2025 Ivy Tech Indianapolis Commencement Highlight Video

From sunrise to tassel turning, the day was filled with emotional tributes, hard-earned milestones, and a shared spirit of purpose that resonated through every handshake, hug, and cheer.

Before the roaring celebration inside Corteva Coliseum, the day began in the Conference Center and Culinary Institute on campus with a time-honored tradition: the Nursing Pinning Ceremony. There, about 100 graduates received their Ivy Tech pins and took the Florence Nightingale Pledge.

Nursing Pinning Ceremony

Conference Center and Culinary Institute

"For years, I’ve spoken at pinning ceremonies saying, 'I look forward to the day one of you is at my bedside or caring for my family.' This past year, that day came—and you were there. You were competent, compassionate, and nothing short of extraordinary. "

Dr. Myra Hart
^{In her final pinning ceremony as dean of the School of Nursing}

"The joy of having accomplished a seemingly insurmountable task. The fear of the unknown. The excitement of finally being able to work some overtime and make some money, because man, we are tired of being broke college students!" Sean Barksdale laughed. His voice then grew more serious as he added, "We are Ivy Tech nurses ... strong, talented, and educated."

Sean Barksdale, 2025 Nursing Pinning Ceremony Graduate Speaker

"Nursing is not just a job; it's a calling ... We relinquished control of our time, missed moments with loved ones, and sometimes cried. But we didn't quit ... The reputation of this field rests in our hands."

Ciemone Rose
^{2025 Nursing Pinning Ceremony Graduate Speaker}

Commencement Ceremony

Corteva Coliseum

LIVE STREAM: 2025 Ivy Tech Indianapolis Commencement Ceremony

Ivy Tech Indianapolis celebrated the conferment of 1,855 associate degrees, 1,859 certificates, and 2,424 technical certificates to the Class of 2025 beginning at 2 p.m. in the Corteva Coliseum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. This year’s graduates reflect the strength and diversity of Indiana’s largest Ivy Tech campus, which serves more than 31,000 students annually with the support of over 1,000 dedicated faculty and staff.

The stage was set in the Coliseum for an afternoon filled with gratitude, inspiration, and forward-looking energy. Chancellor Dr. Stacy Atkinson led the ceremony as master of ceremonies, opening the event by honoring veteran graduates and welcoming families, faculty, and the Class of 2025.

“May we recognize the strength within ourselves and the power of education to transform not only our own lives, but our communities and the world around us.”
Dr. Robin Chaddock, Grand Marshal and 2024 President’s Faculty Award recipient

Stage Party Members at the 2025 Ivy Tech Indianapolis Commencement

Commencement Speaker

Dr. Sue Ellspermann – President, Ivy Tech Community College

Graduate Speaker

Luke Miller – Certificate & Associate of Applied Science, Early Childhood Education

Ivy Tech Indianapolis Campus Leadership

Dr. Stacy Atkinson – Chancellor

Andy Cummings – Chief Operating Officer

Dr. Claire Maxson – Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs

Dr. Niki Fjeldal – Vice Chancellor of Student Success

Dr. Greg Bond – Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Services

Cat Cleary – Vice Chancellor of Development

Julie Johns-Cole – Vice Chancellor of Ivy+ Career Link

Ivy Tech Indianapolis Campus Board of Trustees

Mario Rodriguez – Chairperson, Indianapolis Airport Authority

Aaron Williams – Secretary, Google

Ryan Chelli – Trustee, Community Health Network Foundation

Darrick Collier – Trustee, Walmart

Ivy Tech Indianapolis Deans

Dr. Myra Hart – Dean, School of Nursing

Sara Shlaer – Dean, School of Arts, Science, and Education

Patrick Benner – Dean, School of Information Technology

Dr. Terri Fleming – Dean, School of Health Sciences

Mark Richards – Dean, School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering & Applied Science

Dr. Tammy L. Cooper – Dean, School of Business Administration Logistics & Supply Chain, School of Public Affairs and Social Services, School of Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Honored Participants

Dr. Robin Chaddock – Grand Marshal and 2024 President’s Faculty Award Recipient

Joe Morris – Adjunct Faculty and 2024 President’s Adjunct Award Recipient

Ivy Tech Statewide Leadership

Courtney Roberts – President, Ivy Tech Foundation

Dominick Chase – Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Ivy Tech State Board of Trustees Indianapolis Representatives

Terry Anker – Chairman, The Anker Consulting Group

Marianne Glick – Trustee, Glick Philanthropies

In her final commencement season as Ivy Tech’s president, Dr. Sue Ellspermann delivered a heartfelt keynote reflecting on the journeys of Ivy Tech students and her own path through higher education and public service.

“Class of 2025, you’re ready. You’re ready to step into new careers, transfer to four-year institutions, launch businesses, or lead in your communities. And, you’re ready to do so with the confidence that you belong in every room you enter. You have earned it.”
Dr. Sue Ellspermann, President, Ivy Tech Community College

Dr. Ellspermann was also honored with an Ivy Tech honorary degree in college and community service, recognizing her transformational leadership and unwavering commitment to access and student success.