Published: November 05, 2009 09:07 pm         

Ivy Tech-Wabash Valley dedicates Greencastle campus

GREENCASTLE — Ivy Tech Community College-Wabash Valley Region on Thursday celebrated the accomplishments of those involved in the journey from conception to completion of its new campus at Veteran’s Highway and Zinc Mill Road in Greencastle.

“Today we celebrate the partnerships that were forged to make this campus a reality and to celebrate the futures of the many people whose lives will be changed by the opportunities they find here,” said Sue Murray, Greencastle mayor.

The dedication, staged at Greencastle’s new Center for Workforce and Economic Development, is the culmination of a dream that began in 1989 when Ivy Tech first offered classes in leased facilities.

Groundbreaking for the new facility began in May 2008 and students began classes in September 2009, ahead of the predicted January 2010 completion date. The 32,000-square-foot structure is a state-of-the-art education and training center featuring a nursing lab set up to simulate a hospital emergency room, a Student Success Center, a bookstore and a library, in addition to classrooms, labs and offices.

Its location overlooks meadow and forest areas and is Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana’s first “green campus,” earning LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

“We are very excited about this new campus and the ability to meet the postsecondary education needs of the residents of Putnam County and surrounding counties,” said Tom Snyder, president of Ivy Tech Community College. “This new campus will have a positive impact not only on the economic development of Putnam County, but also the individual achievement and career opportunities for the community’s residents.”

“All of us at Ivy Tech are extremely grateful to the many, many individuals who have made this new campus a reality,” said Jeff Pittman, chancellor of Ivy Tech Community College–Wabash Valley Region. “If it were not for the exemplary support of city and county officials, area legislators, local business and industry, and many other community leaders, a new campus here simply would not have happened. Because of their vision and determination, Greencastle and surrounding communities are well positioned for the future to develop a well-educated work force.”