Henry County Community Foundation, Henry County Hospital Foundation and six local couples have agreed to invest $1 million with Ivy Tech Community College campus in New Castle.

    Both Foundations are providing $250,000 each for one-half million dollars and with the six couples combined for another half million in individual donations, the money will be used to complete a medical education center at Ivy Tech’s selected site at 3335 S. State Road 3.

      “The Henry County Community Foundation’s board of directors unanimously approved their support of $250,000 to help complete the new wing,” said Beverly Matthews, executive director. “Our investment is in this community and there’s no better way to strengthen it than to empower local citizens with education and degree opportunities right here at home.”

      Leading the challenge to raise $1 million for the local Ivy Tech campus was Gregory L. Crider, local attorney and president of the Danielson Center council. “I am humbled by the generosity of our citizens and institutions in this community and their commitment to future prosperity. We will now have two colleges with presence in Henry County, allowing residents to complete both associates and bachelor degrees.” IU East also has a satellite campus in New Castle at the Danielson Center on Trojan Lane.

      “Looking out for the current as well as future health and health care of our community, training future employees for the hospital and other area health agencies right here in our community is a great endeavor,” said Henry County Hospital President and CEO Paul Janssen.

      Ivy Tech’s commitment of $600,000 in capital and $450,000 annually in ongoing costs coupled with the Henry County Council allocation of $2.2 million in food and beverage tax revenue, secured Phase 1 of the building.

      “The injection of $1 million will complete Phase 2 of the Ivy Tech New Castle campus and allow area students to earn two-year degrees in the medical field, where the job market is growing. This is a tribute that Henry County is a community who truly cares,” stated Matthews.