Ivy Tech Hamilton County is preparing to celebrate its annual 24-hour day of giving, Ivy Tech Day, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Ivy Tech Day is a statewide celebration that highlights the life-changing role the College plays in strengthening Indiana’s workforce and expanding access to higher education. The event will bring together students, alumni, faculty, staff, board members and partners for a day centered on opportunity, impact, and philanthropy.
This year, the Hamilton County campus aims to raise $45,000 in unrestricted support and has adopted the theme “Hog Wild for Ivy Tech,” a nod to campus pride and its mascot, Boris the Wild Boar. Throughout the 24-hour event, supporters are encouraged to share messages of encouragement on social media to amplify the importance of accessible, high-quality education and make a gift at ivytech.edu/giveday.
“Funds raised on Ivy Tech Day support important upgrades in classrooms that enhance teaching and learning, help expand capacity in high-demand programs and reduce barriers to student success, including creating more welcoming student spaces on campus,” says Chancellor Rachel Kartz. “Ivy Tech Day is about more than dollars – it is about opportunities. Every gift, at any size, opens opportunity for students and strengthens the future of the entire community.”
To build excitement and encourage participation, the community can participate in several challenges. As part of the day’s momentum, OneAmerica Financial Foundation will match gifts made between 12 AM and 9 AM up to $5,000 through the “Lead the Herd” challenge. Now in its third year supporting Ivy Tech Hamilton County, OneAmerica Financial Foundation continues to invest in Ivy Tech students and strengthen the local workforce.
“OneAmerica Financial Foundation believes education is one of the most powerful ways to create opportunity and build stronger communities,” says Allen McClendon, Community Affairs Director, OneAmerica Financial. “Our Foundation’s partnership with Ivy Tech Hamilton County reflects our commitment to helping students gain the skills, credentials and confidence needed to succeed. Our OneAmerica family is proud to support the students whose determination and talent will shape the future of Hamilton County and beyond.”
In addition to online challenges, the campus will host an on-site celebration from 11 AM to 2 PM. Guests can stop by to create a bracelet at a “Wild for Style” bracelet bar, participate in fun games, and enjoy food and music while learning more about the impact of Ivy Tech in the community.
“Many Ivy Tech students balance work, family responsibilities and coursework while pursuing degrees and certifications that lead to stronger career opportunities,” says Campus Board Chair Chuck Haberman. “Donations made between 12 AM and 11:59 PM on April 21 will provide resources that help Hamilton County students to focus on their education, persist through challenges and achieve their goals.”
While fundraising is central to the day, Ivy Tech Day is also a celebration of the College’s impact across Hamilton County. The campus continues to grow as a hub for workforce development, offering pathways that lead directly to careers in nursing, health sciences, information technology, business, and other high-demand fields. Students gain hands-on experience, earn industry-recognized credentials, and often enter the workforce more quickly and with less debt.
“As a veteran, a Hamilton County resident and a student pursuing computer science, Ivy Tech has given me the opportunity to build a new path for my future,” says Haele, an IT student and Philanthropy Assistant on campus. “Being part of the team working to raise $45,000 on Ivy Tech Day is especially meaningful because I know firsthand how much support like this matters. It helps students like me stay focused on school, gain real-world experience and move closer to a career in a field we’re passionate about.”
As April 21 approaches, the Hamilton County campus is encouraging supporters to mark their calendars and consider how they can make a difference. Whether through a financial gift, by becoming a Social Ambassador, or with a simple social media post, every action helps expand opportunities for local students.
To make a gift on April 21, or to sign up to fundraise as a Social Ambassador on behalf of the Hamilton County campus, visit ivytech.edu/giveday.
