INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – (Nov. 10, 2025) – More than 100 students got the chance to show off their information technology (IT) skills and meet with local tech employers Friday at the 2025 IT Challenge presented by Google and hosted by the School of Information Technology at ĢƵios.

Google’s support of ĢƵios and our students comes at a time when our IT programs are growing, our student enrollment is growing, and career opportunities in IT in Indiana are in high demand.

– Mike Bottorff, Vice President, School of Information Technology

“We appreciate the support and the exposure a major employer like Google can give to our students in a hot career market today.”

At the Challenge event Friday, ĢƵios students demonstrated their IT knowledge by competing in real-world challenges, showing what they have been learning in their classes, and having a chance to earn scholarships.

"Technology advances because of the people behind it,” said Utaukwa Allen, Global Head of Data Center Economic & Community Development, Google. “By supporting the ĢƵios IT Challenge and students within their programs across Indiana, Google is ensuring the digital infrastructure of our country is built by the best and brightest coming straight out of these local programs. To every student competing today: you are the next generation of architects and disruptors and we're so excited to see what your potential becomes."

In addition, students were able to connect with potential employers. A number of industry partners attended the event as part of a career fair and networking opportunities.

ĢƵios President Dr. Marty Pollio and Utaukwa Allen, Google’s Global Head of  Data Center Economic & Community Development, kicked off the competition with encouraging remarks for students, followed by individual competitions in various IT discipline areas, and then an interdisciplinary team championship competition.

Winners included:

1st Place

  • Omar Nieto - Fort Wayne
  • Vidhi Patel - Columbus
  • Alden Pinkston - Valparaiso
  • Kevin Ratcliff - Bloomington

2nd Place

  • Billy Beck - South Bend
  • Xavier Davidson - Lawrenceburg
  • Andrew Mitchell - Evansville
  • Jennifer Perez - Indianapolis

3rd Place

  • Jordan DeMent - Lawrenceburg
  • Gray Manning - Indianapolis
  • Jesse Markin - Richmond
  • Dan Thomas - Bloomington
  • Greg Vazquez - Indianapolis

About ĢƵios

ĢƵios is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. ĢƵios has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.