Jean Cole’s dedication to Ivy Tech Community College goes back more than three decades, according to an Ivy Tech news release.
She and her husband, Logansport businessman Milt Cole, have generously supported the College with time, talent, and treasure – helping to make Ivy Tech’s Logansport site a reality, funding scholarships, serving as members of the Kokomo Board of Trustees. Jean helped found the Circle of Ivy, Ivy Tech’s statewide philanthropic society for women, and has worked tirelessly to encourage student success.
She’s seen a lot and done a lot, but she still can be impressed, as shown during her first visit to Ivy Tech Kokomo’s new Health Professions Center recently.
“I am so thrilled to see how this project is coming together,” Jean said during a tour that included the new community room and classrooms and labs earmarked for nursing, health sciences, and technology. “I wish I was young again so I could take advantage of all these programs Ivy Tech is offering in these new spaces!
“This is the future – for Ivy Tech students and for the community,” she continued. “People will want to go to school here. This is an environment that will motivate students to do great things.”
Just to the right of the atrium of the new building, getting its finishing touches, Jean found what is being christened the Milt and Jean Cole Family Classroom. Thanks to a Cole Family donation to #THETIMEISNOW campaign, the classroom will soon buzz with Ivy Tech instructors educating students there.
“My service as a member of the Ivy Tech Kokomo Board of Trustees made me realize how important Ivy Tech is to Indiana,” Jean said. “Ivy Tech offers so many opportunities for people who may not be able to afford to go away to college, people who might not have thought going to college was even possible.”
Kelly Karickhoff, executive director of resource development for Ivy Tech Kokomo, served as Jean’s tour guide.
“After all the years of planning and preparing for this project, it is so exciting to see the reactions of visitors who have gotten a preview of the new Health Professions Center, especially someone like Jean who has been so involved in the College,” Karickhoff said. “The Coles’ contributions have been vital in advancing Ivy Tech’s mission of serving the communities of Cass, Fulton, Howard, Miami, and Tipton counties – and the College and our students are very grateful for their continuing support.”
Construction of the Health Professions Center is just one part of the $43 million transformation project currently underway on Ivy Tech’s Kokomo Campus.
Along with a $40 million appropriation from the State of Indiana, Ivy Tech’s #THETIMEISNOW campaign is working to raise an additional $3 million in contributions from area residents, organizations, and businesses to complete the project.
