TERRE HAUTE -- Ivy Tech Community College Wabash Valley Region held its 40th Annual Commencement on Friday night at Indiana State University's Hulman Center in Terre Haute.

This event featured Brad Ellsworth, U.S. Congressman, 8th District, as the Keynote Speaker. Jeff Pittman, PhD, vice provost of Distance Education and chancellor -- Wabash Valley Region, Ivy Tech Community College, and Susan Brooks, JD, senior vice president for WED and general counsel, Ivy Tech Community, also participated in the ceremony.

The Honor Duke A. Bennett, Mayor, City of Terre Haute, was presented the Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Mayor Bennett completed his associate of science degree in Electronics Communications in 1980 from Ivy Tech and went on to receive his bachelor of science degree in Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. Mayor Bennett was elected to his current position in 2007 and took office in January 2008.

Prior to serving the citizens of Terre Haute, he was employed by Hamilton Center, Inc. as the director of operations. Even before becoming mayor.

Additional presentations included the Larry Lowey Award to Anjuli Smith of Dugger.

The recipient of this award must be an associate degree graduate who has shown high academic standards, excellence in leadership, student citizenship and high success in the field of electronics - as judged by the faculty of the Electronics & Computer Technology department.

Larry Lowey demonstrated an increasing devotion to excellence in teaching and promoting electronics throughout the Wabash Valley and the state. Through his efforts, the Electronics & Computer Technology program has developed a legacy of innovation and leadership in the field of electronics.

Other commencement award winners included: Morley Award - Alysia Gilbert (Lewis), Traci Moore (Bridgeton), and Kelsey Smith (Brazil); Leon Blum Award - Kim Briggs (Terre Haute); Larry Lowey Award, Computer Information Systems and Technology Award - Alan Young (Clinton, IN), Phi Theta Kappa Award - Christopher Swander (Terre Haute); and C. Huston Isaacs Award - Tina Kiger (Terre Haute).

Ivy Tech Community College is the state's second largest public post-secondary institution with over 100,000 students enrolled annually. Ivy Tech has 23 campuses throughout Indiana.

It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana.

It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The Wabash Valley Region offers 26 degree programs and eight locations throughout the area.