2009-11-12

Ell excels at Indiana’s Ivy Tech

Contributed

Jason E. Ell, the son of Dee Russ of Bandera, has been honored with several prestigious awards this year from Ivy Tech Community College in Madison, Indiana, where he is studying computer science.

Ivy Tech, Indiana’s state’s only community college system, sprawls over 23 campuses in 14 regions and boasts an enrollment of more than 120,000 students.

Ell has received a certificate of participation in the Ivy Technical Student Government Association (SGA) and has been designated an All-Star Student– the SGA’s Presidential Award of Excellence. He also received the 2009 SGA’s Most Improved Student award and the Director’s Award of Excellence. In addition, Ell serves as Ivy Tech Regional Student Life Director.

Last spring, he was accepted into the Phi Theta Kappa fraternity. Ell holds the Presidential Award for the Campus Activity Board and was on the Dean’s List for academic achievement his first semester at Ivy Tech.

After receiving his associate’s degree, Ell plans to attend Indiana’s Hanover College next year.

Ell, 27, served four years in the United States Marine Corps and ended his military career as a lance corporal. He served in Afghanistan and was stationed at Parris Island, South Carolina.

With his academic achievements, Ell follows the paths forged by his older brothers, Michael Ell, 37, who attended the University of Houston, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and holds an honorary degree from the University of Virginia. Patrick Ell, 34, graduated from UTA, and Jerry Ell, 30, is currently attending the University of Texas at San Antonio.