COLUMBUS, Ind. – Ivy Tech Community College and the Ivy Tech Foundation recently recognized Ivy Tech alumni, donors, and volunteers from across the state at the 2024 Distinguished Alumni and Benefactor Awards in Indianapolis.
The awards celebrate the contributions of accomplished graduates and generous donors and volunteers to their communities and Ivy Tech. Each of Ivy Tech’s 19 campuses nominated a graduate and a donor for the Distinguished Alumni and Benefactor Awards, which the Ivy Tech Foundation administers annually.
Ivy Tech Columbus honored Kassi Zeigler of Columbus with the Distinguished Alumni Award, which celebrates Ivy Tech graduates who have made a lasting impact on their communities and Ivy Tech through their exceptional professional, philanthropic, or volunteer achievements. Zeigler is a branch relationship manager at Centra Credit Union. She graduated from Ivy Tech Columbus with an associate degree in general studies. She completed Student Leadership Academy, was on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Counsel, and was President and Vice President of the Student Government Association.
Mary and Bob Orben of Columbus were presented with the Benefactor Award, which applauds the generosity of donors and volunteers – including individuals, corporations, and foundations – whose support enables the Ivy Tech Foundation to bridge financial gaps that promote the academic success and career readiness of students. Among the organizations the Orbens have uplifted are Columbus Regional Heath Foundation, Our Hospice, United Way, First Presbyterian Church, and Ivy Tech, where they have been donors for over 25 years with gifts supporting scholarships and innovative equipment.
Ivy Tech Columbus Chancellor Dr. Steven Combs said. “Kassi is an outstanding alumnus who has leveraged her education and experiences at Ivy Tech to advance her career and make a positive difference in our community. Mary and Bob Orben help make Columbus an incredible community through their long history of thoughtfulness and generosity. We are so thankful they believe in the power of education to change lives.”
Mary and Bob Orben-Courtesy of Ivy Tech Columbus
Kassi Zeigler-Courtesy of Ivy Tech Columbus
