Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist, George F. Will, will headline Ivy Tech Bloomington’s ninth annual O’Bannon Institute for Community Service next spring. The O’Bannon Institute will take place over the course of three days, from April 25-27, 2012.

The O'Bannon Institute is Ivy Tech Community College - Bloomington's annual signature event that brings focus to community service, service learning, and civic engagement. The O’Bannon Institute launched nine years ago by Ivy Tech’s Bloomington campus is an annual opportunity for the community to come together to discuss topics related to nonprofits, education and political and civic service. Previous speakers at the Institute include former U.S. Senators, Pulitzer prize-winning authors, Governors, political advisers and columnists, a presidential candidate, and former First Lady of the United States, Laura W. Bush.

The O'Bannon Institute is named to honor the legacy of the late Governor Frank O'Bannon, in recognition of the role he played in the formation of Indiana's community college system and in commemoration of his lifetime commitment to community service.

Among Ivy Tech Bloomington's goals is that students graduate with academic achievement and a sense of responsibility to serve their communities. The O'Bannon Institute for Community Service is one way in which the college fulfills this goal, by providing a forum for the discussion of local issues. The O'Bannon Institute for Community Service carries out the mission of Ivy Tech's Bloomington campus to be a comprehensive community college.

I trust that you will enjoy the programs we assemble and that you will be inspired by these discussions to become locally engaged.

John Whikehart, Chancellor
Ivy Tech Community College - Bloomington