Bank's gift paves way for Ivy Tech-Frankfort campus

FRANKFORT, Ind. (WLFI) - The Farmers Bank is giving $200,000 toward the establishment of an Ivy Tech Community College campus in Frankfort, Ind.

The announcement was made Thursday at the Farmers Bank in Frankfort.

“Without question, one of the keys to the future for our community and for our customers, neighbors, and friends is education,” The Farmers Bank President and CEO Karen Miller said. “An Ivy Tech education leads directly to satisfying careers or on to the next stage of college at four-year schools. Having a campus of this accessible, affordable college right here on the square will mean the doors to that future will be open to everyone.”

The bank will sponsor the “spirit” of the campus with a series of plaques featuring inspirational quotes.

“The plaques will display quotes selected to inspire, encourage and open minds to new possibilities, and even to amuse. And so today I am also proud to say that the spirit The Farmers Bank will also be the spirit of Ivy Tech-Frankfort,” Miller said.

The Ivy Tech-Frankfort campus will be located at 251 E. Clinton St., the current site of The Frankfort Times. The purchase of the building is being finalized, and the Times will relocate its operations. Susie Trees, a lifelong Frankfort resident, has been named director of the new campus.

“We are very pleased with the welcoming support the college has received from the community,” Ivy Tech-Lafayette Chancellor Dr. David Bathe said. “The exciting vision that has been put forward by Mayor Chris McBarnes and the greater Frankfort community is inspiring. We look forward to serving Frankfort and Clinton County for years to come.”

A community fund-raising campaign is underway to secure funds to remodel, equip and furnish the building.