IUPUC recently honored the Community Education Coalition at the annual IUPUI Spirit of Philanthropy Luncheon and Awards Ceremony. 

The Spirit of Philanthropy awards recognize individuals, corporations, and foundations that have supported and contributed to university programs and departments through their gifts and voluntary service.

“We are pleased to recognize the Community Education Coalition as IUPUC’s 2010 recipient for this prestigious award.  Its unique leadership has improved education in southeast central Indiana through not only persistent advocacy and generosity but also innovative programs that bring together professional partnerships,” said Stacy Zearing, IUPUC director of Development and External Affairs. “These collaborations have produced outcomes much greater than what could have been achieved with the status quo and clearly demonstrate careful vision from the CEC.”

The CEC has supported IUPUC and the broader education community in raising, leveraging, and investing over $150 million to support development of the learning system including the following:

• the development and management of the $25 million Columbus Learning Center facility in support of IUPUC, Purdue College of Technology, Ivy Tech Community College, WorkOne, local schools, and the community.
• led the efforts to raise $3 million from the Columbus community to fund the start up of five IUPUC bachelors degree programs as well as IUPUC's MBA, along with selected Purdue and Ivy Tech programs. During IUPUC's "Bold Aspirations" campaign, the CEC helped raise over $1.3 million to benefit the IUPUC Campus Fund and the Center for Teaching and Learning.

The Community Education Coalition is a partnership of education, business, and community leaders focused on aligning and integrating the region’s community learning system with economic growth and a high quality of life.

The CEC serves as a catalyst for establishing Columbus as a regional center for higher education and workforce development. 
The coalition promotes the importance of a seamless learning system that offers accessible, affordable education for students of all ages and fosters collaboration to advance student achievement across the entire learning system (Pre-K through grade 16 and beyond).

The Spirit of Philanthropy Luncheon and Awards Ceremony is sponsored by the Indiana University Foundation, IUPUI and the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.