Ivy Tech Community College Hamilton County has two local honorees among this year’s Ivy Tech Foundation award recipients.

Ava Knight received the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award, and OneAmerica Financial was named the 2026 Hamilton County Benefactor of the Year. Both were recognized Sept. 25 at a statewide celebration in Indianapolis.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the college’s highest honor for alumni achievement. It recognizes graduates who have made a lasting impact on their professions, their communities and Ivy Tech through professional, philanthropic or volunteer work.

Knight graduated from the General Studies program at the Hamilton County campus in Noblesville. While a student, she served as secretary of the Student Government Association, was active in campus life and took part in the college’s Leadership Academy, along with community service work.

She now works at Centier Bank in Carmel. Knight has stayed involved with the campus, representing Centier at the college’s career fair and helping current students prepare for their careers.

OneAmerica Financial was honored for its support of the Hamilton County campus. The college cited the company’s commitment to expanding educational opportunity, strengthening the local workforce and helping students pursue careers in Central Indiana. Allen McClendon accepted the award on behalf of the company.

“Today we celebrate remarkable individuals and an organization whose contributions reflect the transformative power of education and philanthropy,” said Kelly Wallace, executive director of development and marketing at Ivy Tech Hamilton County.

Ivy Tech Foundation President Stephannie Bailey said the honorees “represent the very best of Ivy Tech’s mission in action.”

“Their achievements, leadership, generosity, and service create opportunities for students and strengthen communities across Indiana,” Bailey said.