Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana Northwest has announced the names of the eight recipients of the Fifth Annual Chancellor's Scholarship. The students, two from each of the four campuses in Region 1, were chosen because of their scholastic achievements and commitment to education. Over 350 attendees honored the eight students at the dinner which was held at the Avalon Manor, in Merrillville on October 5. The theme of the dinner was "Changing Lives: Creating A Better Future."

To be eligible, students must have completed 15 hours in a degree program, have a minimum grade point average of 3.75, reside in one of the seven counties served by the Ivy Tech Northwest Region and submitted an essay. Based on the student's essay and financial need, final determinations were made by a committee of administrators and faculty. The awardees for the 2006 - 2007 academic year are: Rosa Nelia Garcia and Deborah Gooden, Gary Campus; Tammi Robison and Barbara Diller, Michigan City campus; Shannon Gollnick and Patricia Talbot, Valparaiso campus; and Mozell Hill and Raquel Santos, East Chicago campus.

Raquel Santos is an associate degree in mortuary science 2007 candidate. She currently is earning a 4.0 in the program and is serving her practicum with Geisen Funeral Homes (Crown Point and Hebron). "We are proud of Raquel's accomplishments. We look forward to her joining the ranks of men and women in this noble profession," states Geisen funeral director Michelle Tracy - Kasaros. Michelle is charged with overseeing Raquel's progress during her two semester practicum requirement.

Prior to Ivy Tech, Raquel earned a bachelor degree in Business Management from Purdue University. "I decided to integrate my business knowledge into the funeral industry for a more rewarding career than I could ever image," states Raquel.

Michelle was one of many local funeral directors, graduates, and mortuary students who attended the dinner in support of education and mortuary student Raquel. Also on hand were Jan and Matthew Hahn of Calumet Park Cemetery and Funeral Chapel (Merrillville) (Jan also serve on the program's advisory board), graduates and Calumet Park interns Tammy Vogel and Kim Jones, funeral directors Robert Acevez and Jeff Sachs; adjunct professor Elden LaHayne, LaHayne Funeral Home (Hammond); advisory chair Jim F. Burns, Burns Funeral Homes and Crematory (Crown Point and Hobart); adjunct professor Tara Wright and Lynn Wright, Kuiper Funeral Home (Highland); Christopher Podorski, Christopher Funeral Home (Lake Station); Melisa Katona, Rees Funeral Homes (Hobart, Lake Station, Winfield, and Portage); Tracy Jackson-Nowkowski of Hegewisch, IL; David Sanders of Lafayette, IN; Sara Dawson of South Bend; and Gloria Eldridge, Smith - Bizzell & Warner Funeral Home (Gary).

"Chancellor Valtierra's commitment is strong. As a result of his commitment, many deserving students like Raquel benefit from scholarships raised through his annual Dinner," adds program chairman Rick Soria.