Terre Haute Regional Hospital received 2021 ‘Outstanding Ivy Tech Alumni Employer’ award
TERRE HAUTE – Ivy Tech Community College Terre Haute announced Terre Haute Regional Hospital as the 2021 recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Employer Award, due to its outstanding demonstration of commitment to education and the community. A ceremony was held today at the hospital’s 7th Street location, attended by employees, Ivy Tech alumni, and Ivy Tech and hospital officials.
“We are so grateful for the partnership we have with Ivy Tech,” said Lindsay Stergar, Terre Haute Regional Hospital Chief Operating Officer. “Over the years, Ivy Tech has aligned their offerings with our community healthcare needs, allowing graduates to remain in the community and have satisfying careers. We count on Ivy Tech to develop students to join us in our commitment to the care and improvement of human life.”
“Ivy Tech graduates are prepared to make an immediate impact when they join Regional, and some of our most valued employees started their educational journeys at Ivy Tech,” she added.
Danielle Kull, Director of Respiratory Therapy and Special Diagnostics at Terre Haute Regional Hospital, is one Ivy Tech alumna who attended the ceremony. Kull earned her respiratory therapy associate degree from Ivy Tech in 2006 and started work at Terre Haute Regional Hospital as a student therapist even before graduating. After graduation, she transitioned to working as a respiratory therapist and advanced to a management position within the department in 2014. She recently advanced into her current position, overseeing both respiratory therapy and special diagnostics.
Kull said that Ivy Tech alumni make up a large portion of the two departments she oversees.
“Ivy Tech has been amazing as a feeder program for healthcare staff in many fields,” said Kull. “I’d say approximately 80% of my staff are Ivy Tech graduates. In addition to respiratory therapists, there are Ivy Tech graduates who are specialized in cardiac and vascular diagnostic sonography. Ivy Tech’s clinical program is robust, so by the time graduates are ready to start a career, they have already gained experience in many different facilities and locations throughout the state.”
Kull stressed the importance of maintaining a strong healthcare pipeline.
“The shortage of healthcare workers was impacted further by COVID-19,” she said. “Some left the field during the pandemic, and there are many who are close to retirement, so there is a huge demand for professionals in all healthcare fields.”
Ivy Tech Terre Haute will present the Outstanding Alumni Employer Award bi-annually to organizations located in the Greater Wabash Valley that demonstrate a commitment to education, Ivy Tech graduates, and that serve as a community leader, contributing to the wellbeing and economic success of their communities. The Ivy Tech Terre Haute Alumni Council manages nominations for the Outstanding Alumni Employer Award, and nominations are reviewed annually.
To learn how to become involved in the Ivy Tech Alumni Community, visit ivytech.edu/alumni.
