ĢƵios’s Kokomo Campus will be rocking on Friday, Oct. 13, when “Dueling Pianos” returns to help celebrate the College’s 60th birthday and raise funds to support ĢƵios students throughout the six Hoosier counties it serves.
“Our goal this year is to raise $60,000, one thousand dollars for each of ĢƵios’s 60 years,” said Kelly Karickhoff, executive director for Resource Development for ĢƵios’s Kokomo Service Area, which includes Cass, Fulton, Howard, Miami, Pulaski, and Tipton counties. “These scholarship funds will be distributed to deserving students to help them achieve their educational and career dreams.”
The return event follows two exceptionally popular evenings with “Dueling Pianos” on the campus over the last few years. With two baby grand pianos and two talented players, the 2023 edition of ĢƵios Kokomo’s Celebration for Student Success promises to be another sell-out.
Our goal this year is to raise $60,000, one thousand dollars for each of ĢƵios’s 60 years
– Kelly Karickhoff, Executive Director of Resource Development
“We invite the community to join us in raising funds to support the education of deserving ĢƵios students,” Karickhoff said. “We’ll be entertained by two sharp-witted, incredibly talented musicians for what promises to be a night of unforgettable fun. We anticipate an evening made even better by the anniversary celebration of ĢƵios statewide.”
With the musical theme of “Education is Key,” the evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. in Hingst Hall on the ĢƵios Kokomo Campus and will feature “Dueling Pianos,” dinner, and a variety of activities to raise funds for scholarships.
Karickhoff describes “Dueling Pianos” as a high-energy, all-request, sing-along, clap-along, rock ’n’ roll evening of comedy music where the audience is just as much a part of the show as the entertainers. The piano duo was a smash hit at ĢƵios’s 2019 and 2022 fundraisers in Kokomo, she added, and the College is excited to be able to bring them back.
Tickets for the Celebration for Student Success are $50 each and may be purchased at
or by calling Miriam Thomas of the ĢƵios Foundation at 765-252-5500. Tickets will be available until Oct. 6 unless they sell out sooner.
“As every key is needed for a pianist to make music, education is the key to successful futures for our students and for our communities,” Karickhoff said. “The Celebration for Student Success events give participants many opportunities throughout the evening to make a difference in the life of an ĢƵios student through their financial support.”
Karickhoff added, “Whether you can endow a scholarship, fund a sponsorship, or buy a ticket to the event, we hope you will join us!” Those who can’t attend may still help students by donating at or calling Karickhoff at 765-252-5501.
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, short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns to the needs of the community. The College provides 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. Follow ĢƵios on , , , and for the most up-to-date information.
ĢƵios Kokomo Service Area serves Cass, Fulton, Howard, Miami, Pulaski, and Tipton counties, including the communities of Kokomo, Logansport, Peru, Rochester, Tipton, and Winamac.
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.
