Ivy Tech Honors Bloomington Residents with 2026 Awards

The Ivy Tech Foundation recently recognized local leaders for their professional success and campus contributions.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Awards

Bold vector editorial illustration showing a brick campus archway and a golden laurel wreath, representing community and academic achievement. — Ivy Tech Community College honored Marce Johnson and Connie and Steve Ferguson with top foundation awards for their local professional and campus achievements. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should local colleges prioritize community service impact when choosing alumni and benefactor award recipients?

Ivy Tech Community College recognized Marce Johnson as the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient on September 25, 2026. Connie and Steve Ferguson were also honored as Benefactors of the Year at the same celebration.

Why it matters

These awards highlight the achievements of local figures who have significantly impacted both the community and the development of the Ivy Tech Bloomington campus. The honors underscore the ongoing relationship between the college and regional leaders.

The awards identify Marce Johnson, Connie Ferguson, and Steve Ferguson as the 2026 honorees. These accolades recognize recipients who have demonstrated professional excellence and dedicated support to the institution.

The players

Marce Johnson

She serves as the executive director and CEO of the Owen County Chamber of Commerce.

Connie Ferguson

She is a past member of the Bloomington Campus Board of Trustees who received the Benefactor of the Year Award.

Steve Ferguson

He is a recipient of the 2026 Benefactor of the Year Award alongside his wife Connie.

The details

The recipients were formally honored during a statewide Ivy Tech Foundation celebration held in Indianapolis. Marce Johnson currently serves as the executive director and CEO of the Owen County Chamber of Commerce, while Connie Ferguson previously held a position on the Bloomington Campus Board of Trustees.

September 25, 2026: Award recipients were recognized at the event in Indianapolis.

Culture Shift

These awards reflect a broader societal focus on acknowledging the deep connections between community colleges and local economic leadership. Such recognition highlights how regional institutions cultivate lifelong partnerships with their alumni and philanthropic supporters.

These awards celebrate individuals who live and work within the Bloomington and Owen County regions, providing local residents with insights into the leadership driving regional development. The recognition serves to bolster community pride and highlights the local presence of the Ivy Tech campus.

The takeaway

Recognizing local leaders reinforces the strong ties between professional achievement and community service in the Bloomington area. Readers can look for similar community-focused honors to identify individuals making a significant impact on local development.