Ivy Tech Community College in downtown Frankfort celebrated five years in operation Wednesday afternoon with an anniversary reception in the outdoor courtyard on the school campus.
The celebration attracted many individuals who were involved in the conception of the campus from local residents and business leaders to local officials. The event, which was highlighted by a short presentation by elected officials, community leaders and Ivy Tech representatives, was also held in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the Ivy Tech Lafayette region.
“This is a huge day for us,” said Ivy Tech Frankfort Site Director Andrew Muffett. “Five years shows just how much this community was behind Ivy Tech and seeing it all come together. This is a monumental day to highlight all those efforts that went into the first five years.”
Muffett has been the site director for the last three years. He replaced Susie Trees, who was the site director at the college for two years before she retired.
“I’ve seen quite a bit of growth is both enrollment, partnerships with the community and partnerships with industry,” said Muffett. “We’ve seen a lot of things happen.”
Chancellor Dr. David Bathe was also on hand for the celebration.
“I am grateful to have the opportunity to be involved,” said Bathe. “But, it was really the vision of the people here who had a desire to make that occur for the posterity and growth of the community. We were happy to participate. But it was all local.”
Bathe admitted he was surprised by the way this college has evolved.
“This is one of the most beautiful facilities in the system,” said Bathe. “It attracts students and it’s in the center of the county. We’re just so pleased with the growth and the development and look forward to the next five years.”