Ivy Tech Hosts Ivy & Iron Awards Luncheon Honoring Correctional Staff and Faculty

MADISON Ind. – Ivy Tech Community College hosted the first Ivy & Iron Awards Luncheon on June 11, 2025, bringing together educators and leaders from across Indiana to celebrate the dedication, innovation, and impact of correctional education staff working in partnership with the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC).

Through this partnership, Ivy Tech delivers high-quality adult basic education (ABE), English language learning (ELL), and career and technical education (CTE) programs, preparing incarcerated individuals for re-entry through certifications, industry credentials, and transferable college credits.

“Ivy & Iron honors those who make education within correctional facilities not only possible, but transformative,” said Amber Finnegan, State Director of Education. “These award winners represent the passion, perseverance, and purpose that define our shared mission—empowering individuals with the tools to build better futures.”

The Ivy & Iron Awards recognize excellence across a range of roles—from instruction and innovation to administrative support and site leadership. Award recipients were nominated by peers and selected for their commitment to student success in correctional education.

2025 Ivy & Iron Award Recipients

• Compass Award – Debbie Davis (New Castle Correctional Facility)
  For providing steady guidance and support at the heart of the school.
• Stepping-stone Award – Lori Stranger (Plainfield Correctional Facility)
  For helping others advance through compassion and action.
• Luminary Award – Joe Wenig (Miami Correctional Facility)
  For forward-thinking innovation and bright leadership.
• Rising Star Award – Dr. Sam Frantz (Wabash Valley Correctional Facility)
  For showing early excellence and promise in correctional education.
• Anchor Award – Linda Brinkman (Westville Correctional Facility)
  For providing essential support and stability behind the scenes.
• Beacon Award – Gin Jarnagin (New Castle Correctional Facility)
  For illuminating learning in ABE and ELL classrooms.
• Pathfinder Award – Shane Schwartzkopf (Westville Correctional Facility)
  For charting new paths to career success through vocational training.
• Cornerstone Award – Shawn Hughes (Putnamville Correctional Facility)
  For foundational leadership and program coordination.
• Summit Award – ABE – Erica Jane Coulter (Madison Correctional Facility)
  For excellence in Adult Basic Education.
• Summit Award – CTE – Jeremiah Johnson (Putnamville Correctional Facility)
  For exceptional work in Career and Technical Education.
• Keystone Award – Branchville Correctional Facility Team
  For outstanding teamwork and educational excellence.
  (Team: Laura James, Kendall Zabel, Michael Phillips, Brad Zellner, Kara Scott, Bryan Lafollette, James Rash)