Ivy Tech gets nod for energy degree

The Indiana Commission for Higher Educationon Friday gave Ivy Tech Community College in Lafayette approval to begin offering associate degrees and certificates in sustainable energy technology.

This fall up to 40 students can take courses in solar energy installation, turbine construction and maintenance, "green" construction and others.

David Bathe, chancellor of Ivy Tech-Lafayette, said Lafayette will be the first Ivy Tech campus to offer the sustainable energy program.

"We're well-positioned for preparing the work force for jobs developing now and in the future," he said.

The associate of applied science is a two-year course of study. The technical certificate will require approximately a year of study, he said. Fall enrollment is under way. Call (765) 269-5200 or go to www.ivytech.edu/apply-now.html

Event to celebrate train travel

CRAWFORDSVILLE -- Passenger rail officials and Montgomery County elected officials will be on hand for a celebration of passenger rail service today in Crawfordsville.

The National Train Day rally will be at the Amtrak station in downtown Crawfordsville. The event will call attention to the need for better passenger rail service in the area.

The rally will be hosted by Crawfordsville HighSchool students, who have taken the lead in promoting passenger service in Montgomery County.

The event is from noon to 2 p.m. at the Amtrak station on North Green Street. The public is invited.

Purdue tech commencement set

Commencement exercises for the Purdue University College of Technology in Lafayette will be this afternoon.

More than 100 students will graduate during the 2 p.m. ceremony at Fowler Hall in the Stewart Center.

Other commencements for the program are being held at locations around the state.

-- Staff reports