made an impact on Ivy Tech through their gifts and volunteer service.
“The passion our patrons have for Ivy Tech students is unmatched,” said Ellspermann. “Thanks to their generosity and volunteerism, our students can confidently pursue paths that lead to high-paying, in-demand careers that strengthen their communities and empower Indiana.”
In December 2019, Gerald completed the creation of two Gerald Family Scholarships to benefit students and alumni of Lincoln High School in the City of Cambridge.
Gerard also facilitated enrollment of Western Wayne School students into early college classes at Ivy Tech and assisted Lincoln High School in establishing a school-based, student-led, grassroots business.
Information about the 19 honorary patrons is available at www.ivytech.edu/benefactors.
Ivy Tech also offers scholarships for homeschooling students to take one class. The Homeschool Exploration Scholarship covers tuition, fees and required textbooks.
Pre-registration checklist items must be completed by October 21st and classes will begin on October 24th. An interest form can be found at https://forms.gle/aTDyWfRh63JnE8aE7.
For more information, please contact Morgan McClure, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Enrollment (mmcclure33@ivytech.edu).