Burda at Ivy Tech Valparaiso: Real People Shaping the Future of Community Education

Burda at Ivy Tech Valparaiso Community College is one of Indiana’s most important public education systems, offering affordable and flexible education to students of all backgrounds.

Contents

Sandi Burda – Key Staff Member at the Information Center Viktoriia Burda – Graduate of the 2025 Ivy Tech Program Ivy Tech Valparaiso Campus Overview Valparaiso’s campus offers Educational Programs and Student Support Services Program Options Include Community Engagement and Local Connections Community outreach includes Other Notable Mentions of the Burda Name Conclusion FAQs

One of its notable campuses, Ivy Tech Valparaiso, serves thousands of students every year and has built a reputation for workforce training, degree programs, and strong community support.

Among the many names that appear across staff and student records at Ivy Tech Valparaiso, the name Burda stands out. Members of the Burda family are connected to the college in different ways—one as a staff member and one as a graduate. These individuals reflect the true spirit of Ivy Tech: commitment, service, and personal growth through education.

In this article, we’ll explore the roles of Sandi Burda and Viktoriia Burda, and how their involvement at Ivy Tech Valparaiso adds meaning to the school’s mission and values. We’ll also provide a broader look at the campus, its programs, and how people like the Burdas are helping shape its story.

Sandi Burda – Key Staff Member at the Information Center

Sandi Burda is known for her role as the Information Center Receptionist at Ivy Tech Valparaiso. Though it may seem like a behind-the-scenes job to outsiders, her role is actually one of the most visible and important positions on campus.

Every day, Sandi likely greets new students, helps answer questions, guides visitors to classrooms or faculty offices, and connects people to student services. Her presence at the front desk represents Ivy Tech’s commitment to hospitality and student support.

The first impression of any college often begins with the receptionist, and Sandi ensures that students feel welcomed and guided—not confused or overwhelmed.

Her daily efforts may involve everything from answering phone calls and managing appointment schedules to offering emotional support to first-year students who might be nervous or lost.

This kind of friendly presence builds a culture of trust and belonging—especially at a college that serves students from many walks of life, including first-generation college students.

By maintaining strong communication, positive energy, and professionalism, Sandi Burda contributes to the smooth functioning of the college and plays a quiet but vital role in student success.

Viktoriia Burda – Graduate of the 2025 Ivy Tech Program

Viktoriia Burda represents another important side of Ivy Tech: the student experience. According to the official 2025 Commencement Program, Viktoriia earned a certificate from Ivy Tech Community College. This achievement reflects not only academic effort but also the successful completion of a focused career path.

Certificate programs at Ivy Tech are designed to prepare students for direct entry into the workforce. They’re often short, intense, and specialized—ranging from medical billing to IT support, welding, or early childhood education. Viktoriia’s graduation means she met all the academic and practical requirements necessary to qualify for certification in her field of study.

For many students, such certifications are a life-changing opportunity. They can lead to higher income, better job security, and even pathways to further education.

Viktoriia’s name on the list tells a story of perseverance and achievement. She might be the first in her family to complete such a program, or she may have balanced her education with work or parenting responsibilities.

No matter her background, Viktoriia Burda shows what is possible when students receive the resources and support they need to succeed. Her success is Ivy Tech’s success.

Ivy Tech Valparaiso Campus Overview

The Ivy Tech Valparaiso campus is located at 3100 Ivy Tech Drive in Valparaiso, Indiana. It serves as a regional hub for students across Porter, LaPorte, Jasper, and nearby counties.

The campus is part of the larger Ivy Tech system, which spans the entire state of Indiana, but each campus has its own personality and focus areas.

Valparaiso’s campus offers

Smart classrooms equipped with modern learning technology.
Simulation labs for nursing and healthcare students.
IT and networking labs that prepare students for careers in tech.
Quiet study areas, student lounges, and academic support centers.

The environment at Ivy Tech Valparaiso is designed to feel less intimidating than a big university, while still providing all the tools students need to succeed. The campus is a blend of career readiness, academic achievement, and community connection.

For many, it serves as the first step toward a better future. And for others, it’s a place to return later in life to learn new skills or change careers.

Educational Programs and Student Support Services

Ivy Tech Valparaiso provides a wide variety of programs that cater to students’ goals—whether they’re entering the workforce, switching fields, or planning to transfer to a four-year university.

Program Options Include

Certificate programs: Usually completed in 6–12 months and focused on technical or career-specific skills.
Associate degrees: Two-year degrees in fields like nursing, business, software development, and criminal justice.
Transfer degrees: Designed to help students move into bachelor’s programs at universities like Purdue or Indiana University.

But the academic side is just one part of the student journey. Ivy Tech also provides strong student support services such as:

Academic advising to help students choose the right courses.
Tutoring and learning centers for extra help.
Career services that help with job placements, resume writing, and interview practice.
Mental health counseling and financial aid support for those who need it.

Staff members like Sandi Burda help bridge the gap between students and these resources. Many students come to Ivy Tech unsure of where to start, and support staff guide them step by step.

Community Engagement and Local Connections

Ivy Tech Valparaiso doesn’t just serve students—it serves the entire community. The college regularly partners with local employers to ensure its graduates have real job opportunities. These partnerships also help Ivy Tech design courses that match current industry needs.

Community outreach includes

Job and career fairs.
Business training workshops.
High school dual credit programs.
Public health clinics and wellness events.

When students like Viktoriia Burda graduate from these programs, they’re not just earning certificates—they’re entering a workforce that’s been prepared to receive them. That connection between classroom and community is what sets Ivy Tech apart from many other colleges.

The college also hosts volunteer drives, food banks, and cultural events, making it a lively and inclusive part of Valparaiso’s identity.

Other Notable Mentions of the Burda Name

While not directly tied to the college, a Thomas Burda appears in local media as a high school football player from Valparaiso. His athletic achievements are noted in game reports and highlight reels.

This might not seem relevant to Ivy Tech at first, but it suggests that the Burda family may have broader roots in the Valparaiso area.

Families often support their members through both sports and education, and names like Thomas, Sandi, and Viktoriia all point toward a shared commitment to progress—whether it’s on the field, in the classroom, or at work.

Conclusion

The presence of the Burda family at Ivy Tech Valparaiso is a small but meaningful example of how everyday people shape a college’s legacy. Whether it’s Sandi Burda helping students find their way or Viktoriia Burda completing her academic journey, their stories show what Ivy Tech is really about—opportunity, support, and transformation.

This campus is more than buildings and classrooms—it’s a community. The Burdas remind us that behind every diploma, every helping hand, and every welcome smile is a person contributing to a better future.

If you visit Ivy Tech Valparaiso, you might not immediately notice the Burda name. But if you ask the right people or look closely at the graduation list, you’ll find that their presence is very much part of the heartbeat of the campus.