2025 Green & White Gala Celebrates Student Organizations and Leaders

Ahead of the academic year’s end, the Indianapolis campus of Ivy Tech Community College held its third annual Green & White Gala on Friday, April 18. Hosted by the Office of Student Life, the end-of-year celebration recognized 18 student organizations and awarded 29 students, staff, and faculty for their contributions to the campus community.

Held in the ballroom of the Conference Center and Culinary Institute, the event included dinner, music, a keynote address, and an award ceremony. As dinner was served, Anthony Halmon, director of student life, and Missy Brigham, assistant director of events and campus engagement, welcomed attendees and led interactive games and raffles.

Jacob Gerding, assistant director of student development and student experience, delivered a keynote address on the power of saying “yes.” He reflected on his own experiences of embracing new opportunities that helped him identify his passions and encouraged attendees to explore what motivates them through openness and involvement.

Following the keynote, Alex Banks, assistant director of student organizations, hosted the award ceremony honoring student organizations, student leaders, faculty, and staff who made a meaningful impact this year.

Culture Builders President’s Award

Awarded to each student who served as a student organization president:

• Kourtney Doyle, Art Club

• Amilliah Hinkle, Art Club

• Keneisha Still, Black Students United

• Carlos Linares, Campus Activity Board

• Willis Goble, Campus Insider Newspaper

• Elty Tracy, Future Teachers Organization

• MistyBlue Paschall, Human Services Club

• Antonia Mitchell, Indiana Students Hospitality Association

• Tarah Fred, Indiana Students Hospitality Association

• Bethy Natalia Avella, Indianapolis Robotics Club and Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers

• Michael Gallagher, Indianapolis Robotics Club

• Jeff Tomasic, Ivy Tech Atheists and Phi Theta Kappa

• Matthew Lum, Online Students Organization and Phi Theta Kappa

• Omotolani Amao, Pre-Professionals Club

• Jennifer Large, Sisters in STEM

• Armando Del Tejo, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers

• Enzo Liongson, Student Government Association

• Shamari Garrett, Student Government Association

• Natalie Dycus, Student Nurses Association

• Andres Sanchez, Student Organization of Latinos

• Yamilet Aca-Cuachitl, Student Organization of Latinos

• Sean Morgan, Student Veterans Association

Volunteer Staff Member of the Year

Recognizes staff who actively participate in student life events and initiatives:

• CharRhonda Walker

• Terri Cooley

Staff Member of the Year

Recognizes a staff member who creates a welcoming, supportive, and engaging environment on campus:

• Lori Qadir

Outstanding Faculty of the Year

Presented to a faculty member who holistically supports students inside and outside the classroom:

• Sara Fleischhacker

Faculty Champion for Student Success

Recognizes a faculty member for exceptional dedication to student engagement and academic achievement:

• Maureen Keller

Student Organization of the Year

Recognizes the most outstanding student organization based on leadership, collaboration, and community impact:

• Student Organization of Latinos (SOL)

Outstanding Student Advisor of the Year

Presented to a student organization advisor who demonstrates outstanding support and encouragement:

• Carrie Sample, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK)

Outstanding Student Leader of the Year

Presented to a student leader who goes above and beyond in service and leadership:

• Shalise Truxler, Human Services Club (HSC)

Student Organization Presidents of the Year

Recognizes student leaders who have shown superior leadership and dedication:

• Carlos Lizarazu Linares, Campus Activity Board (CAB)

• Bethy Natalia Avella, Indianapolis Robotics Club and Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)

Both awardees delivered heartfelt acceptance speeches. Carlos Lizarazu Linares thanked his peers, including former student leaders Andres Sanchez and Jeff Tomasic, for their support. He also expressed gratitude to Missy Brigham for encouraging him to run for CAB president and acknowledged the students who enrich Ivy Tech's campus culture.

Bethy Natalia Avella thanked the directors of student life for their advocacy and leadership development support. She also gave a collective thank-you to the entire student life department for their dedication to student growth.

You can find more ways to get involved on campus by visiting IvyLife and Library Events.