alumnus e-magazine winter 2014

Home-Cooked Support 14 Emens’ Golden Jubilee 26 Center Stage 38

Winter 2014 / Vol. 72 / No. 1

Ball Statealumnus

Burberry Chief Executive Officer Angela Ahrendts, ’81 LHD ’10, is bringing her savvy with luxury and social platforms to Apple Inc. Driving her innovation: enduring values and unwavering purpose.

Winter 2014features18 COVER STORY: Midwestern Values.

International Success.Burberry Chief Executive Officer Angela Ahrendts, ’81 LHD ’10, is bringing her savvy with luxury and social platforms to Apple Inc.

26 Emens’ Golden JubileeCelebrating 50 years of entertainment at the John R. Emens College-Community Auditorium

departments 6 Eye on the Ball

Ball State’s latest news and accolades

14 Cardinal Rule Football fans serve up food and hospitality through the Cardinal Cooks program

34 Celebrating Beneficence Mark K. Hardwick, ’93 MBA ’99, of First Merchants Corp., reflects on his personal and professional commitments to his alma mater

38 Alumni Connection Events calendar, class notes, and alumni profiles

49 Parting Thoughts President Jo Ann M. Gora reflects on her favorite moments at Emens and speaks to the auditorium’s value within the community

MEET CHELSEA. The assistant art director for Time, Chelsea Kardokus, ’12, is one of five Cardinals featured in Ball State’s latest commercials, airing on major television networks in the Indianapolis, South Bend, and Fort Wayne markets. Watch Kardokus’s story at bsu.edu/chronicles and learn how the 2012 BSU at the Games—an immersive learning project—helped her emerge as a promising visual storyteller.

In February, 40 Ball State students (23 reporting from Sochi), will cover the Winter Olympics as part of the 2014 BSU at the Games. Read more on page 9.

2013–14 Alumni Council EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Frederick E. Cox Jr., ’74, Chair; James A. Andrew, ’71, Chair Elect; Kimberley A. Stout, ’82, Past Chair; John H. Bowles, ’67, Vice Chair; Jennifer J. Budreau, ’84, Vice Chair; Larry W. Metzing, ’71, Vice Chair; Robin L. Sparks, ’89, Vice Chair; Hollis E. Hughes Jr., ’65 MA ’72, Board of Trustees Representative; Wayne Estopinal, ’79, Foundation and Board of Trustees Representative; Julie C. Stroh, President; T.W. Hudson Akin, Vice President for University Advancement

MEMBERS: Gwen Adell, ’74; Thomas L. Andrews, ’77; Edward L. Armantrout, ’01; Norman E. Beck, ’58 MA ’62 PhD ’71; Julie C. Bradshaw, ’80; Laura L. Cain, ’86 MAE ’98; Michael L. Chisley, ’73; Terry R. Coleman, ’84; Samuel C. DeWeese, MS ’02; Adam D. Drummond, ’02 MA ’05 EdS ’11; Thomas L. Farris, ’67; Brian D. Hayes, ’96 MA ’02 MAE ’10; Kerry L. Hendel, ’96; Christy A. Horn, ’81 MA ’10; Jacqueline J. Johnston, ’64 MA ’67; Jeff Kingsbury, ’91; Blair A. Kramer, ’05; Kelli A. Lawrence,

’01; Lana D. Manikowski, ’97; Michael M. McMillen, ’67; Pamala V. Morris, ’69 MAE ’71; Heather D. Perry, ’99 MA ’06; Larry A. Roan, BLA ’77; Ebony B. Strong, ’09; Kathy M. Thomas, ’79; Vincent J. Von Der Vellen, ’87; Lori K. Wean, ’85; Kyle K. West, ’76; Nicholas R. Zuniga, ’04

Alumni Programs StaffJulie Eastes, Communications Assistant; Steve Fulton, MA ’09, Director, New Media and Alumni Services; Michelle Harrell, ’87, Information Coordinator; Tracy Hendricks,’89 MA ’98, Director, Alumni Outreach; Michelle Johnson, ’01 MA ’07, Director, Special Events; Carol Kosisko,’88, Director, Administration; Erin Lambert, Executive/Financial Assistant; Deborah Linegar,’92, Director, Alumni Services/Executive Assistant, Alumni Council; Sue Taylor, ’71, Director, Alumni Reunions/Constituent Relations; Laura Waldron, ’98 MPA ’00, Program Coordinator; Kate Webber, ’98 MA ’99, Director, Alumni/Student Programs; Kyle Johnson, Assistant Director, New Media

President: Jo Ann M. Gora

Vice President for University Advancement: T.W. Hudson Akin

Associate Vice President of Alumni Programs and President, Ball State University Alumni Association: Julie C. Stroh

Editor: Kate H. Elliott

Communications Assistants: Julie Eastes; Andrew M. Gregory

Advertising Sales: Steve Fulton, MA ’09

Contributing Writers: Vic Caleca; Kate H. Elliott; Marc Ransford, ’83 MA ’07; Gail Werner, ’04; Angela Ahrendts, ’81 LHD ’10; Mark Hardwick, ’93 MBA ’99. Student writers: Olivia Romero and Sara McInerney

Designers: Elizabeth Brooks, ’95; Jessica Kerkhoff, ’11

Photographs: Unless otherwise noted, photos are by Ball State Photo Services.

Photographers: Michael Hickey, ’94; Don Rogers, ’77

Thank you to the more than 3,000 alumni who purchased a Ball State University Alumni Directory. We hope the listing helps you keep in touch with old friends and foster new connections.

Directories will ship this summer.

bsu.edu/alumni/directory

We welcome your lettersYour feedback is important. The Ball State Alumnus invites letters to the editor. We reserve the right to edit all submissions for clarity and space. Contact us at [email protected] or address letters to:

Editor, Ball State AlumnusBall State University Alumni AssociationMuncie, IN 47306

Interested in advertising? Contact Steve Fulton at 888-I-GO-4-BSU.

The views expressed in published letters, submitted articles, advertisements, and quotes do not necessarily reflect those of the Ball State Alumnus, Ball State University, or the Ball State University Alumni Association.

The Ball State Alumnus is printed by Sport Graphics, 3423 Park Davis Circle, Indianapolis, IN 46236. The magazine is funded by Ball State University and the Ball State University Alumni Association. The first issue of the Ball State Alumnus was published in April 1937. This is the 77th year of uninterrupted publication. For more information, contact the association at Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306-0075, call 765-285-1080; toll-free: 888-I-GO-4-BSU; fax: 765-285-1414; email: [email protected]; visit: bsu.edu/alumni.

Ball State University practices equal opportunity in education and employment and is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community. Ball State wants its programs and services to be accessible to all people. For information about access and accommodations, please call the Office of Disability Services at 765-285-5293 (TTY users only 765-285-2206) or visit bsu.edu/disabilityservices.

I love this time of year. It’s about new beginnings and fresh perspectives. It’s about hope. In 2014, the Ball State University Alumni Association is embarking on a strategic planning process—something we have not done since 2001. It’s time, and we aim to set outcomes to achieve throughout the next three years, coinciding with the university’s strategic plan, which ends in 2017.

To ensure we capture and articulate the goals and interests of our diverse base of alumni and friends, we will reach out in a variety of ways to collect feedback from all ages, ethnicities, regions, and majors. We represent you—all of you—and we want the plan that guides us to reflect that sincere pledge. Although we are still in the planning stages, I can speak broadly about the areas I hope we agree to advance.

It is of great importance that we broaden our reach by enhancing geographic, affinity, academic, and professional alumni and student outreach opportunities. Our community is growing nationally, from coast to coast, and we need to meet alumni where they live. We want to demonstrate the benefits that alumni groups—academic and otherwise—experience with the association’s support. We are just as concerned about building professional networks and fueling student-alumni

connections as we are with hosting watch parties and golf outings. In addition, alumni programs staff and many alumni boards have expressed interest in seeking out opportunities for professional development. We will renew our efforts to increase effectiveness by identifying operational and aspirational methods that will sharpen our focus and expand our reach. I think this commitment to growth will only encourage us to be more creative in identifying new opportunities for engagement, service, and philanthropy.

Because of our deep investment in the success of the university, we will make sure our plan aligns with Ball State’s strategic plan, Education Redefined 2.0: Advancing Indiana, which sets a bold course for the institution’s distinctive future. The university’s focus on holistic learning experiences in and out of the classroom coincides with our aims to move beyond traditional alumni programming. I envision many opportunities for academically focused partnerships among departments or individual students and alumni businesses or endeavors.

We look forward to your contributions to our strategic plan. Keep an eye out for opportunities to offer feedback and perspective in the coming months.

Yours for Ball State,

Julie C. StrohAssociate Vice President of Alumni ProgramsPresident, Ball State University Alumni [email protected]

Julie Stroh talks with offensive guard Jordan Hansel as he piles his plate with flank steak, roasted potatoes, and Caesar salad. Stroh and her husband, Frank W. Ackermann Jr., also hosted student coach David Raffin and offensive lineman Javond Williams during the Cardinal Varsity Club’s Cardinal Cooks event in October. See the story about Cardinal Cooks on page 14.

CHARTING OUR COURSE Announcing the Alumni Association’s Strategic Plan

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Ball State Alumnus / Winter 2014 3

letters to the editor


letters to the editor

4 Ball State Alumnus / Winter 2014

‘Organized and Concise’The alumni magazine is quite well done. I have found Alumnus easy to grasp. I find what is of most interest and read it first, then come back later to read other articles. I read Alumnus because it is well organized and concise. In summary, time is precious and your magazine helps me be efficient.

Karl Sonnenberg, ’75Portland, Ore.

Focus on the MilitaryHow can it be that I attended every class yet never entered a Ball State classroom? How can it be that I never set foot on campus and that every class was taught by a department head? Here is how: Ball State offered, through the military, the opportunity to gain a master’s degree while serving on active duty. Each term, a professor came to Germany and taught his or her discipline. My costs were covered by the GI Bill. Holding a master’s degree was important for officer advancement, and for that, I am grateful for Ball State.

Hardy W. Bryan, MA ’75Lt. Col. U.S. Army (Ret.)

St. Petersburg, Fla.

Having earned a bachelor’s degree in counseling psychology at the Ball State extension campus at Aviano Air Base, Italy, I enjoy reading the Alumnus. However, I have never seen any mention of the hundreds of military and civilians who earned Ball State degrees overseas. I feel fortunate to have a degree that was truly earned—we were blessed with quality professors who held us to a high

Connect: Cardinals continue the conversation on social media

Our Cardinal Nation is more than 200,000 strong. We each have stories that demonstrate our rich past, bold present, and bright future.

We want to weave your fun photos, lighthearted memories, and moments of transformation into the tapestry of Our Ball State.

Include #OurBallState in your posts or send us an email or letter. Learn more at bsu.edu/ourballstate.

standard so that when I graduated, I felt confident in my ability to enter the counseling field.

The real purpose of this message is to ask if a future Alumnus could feature the overseas Ball State community. It would be great to help us share our stories with other alumni.

Joanne “Jo” Middleton, ’78 Melbourne, Fla.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Thank you, Joanne, for your letter. We’re so glad to hear of your positive educational experience and that you enjoy reading the magazine. Named a Military Friendly School by GI Jobs, Ball State continues to serve many military students and alumni overseas through more than 60 online degree and certificate programs as well as networking and career opportunities. Our Student Veteran Resource Center and Beck Hannaford, veterans benefits/financial assistant coordinator, offer personalized assistance to military personnel, veterans, and dependents. In Alumnus, we have enjoyed sharing the stories of military students and alumni throughout the world. Most recently, we featured Col. Dane D. Rideout, ’90, as he assumed command of the U.S. Army Garrison, West Point, in July 2012. We look forward to continuing our coverage. Send us your stories at [email protected].

‘When the Stars Align’Ron Kaitchuck was one of my favorite professors at Ball State and his class was one of my favorites. Glad to see he is still there.

David A. Sarama, ’00 MS ’01

This new planetarium will be the grandest and most spectacular technological wonder on campus! I am just upset that President Gora did not wear one of those stylish hard hats.

James McCall Evans III, friend

We reserve the right to decide whether a letter is acceptable for publication and to edit for accuracy, clarity, style, and length. Printed letters will include your full name, class year (if applicable), and city/state. Write us at [email protected] or Editor, Ball State Alumnus, Ball State University, Alumni Association, Muncie, IN 47306.

facebook.com/ballstate @BallState

Bid Day Photos Spur Proud Greek PostsI pledged to Delta Zeta in fall 1967, when all the pledge classes converged at the Student Center and each class was brought to the stage and introduced to a cheering crowd. What a frenzy and what a night! It’s good to see Greeks are still strong at Ball State.

— Kathleen Jefferies, ’71 MA ’72

Best decision I ever made was to go Greek at Ball State! The leadership opportunities I had with Delta Zeta have provided me with amazing work opportunities.

— Megan Gross, ’10

Going Greek changed my life and is the reason I am the person I am today. Saying yes to Alpha Omicron Pi was by far the best decision I ever made!

— Kasie Sturm, ’13

Joining Sigma Chi was one of the most amazing, rewarding, and life-enhancing decisions I ever made. For that, I’ll always and forever be thankful.

— Chad Kelham, ’05

Season ReflectionsThe (GoDaddy Bowl) was a tough loss. Really thought they had it after the go-ahead touchdown with a minute left. I still think Pete Lembo has been a great coach and accomplished a lot in the short time he’s been there in Muncie. Congrats on a great season, and let’s get that bowl win next year!

— Anthony Crimarco, MS ’12

I’m deployed to Kuwait, but we got to watch it live on the Armed Forces Network. It was a great game (the 44–24 victory over Central Michigan). Chirp Chirp It’s Bird Time!

— Steve Ealing, friend

Ball State’s Charles W. Brown Planetarium will open this year. From left: President Jo Ann M. Gora, planetarium director Ronald Kaitchuck, and Charlie Brown, ’71, celebrate the groundbreaking for the new facility.

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Last fall, seniors Ross May and Kristiana Haehnle spent months wading and canoeing in the rivers and streams of east central Indiana—collecting and analyzing sediment to better understand the impact of water quality on communities.

May and Haehnle are among two dozen students from journalism, biology, natural resources, and geology who participated in a fall immersive learning class under the direction of Lee Florea, assistant professor of geology, and Adam Kuban, assistant professor of journalism.

“The overarching objective of this immersive endeavor is public understanding of science,” Kuban says. “We want area residents to understand how water connects us.”

Students collected water samples at four locations along Buck Creek, a major tributary to the White River. Then, they analyzed the water samples in the Department of Geology labs to gather data for their efforts to share results with affected communities.

Multimedia storytellingStudents developed an interactive website—featuring text, graphics, video, audio, and pictures—to tell the story of each confluence site along the creek. This interactive opportunity allows users to learn more about the watershed through multimedia storytelling.

View the team’s work on the websites of community partners FlatLand Resources LLC (flatlandresources.com) and the Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District (delawareswcd.org).

The outcomes of this course, for which the professors spent two years preparing: students’ multimedia projects and a policy recommendation for best agricultural practices along Buck Creek to ensure quality water.

Interdisciplinary connectionsAs a journalism graphics major, May says he didn’t fully appreciate scientific concepts until he sat down with his counterparts from the College of Sciences and Humanities.

Student Team Explored Regional Water Quality“I learned a great deal by going out to

the stream and then taking water back to the lab, working side by side with our science majors,” he says. “They have helped me learn so much about geology and science. Going out in the field with them sparked my interest in science and demonstrated the great impact that comes from a variety of disciplines working together.”

—Marc Ransford, ’83 MA ’07

Students enrolled in an immersive learning class take water samples along the White River to assess the water quality of waterways near campus.

‘Virtual Stonehenge’ Coming to a TV Near YouAn admittedly nerdy computer simulation of Stonehenge created by Ball State artists for museums and archaeologists has, instead, assumed an unlikely role: TV star.

Virtual Stonehenge, created by the Institute for Digital Intermedia Arts (IDIA), will appear this spring on the popular cable television science series The Universe. The 3-D simulation will let producers of the show demonstrate how the ancient British monument may have been used to track the sun and moon.

History Channel 2, which airs The Universe, recently hired a production crew and dispatched it to IDIA’s campus lab to put the simulator through its paces and interview its creators. In addition to re-creating Stonehenge itself, the simulation uses NASA data to model the positions of the sun and moon for that location on virtually any date in history.

Darryl Rehr, who wrote and directed the Stonehenge episode, says it would have taken years to capture in real life all of the sun and moon alignments the producers wanted to explore. “You’d need a zillion cameras,” he says.

Instead, they needed a computer simulation. After seeing a few screenshots of Virtual Stonehenge from a cameo appearance it made on a BBC program last summer, Rehr thought it looked perfect.

After arriving on campus in November, Rehr was proven right: “I watched them go through the simulation, and it was just wonderful.”

John Fillwalk, IDIA director and an associate professor of electronic art, says the institute began work on Virtual Stonehenge about a year ago to demonstrate the celestial alignment tool they had created to make use of the NASA data. Mostly, they thought the tool would appeal to museums and scientists, Fillwalk says.

They were wrong.“First the BBC called, and then the History Channel,” Fillwalk says. “We’re

excited about it, of course, but it really wasn’t what we expected. It sort of snowballed ahead of itself.”

A star has been born.

—Vic Caleca

A Taste of CultureStuffed cabbage rolls from Poland, sadza with derere (cornmeal with okra stew) from Zimbabwe, and nem nuang (spiced pork meatballs) from Vietnam were among the samplings from more than 20 countries served during the 2013 Amazing Taste, held at the L.A. Pittenger Student Center in November.

In addition to the comprehensive menu, the hundreds in attendance enjoyed exotic animals, dance, and fashion shows; cultural displays; and interactive activities for all ages. In conjunction with the colorful event, the Rinker Center for International Programs held a Study Abroad Fair, featuring former study abroad participants who shared their experiences with interested peers. Learn more about the Amazing Taste and international programs at bsu.edu/rinkercenter. “This immersive experience has certainly taught both of us a great

deal about working across disciplinary boundaries. Adam has the perspective of climate, meteorology, and pedagogy, while I have background in physics, quantitative literacy, and environmental policy. Simply put, we make a good team.”

—Lee Florea, assistant professor of geology

A screenshot of the 3-D computer simulation of the ancient British monument.

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Ball State Alumnus / Winter 2014 9 8 Ball State Alumnus / Winter 2014

I have a lot to accomplish before boarding a plane to Russia on Feb. 5 to report from the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, held from Feb. 7–23.

I need to prepare for the inevitable lack of sleep as our team of writers, videographers, and photographers search for stories about the competitions, the athletes, and the culture of both the Olympics and Sochi.

Beyond learning to say “food,” “bathroom,” and “Internet” in Russian and gathering my warmest clothes, I have been talking with athletes and setting up connections we can rely on while in Sochi. Our team of 40 student journalists has been producing brief profiles about some of the athletes who are trying to land a spot on Olympic teams.

When I first signed up for the BSU at the Games class, I was nothing but excited about the opportunity. By the end of the 2012 London Summer Olympics, the BSU at the Games team

On the Scene at the Winter OlympicsAs senior Ryan Howe prepares for the trip, he shares his anticipation.

produced more than 275 stories, photo galleries, and videos and published 265 individual pieces in outlets, including the Chicago Tribune, Huffington Post, USA Today College, and Indianapolis TV station WTHR. But those feelings quickly changed into nervousness and then doubt. The excitement is still there, but it has some company. Will I be able to cope with quick story turnaround? Will I even be able to find stories? Will my body be able to cope with a Russian winter?

The clips and experience I will receive during my stay in Sochi will be unlike any other during my college experience. I’m ready to be running on pure adrenaline—and the most comfortable pair of walking shoes I’ve ever owned.

Go to sochi.bsuatthegames.com to learn about the trip, read student blogs, meet the team, and to watch their stories of the games unfold.

How should Ball State engage recent graduates, retirees, and the Muncie community in the academic life of the university? What new academic programs will be needed in your discipline in the next 20 years? What are some examples of innovative curriculum design?

These are just a few of the questions the university is asking students, alumni, friends, and employers during the development of a long-range academic plan that will guide Ball State for the next 20–30 years.

Much like the campus master plan—launched in September to enhance the physical campus environment—the Ball State academic long-range plan will plot the future of the institution’s academic offerings. A cross-campus steering committee is gathering constituents’ feedback and assessing factors that will influence higher education in the 21st century. In the coming year, the committee will recommend the best configuration of new and existing academic programs to meet the future needs of students, Indiana constituencies, and evolving job markets.

For the plan to connect vision, action, and outcomes, campus leaders need your feedback. Share your thoughts at academicplan.bsu.edu or email [email protected].

Seeking Feedback for University’s Academic Long-Range Plan

Bricks, mortar, fuselages.That list of building materials would

leave most architects scratching their heads but not the second-year graduate students in professor Harry Eggink’s Aero-Architecture class.

During the fall semesters of 2012 and 2013, Eggink challenged students to design buildings using pieces of mothballed commercial jets abandoned in airplane graveyards around the world.

“The question is, can we create a second life for these aircraft?” Eggink says.

The student answers, he says, have been a revelation.

Among the innovative designs: a house framed with 747 wing and fuselage segments and a futuristic library fashioned from a variety of airplane parts.

Chloe Tyner, of Fishers, Ind., took the class in 2013, intrigued by the challenge.

“I liked the idea of it, and I figured it would be the last crazy thing we could do before going out into the real world.”

She designed a library that she dubbed “Skybrary” and came away

believing that building with abandoned airplanes is possible—with one big drawback: public acceptance.

“In terms of people wanting some-thing built from airplane parts, I don’t think we’re quite there yet,” she says.

Still, the student designs were a hit when Eggink took his classes to Everett, Wash., to present their work to employees at Boeing Co. The airplane designers and engineers were intrigued by the notion of their creations having

Student Designs Convert Airplanes into Buildings that Combine the Best of Architecture, Engineering

a life once their flying days were over. Company executives told Eggink they are eager to continue the budding relationship with Ball State.

Mahesh Daas, chairperson of the Department of Architecture, said he believes Eggink is onto something with philosophy behind his class.

“I think it has huge potential,” Daas says. “On the scale of a jumbo jet.”

—Vic Caleca

A rendering of the “Skybrary”—a library that architecture student Chloe Tyner imagined from abandoned airplane parts.

Ball State architecture students presented this house, framed with 747 segments, to engineers at Boeing Co.

President Gora Honored for Commitment to SustainabilityThe U.S. Green Building Council’s Center for Green Schools recognized Ball State President Jo Ann M. Gora’s commitment to sustainability with the 2013 President’s Award, which honors college and university presidents who show exemplary leadership on campus, in their community, and among their peers. Watch Gora’s acceptance speech at bsu.edu/greenpresident.

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The journalism major is one of 40 students engaged in BSU at the Games—an immersive learning experience. He and 23 others will report from Sochi, Russia during the Winter Olympics.

Ryan Howe



Ball State Professors Give Life to Original Frankenstein Few words are spoken during Ball State Theatre and Dance’s production of Frankenstein, but the barbarous tangle of acting and music speaks beyond words. Drew Vidal, assistant professor of acting, imagined the script based largely on letters between the ambitious Captain Robert Walton and his sister, Margaret Walton Saville—characters in Mary Shelley’s epic 19th century novel. Actors use movement to create scenes and images on the minimalist stage. When the ensemble cast does speak, they often chant over each other in English and Latin quotes and phrases, evoking a stirring effect.

Michael Elliott, assistant professor of musical theater, composed the score to reflect the haunting and touching moments within the cautionary tale. Because of limited dialogue, the music becomes a character in itself, as audiences rely on its color and pace to carry the story.

The show enjoyed sold-out crowds throughout its run and was accepted to perform at the regional Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in January. Vidal and Elliott continue to develop the piece for future productions.

—Kate H. Elliott

From left: As Frankenstein’s creature, sophomore Nick Murhling portrays a misunderstood character dressed in patched rags. Senior Cole Abell embodies the conflicted Dr. Victor Frankenstein in Ball State’s Strother Theatre.

Andrew Neylon has done something that no Ball State student has done in nearly 40 years—win the National Forensic Association National Championship Tournament Impromptu Speaking title.

Judges gave the senior English literature major up to 2 minutes to prepare a 5–6 minute speech based on the following quotation from Russian novelist Fyodor Dostoyevsky: “Nothing is easier than to denounce the evildoer; nothing is more difficult than to understand him.”

“Many events in speech stay the same for the entire year, as you give the same speech or performance and work to perfect it,” says Neylon, who joined forensics his junior year of high school.

Orator Wins National Impromptu Speaking Title“Impromptu is organic, and I’ve enjoyed crafting a personal approach to the event during the past four years.”

Neylon, who is legally blind and color blind, says he hopes his national title sets an example for speakers with disabilities or people who are hesitant to enter the competition because of a perceived hindrance.

“Judges have to move a little closer and use different time signals for me, but it has never prevented me from competing at the highest level,” Neylon says. “As a disabled competitor, who has done topics about disability for several years now to draw attention to the issue, it was a very nice moment to be named the best speaker in the country in this event.”

In addition to garnering a national title, Neylon placed fourth in Extemporaneous Speaking and advanced to the Informative Speaking semifinal. Overall, Ball State’s 13-member team placed seventh out of 74 competing schools and was the only Indiana school to place in the top 10. The team earned second place in Division I—its best finish since 2005.

“Forensics has enhanced my communication and critical thinking skills and prepared me for the job market,” Neylon says. “When I graduate, I hope to work in Indianapolis, either for PBS or Comcast’s film production areas.”

Learn more about the Ball State Speech Team at bsu.edu/speechteam.

—Kate H. Elliott

Andrew Neylon, senior English literature major, practices various forms of competitive speaking in the Ball State Speech Team practice room.

“I love showing my Cardinal pride as I drive around town, and I love seeing other Ball State plates. It reminds me of our wonderful community of support.”—Walter Berry, ’55

Join thousands of Ball State fans showing Cardinal spirit on the roadways.

Support the Ball State scholars of today and tomorrow by visiting your local Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) branch, going to myBMV.com, or calling 888-692-6841.

A portion of each license plate purchase supports student scholarships.

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Ball State’s Deanna Pucciarelli could give Willy Wonka a lesson or two.

The director of Ball State’s hospitality and food management program has spent her professional career researching the rich history of chocolate, traveling the world to present on the topic of chocolate at conferences in Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and West Africa. She is going to New York City in April to present about technology changes in the food industry and how these changes impact Americans’ purchasing power and decisions to buy chocolate from local grocery stores.

Chocolate as medicineBut it’s chocolate’s medicinal properties that entice her most. “I’m interested in food as medicine to prevent and treat illnesses,” Pucciarelli says. She recently published Cocoa and Heart Health: A Historical Review of the Science.

To further Pucciarelli’s research, Ball State recently received a Chocolate History Grant for Research, Development, and Investigative Studies from Mars Inc. Ball State was one of three institutions recognized for innovation in chocolate history research, scholarship, and education.

“We know chocolate as candy, but I want to uncover the transition of chocolate from medicine to confection,” she says.

Pucciarelli will use the Mars grant to dig through archives in the New York Public Library as well as the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., to further her research. Much of her work has focused on the medicinal use of chocolate during the 1800s, and she will now study the uses and history during the 1900s.

The grant was originally brought to Pucciarelli’s attention by Howard-Yana Shapiro, ’68, chief agriculture officer at Mars. Pucciarelli first met Shapiro in 2006, when she wrote

All Things Chocolate: Professor delves into medicinal benefits, history, and production of the confection

two book chapters, and managed a research grant involving 26 scholars that resulted in the book Chocolate: History, Culture, and Heritage.

‘From bean to bar’Students share Pucciarelli’s love for chocolate. In April 2012, she led 120 students in an immersive learning program called Studying the Cocoa Supply Chain. The program’s goal was to raise awareness of the challenges faced by cocoa producers worldwide and to contribute funds to Project Hope and Fairness, a nonprofit working to build a permanent cocoa study center in Africa.

Pucciarelli also has piloted a field study program at Ball State for family and consumer science students who travel to Ecuador to study the cocoa supply chain. The trip involves visiting business institutions and farming communities, and taking part in community service projects to learn how Ecuadorian culture influences its business and farming practices as well as child labor laws. The first field study to Ecuador took place in spring 2013; a second visit is scheduled for May 2014.

For hospitality and food management major Sara Lang, the project opened her eyes to food resources in the world. “These families earn nothing to make what we take for granted every day,” she says. “It’s a long, arduous process, and seeing it firsthand really gave me an appreciation for what I have here.”

Pucciarelli says she’ll never tire of studying chocolate. “In my small way, I get to change the world by bringing the next generation of problem solvers—students—into the field to investigate pressing problems. So many people all over the world love the product, but so little understand the issues surrounding production from bean to bar.”

—Sara McInerney, student writer

Muncie’s Innovation Connector, a full-service business incubator nestled in a tree-lined campus along the banks of the White River, will become more client-focused and improve its operations as a result of a student immersive learning project.

Russ Wahlers, associate professor of marketing, worked with Ted Baker, ’80, Innovation Connector chief executive officer, to guide students through a systematic analysis of the entrepreneurial climate in east central Indiana. Students profiled business demographics of current and prospective entrepreneurs and assessed their support needs.

“The Innovation Connector project gives students the opportunity to apply course-specific marketing research survey principles to a real-world problem for an actual client,” Wahlers says. “Developing these types of abilities will not only enhance their education but provide them with the workplace skills that companies desperately need.”

Since its founding in 2006, the Innovation Connector has posted steady growth in terms of its physical facilities, service offering mix, and client base of entrepreneurial startups.

“Understanding our community’s continually changing business dynamics is important to our organization’s mission to assist small businesses,” says Baker, an instructor of management for the Miller College of Business. “Having relevant research is vital. Dr. Wahlers’ marketing research classes are gaining real-world experience in assisting the Innovation Connector with gaining this insight. From there, we will organize our programming to meet the current needs of the business community. Once again, Ball State has proven to be a great partner to the Muncie community.”

Marketing major Jessica Cossairt, a Shelbyville, Ind., native, says the project will enable the Innovation Connector to sustain its mission and provide for continued growth.

“I would like to go back home to take over the family business, and this skill set can be very useful to me in that way,” she says. “The family business is small, but if we are able to identify our customers’ needs and wants, we can make the most of the scarce resources we have and capitalize on them.”

—Marc Ransford, ’83 MA ’07

Students Create Marketing Plan for Innovation Connector

Joe Namath: Behind the ScenesHistory professor Edward Krzemienski has co-authored a book about fellow Beaver Falls, Pa., native Joe Namath’s college days as a flashy quarterback amid the turmoil of the civil rights movement. Rising Tide: Bear Bryant, Joe Namath and Dixie’s Last Quarter tells the behind-the-scenes story of the college student-athlete long before he led the New York Jets to their only Super Bowl title. Read more at bsu.edu/news/namath.

WCRD Celebrates 25 YearsNamed one of mtvU’s Top 5 Radio Stations in the United States in 2009, WCRD-FM 91.3 celebrates a quarter-century on the air—broadcasting all day, every day throughout Delaware County and worldwide at wcrd.net.

In 1988, David Letterman, ’69, (left) partnered with Professor Emeritus Darrell Wible, who passed away in August 2013, to launch Ball State’s student-run radio station. Today, the applied learning laboratory—housed within the David Letterman Communication and Media Building—serves as the voice of Ball State students.

cardinal rule


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HOME-COOKED SUPPORT Football fans serve up food and hospitality through the Cardinal Varsity Club’s Cardinal Cooks program.

Sophomore tight end Dylan Curry doesn’t play around when it comes to food—particularly ribs. So when Cardinal football fans Melanie Fancher, ’77, and Chris Fancher, ’77, served Curry a plate of the smoky primal cut, he enjoyed every last finger-lickin’ bite.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy Mr. Fancher’s grilling before, and his beef brisket and ribs are probably the best I’ve ever had,” the 6-foot-5-inch Kentucky native says. “They cooked an amazing meal and sent us home with all the leftovers because they know we are big boys and will finish it off.”

The Fanchers were among nearly 100 Cardinal Varsity Club (CVC) members who invited Ball State football players into their homes for dinner during fall break as part of Cardinal Cooks—a decade-old event that connects the university’s most ardent sports fans with student-athletes.

Chris, who serves as club president and as a member of the Cardinal Commitment: Developing Champions campaign committee, says his family has provided home-cooked meals for the past eight years.

“We feel Cardinal Cooks is a great way to support the football program while getting to know the student-athletes personally,” says Melanie, a retired nurse. “During dinner, we always talk about where the players are from, their families, how they picked Ball State over other schools, and—of course—we talk about football. The event is important because it connects players with the community and provides them with a home-cooked meal.”

Defensive lineman Blake Dueitt and wide receiver Efe Scott-Emuakpor joined Curry for the Fanchers’ 2013 dinner: beef brisket and barbecue ribs served with salad, cheese potatoes,

and rolls. The evening concluded with slices of warm pumpkin and apple pie.

“The food was amazing, but honestly, my favorite part was the hospitality. This was my second year with the Fanchers, and they are wonderful people who made us all feel right at home,” Curry says. “They talked about how much they respect us and showed a real interest in our sport, our lives, and our families. We are lucky Ball State supports such a program.”

Deborah Foster, ’74 MA ’77, an assistant professor of family and consumer sciences, had no trouble designing a menu with husband and fellow foodie, John Foster, and friend Steve Marsh, ’74 MA ’76, who serves on the CVC board. The three, who hosted players Jimmy Crumley, Darnell Smith, and Josh Smith, served grilled New York strip steaks with spinach salad and horseradish scalloped potatoes. For

dessert, the Cardinals enjoyed apple crisp topped with vanilla ice cream and Killer Brownies, a recipe courtesy of Chef Lois Altman—their friend and Deborah’s former colleague who started Ball State’s Allegré Restaurant.

“My wife and I have come to enjoy Ball State football, and we thought this would be a good way to get to know some of the players,” John says. “I couldn’t help but come away with the realization that these are still young, impressionable men. When you only see them on the field with their equipment on, they seem like these huge adult men, but meeting them in person changes one’s opinion. We couldn’t have been more impressed with how courteous and genuinely gracious they were. Ball State and the entire coaching staff need to know that these players are doing a fine job in representing the school.”

Killer BrowniesINGREDIENTS 8 ounces unsweetened chocolate8 ounces unsalted butter2 tablespoons instant coffee granules5 large eggs1 tablespoon almond extract33/4 cups granulated sugar12/3 cups all-purpose flour1/2 pound walnut pieces

Top: Deborah Foster, ’74 MA ’77, serves sophomore defensive tackle Darnell Smith lemonade during the Cardinal Cooks dinner she and her husband hosted with friend, Steve Marsh, ’74 MA ’76, in October. Bottom: Chris Fancher, ’77, who has served on the Cardinal Varsity Club Board of Directors since 2007, says he looks forward to connecting with student-athletes over a home-cooked meal each fall.

DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 340 degrees. Line bottom and sides of a 9-by-13-inch pan with generously oiled foil. Set aside. Melt chocolate, butter, and coffee in a stainless steel pot or bowl set over simmering water. Beat eggs, extract, and sugar in a mixer at high speed for 10 minutes. Add melted chocolate mixture to beaten egg mixture. Mix only until combined. Add flour and mix only until combined, then stir in the nuts. Turn batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top forms a bit of a crust (a knife inserted into the brownies may still be wet when brownies are done). Remove pan from the oven and allow to cool. Store brownies in the refrigerator for 6–8 hours before cutting. When brownies are ready to cut, remove foil from the pan and cut the brownies with a strong, wet knife on a cutting board. Brownies may be iced with 2 cups of ganache for real killer status. The brownies freeze well if wrapped carefully. Makes about 24 2-by-2-inch brownies.

CVC Executive Director Brad Edmondson, ’98 MA ’02, says the bonds among host families and players grow stronger every year.

“The event began with the most basic need of trying to find a way to help the football program feed 110 players during fall break, and it has now grown to become special to all those involved. Student-athletes have begun requesting to revisit families they have come to know and enjoy.”

Cardinal Cooks is one way the Cardinal Varsity Club assists student-athletes. CVC also helps provide monetary support such as scholarships to the Ball State athletics program, which receives no state funding. Individual and corporate membership is open to alumni and friends. Learn more about CVC at bsu.edu/giving/opportunities/cvc.

Video Boards Enhance Fan ExperienceBall State Intercollegiate Athletics scored jumbo high-definition video screens to enhance the game day experience at Scheumann Stadium and Worthen Arena.

Last fall, sophisticated portable units were installed at the stadium and the arena to provide “significantly enhanced, interactive experiences, with replays, interviews, and special features during games,” according to Bill Scholl, Ball State’s director of intercollegiate athletics.

“Our fans are able to have the kind of in-stadium experience that they’re accustomed to when they go to watch NFL games,” Scholl says.

The boards—which feature crowd shots, contests, and other fan participation opportunities—also provide on-the-job experience for dozens of Ball State telecommunications students. They produce content, operate cameras and microphones, help mix audio, and fill a variety of other roles during games.

Providing such educational opportunities, Scholl says, was a key factor in the university’s decision to lease the boards.

“I can’t think of a more real-world experience than what these students get to do,” he says. “The benefits go well beyond athletics.”

—Vic Caleca

By Kate H. Elliott

cardinal rulecardinal rule


“I love the team aspect of field hockey. You constantly have to rely on your teammates, and you constantly have to make yourself available to your teammates through communication, movement, and a range of other aspects. It’s awesome knowing I have 10 other people on the field with me who are working toward the same goal. Those goals this season were, personally, for me to be more confident with the ball and to make good decisions. Another was to play good, solid one-on-one defense. As a team, I wanted us to be the hardest working team on the field.”

—Jenna Rosenberry, junior, who started playing field hockey in seventh grade

Days before the GoDaddy Bowl on Jan. 5, members of the Ball State football team spent time in the Mobile, Ala. community, touring the USS Alabama battleship and visiting a children’s hospital and center for troubled youth. Top left: Head coach Pete Lembo fires up a crowd of players, alumni, and friends during a Welcome Reception at the team hotel. Bottom left: Cardinals enjoyed lunch on the USS Alabama, which served in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters during WWII until being opened as a museum ship in 1965. Right: Senior wide receiver Jamill Smith visits with a patient at the USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital the Thursday before the game. A cadre of senior players handed out Ball State memorabilia to dozens of patients.

45,000The number of yards per week Ball State swimmers

log in the pool. That’s more than 25 miles of swimming.

SCOREBOARD

10–3The Ball State football season record. This is only

the third time in the football program’s 89-year history that it compiled 10 victories in a season.

The number of touchdowns quarterback Keith Wenning has accounted for during his collegiate career. The record ranks the senior business major fifth among all active NCAA Division I players.105

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. 1,000The number of videos fans can watch

featuring athletes and programs at ballstatesports.com.

The number of laps it takes to walk a mile around the indoor concourse walkway at Worthen Arena. The arena is open to the public to walk from 7 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday through Friday (unless the facility is in use for a sporting event). For more information, visit bsu.edu/recreation.6

The number of consecutive games Ball State football was not scored upon during the 1941–42 season. This is also the oldest Ball State athletics record that remains unbroken.

6The total number of Academic All-Americans in

Ball State’s history. Tight end Zane Fakes became the latest when the senior exercise science major

was named to the Capital One Academic All-America Division I Football First Team. 98

“We are looking forward to our season, as this young Cardinal team trains to build on the success of their past while embracing their exciting future. The facilities and support I have encountered here since taking over just a few short months ago have been first class. I am pleased with the success we have shown so far in the gym and am very optimistic about this season.”

—Joanna Saleem, who was named head coach

of Ball State gymnastics in August

18 Ball State Alumnus / Winter 2014 Ball State Alumnus / Winter 2014 19

Last fall, Apple Inc. announced Angela Ahrendts, ’81 LHD ’10, would join the California-based company this spring to shape a newly created senior vice president position. The tenacious 53-year-old will oversee the strategic direction, expansion, and operation of Apple’s retail and online stores as the technology giant expands its suite of products.

Ahrendts will succeed. It’s what she does. The day after graduation, the native of New Palestine, Ind., left Ball State on a one-way flight to Manhattan. Her drive and creative energies catapulted her through the ranks of New York City fashion houses, including Donna Karan International and Liz Claiborne Inc. In 2006, Burberry named her CEO, and in eight years, Ahrendts revitalized the 158-year-old luxury brand. Under her leadership and in partnership with Chief Creative Officer Christopher Bailey, Burberry articulated a vision, embraced digital technology, and united teams through a unique creative thinking culture.

With a young, talented team (roughly 70 percent of Burberry’s employees are under the age of 30), the iconic British brand captured the world’s attention via social media, helping Burberry attain almost 17 million Facebook fans and 2.6 million Twitter followers. Burberry’s spring/summer 2013 campaign video, featuring a 10-year old Romeo Beckham, garnered more than 1 million YouTube views in 48 hours. Through blurring physical and

digital worlds, today’s stores include interactive runway mirrors providing customers with engaging, personalized content and experiences.

Ahrendts’ fresh, integrated approach to business has more than tripled the company’s revenues to $3.2 billion and increased its stock market value by more than 350 percent to $11.2 billion. With the brand’s expansion into emerging growth markets such as China, Burberry’s iconic product and compelling emotive content can now be accessed by a loyal customer base across any device, anywhere in the world.

And so, it’s no surprise that Ahrendts is Fortune’s No. 4 “Business Person of the Year” and has been one of Forbes’ “World’s 100 Most Powerful Women” for the past six years. But among these achievements, her most compelling trait is her ability to lead with such graceful balance: energy and empathy, vision and humility. The mother of three cares deeply about people and has established several foundations focused on inspiring future generations of leaders through the power of positive human energy and creative thinking. At Ball State, Ahrendts led the creation of a $1 million fund to support the Ball State Burberry Bold Celebration Scholars and the Burberry Emerging Media Scholars programs.

As her focus shifts to the $20.2 billion retail operation of Apple, the world’s most valuable brand, Ahrendts reflects on the enduring values that guide and inspire her.

MIDWESTERN

VALUESINTERNATIONAL

SUCCESSBurberry Chief Executive Officer Angela Ahrendts is bringing

her savvy with luxury and social platforms to Apple Inc.

By Kate H. Elliott

Angela Ahrendts speaks with a student after her March 2011 presentation “Burberry + World: A Conversation with Angela Ahrendts” as part of the David Letterman Distinguished Professional Lecture and Workshop Series in Sursa Performance Hall.

Ahrendts has been named an honorary Dame of the British Empire. The title of dame is the female equivalent of knighthood.

A ROYAL HONOR


We live by what we believe, not by what we see.I am hugely proud of my Midwestern roots. Growing up in Indiana, I learned that everything truly begins and ends with people, and the compassion, trust, and respect for others that define this part of the world have given me a tremendous professional foundation. These values have been fundamental to the culture we have built at Burberry, and I will carry them forward into the next exciting phase of my journey at Apple.

As a mother of three teens, I am constantly fascinated by the window they give me into the thoughts, dreams, and perspectives of this world’s next generation. They help me stay connected to what’s current, what’s coming, and how we can meet the needs of tomorrow’s consumers. But they also teach me about myself, and as I grow with them, I’m also reminded that sometimes the old ideas are the best.

My eldest recently started college, and these past few weeks, I’ve loved hearing about his new adventures. It also got me thinking about my own experiences at that same stage in my life—what they taught me about myself and others, how they shaped my future—and what advice I’d give myself if I were starting down that path today.

A few years back, I was incredibly honored to be asked by Ball State to give the Commencement address at the spring graduation ceremony. In the months after I accepted this generous invitation and in the weeks of speech preparation that followed, I became an avid watcher of similar addresses given by others over the years. Inspired (and perhaps a little intimidated) by Steve Jobs and Oprah Winfrey among many others, I soon realized that the best advice that anyone can give a graduating class is advice that comes from the heart.

So the letter from President Jo Ann M. Gora was the start of a journey—one that took me back more than 30 years to my own studies at Ball State, to my childhood before, and my professional path thereafter. In the months between receiving

the letter and stepping up to the campus podium on that windy day in May, I felt like my life was in parallel with the students writing their final term papers: dreaming, thinking, praying about what I could say that might make a difference for this next generation at the threshold of their adult lives. How could I make the personal universal?

What I realized was this: The most vital component of my life, which has guided every step of my career, is my character—and its Midwestern core values. It struck me that every one of the 14,000 students, families, and friends in the audience might already possess the foundation to their future success, if they could answer the question: Do you truly know what your core purpose in life is, and can you clearly articulate your core values? Or put another way, do you know what is your fundamental reason for existence and what are your guiding principles?

The brilliant management thinker Jim Collins puts it thus: “A Core Purpose is your reason for being, it captures your soul, with the primary role to guide and inspire. You cannot fulfill a Purpose, it is like a guiding star on the horizon, forever pursued but never reached.” For me, core values are the “soul mate” of your core purpose—they are your beliefs, your conscience, your convictions. And they rarely change throughout your life.

Take mine. They come from my parents. True guides during a personal and professional lifetime, they began in New Palestine, Ind.

First, compassion. When I was growing up, my father constantly reminded me that “you can teach people anything but you can’t teach them to care.” Throughout my life, I have stopped to put myself in the other person’s shoes, staying aware of—and sensitive to—my impact on others.

Second, “be the best you can be.” This one from my mother, who whenever I would tell her something was “OK” or “fine,” would tell me “I didn’t raise you to be fine.” I’d later read this again in the writings of Jim Collins, who argued that “good is the enemy of great” and that “few people attain great lives, in large part because it is so easy to settle for a good life.” And so I keep striving to make the biggest, most positive impact I can.

Finally, humility. Dad, again, would always say, “When you look at a photo, do you see yourself last?” Do you?

These core values remain the guiding force in my life today. That they are is an epiphany that took 20 years of youth, 30 years of experience, and five months of reflection to discover. But they have been with me always.

As I told the Ball State graduating class in 2010, an early understanding of your core values could just be a shortcut to future success—but the truth is they are relevant at any age. With the world moving and changing so fast, your values are your true foundation. They bring confidence and peace, and I carry mine with me wherever I go.


By Angela Ahrendts, ’81 LHD ’10


FROM THE HEARTThe Importance of Enduring Values

CONTINUING THE CONVERSATIONThe month before May Commencement 2010, Ahrendts initiated a Web chat from London with 40 representatives of the Class of 2010 to gather a sense of what students wanted to hear. The week before the ceremony, Ahrendts continued the conversation with Ball State seniors via Twitter.

“Intuition is the wisdom formed by feeling and instinct—a gift of knowing without reasoning. Belief is ignited by hope and supported by facts and evidence—it builds alignment and creates confidence. Belief is what sets energy in motion and creates the success that breeds more success.”

—Angela Ahrendts

COMMITMENT TO FAMILYAhrendts reads the Bible every day, hasn’t taken a sick day in 25 years, and manages to be home each weekend with her husband, Gregg Couch, ’84, and their three children from left: Jennings, Sommer, and Angelina. Here, she poses with them on a blustery day at May Commencement 2010.


INSPIRING INNOVATIONTogether with Burberry’s Chief Creative Officer Christopher Bailey and a young team of digital natives, Ahrendts has a profound vision for the role technology plays in connecting people and inspiring brand loyalty. Today, if you walk into any Burberry store or browse Burberry.com, you will immediately feel how the brand cultivates emotional connections with its customers. Sales associates are able to offer increasingly personalized experiences—via iPads—ensuring customer preferences, shopping history, and even social interactions with the brand are readily available.

Innovations she credits to Burberry’s creative thinking culture and united team include the creation of platforms such as Art of the Trench, where users share images of themselves in the brand’s iconic outerwear, and the vision for Burberry’s flagship store on London’s Regent Street to include a digitally enabled gallery with 500 speakers and 100 screens (including the world’s tallest in a retail environment).

Yet Ahrendts’ focus on technology does not overshadow her reverence for tradition nor her commitment to thoughtful, personal interactions. The accessible leader regularly connects with the company’s 11,000 employees via video chats and posts on its internal social platform, Burberry Chat. The idea of Burberry as a “young old company” is one that embodies her leadership—a foundation of core values with an inspiring future vision. Take those smart mirrors at the Regent Street store—they aren’t just for show. They enable customers to scan a product’s tag, prompting video content of the product on the runway to almost magically appear. It’s technology with purpose.

For it is Ahrendts’ ability to uphold tradition while embracing the future that makes her so captivating and effective and the brands she promotes so innovative and desirable.

“She shares our values and our focus on innovation, and she places the same strong emphasis as we do on the customer experience. She has shown herself to be an extraordinary leader throughout her career and has a proven track record.”

— Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook, in an October statement about Ahrendts’ appointment

MOTIVATING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERSAhrendts takes time to share her journey and encourage young minds to harness positive energy to achieve success. As part of the David Letterman Distinguished Professional Lecture and Workshop Series, Ahrendts presented “Burberry + World: A Conversation with Angela Ahrendts” in March 2011 in Ball State’s Sursa Performance Hall. She discussed emerging media in international business, specifically how digital media enabled Burberry to connect globally and in more compelling ways than ever before.

THE POWER TO TRANSFORMIn April 2013, Ahrendts presented “The Power of Human Energy” at TED, a nonprofit organization that shares ideas about technology, entertainment, and design. During the 18-minute talk, she conveys how human energy focused on trust, intuition, and belief can inspire positive change. Here’s an excerpt from Ahrendts’ address:

In many ways, digital must be this generation’s greatest gift. There has never been more creative freedom and potential or more opportunity to connect and learn. But the pace of change also presents challenges: feelings of fear, distrust, and uncertainty are pervasive. So, how can we respond?

The answer might be surprisingly simple. A powerful force we’re all born with—energy. Not oil, natural gas, wind, or solar. Not ways to conserve or sustain.

Passionate, positive human energy can provide a counterbalance to the disruptive negative forces of an age of unprecedented change. Through it comes confidence, inspiration, and the power to transform things for the better.

Above: Angela Ahrendts discusses emerging media before a standing-room-only crowd in March 2011 at Sursa Performance Hall. Under her leadership, Burberry was the first luxury brand to attract more than 1 million Facebook fans.

Left, top: A leader in digital strategy, Burberry broke ground by beaming its runway show from London Fashion Week live and in 3-D to multiple locations around the globe. A few years ago, Burberry launched its website, Burberry World—“the ultimate expression of the Burberry brand,” where visitors can engage, entertain, and interact.

Left, bottom: Named No. 4 on Fortune’s 2013 list of top people in business, Ahrendts oversaw transformation of Burberry’s flagship Regent Street location into the company’s largest and most technologically advanced store in the world. Go to Burberry.com to view pictures of the store as well as Live at 121 Regent Street, a video showcasing the artfully crafted, digitally integrated space.

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Ahrendts was on hand at the Indiana Statehouse in spring 2011 as Ball State awarded 55 Bold Celebration Scholarships, four of which were Burberry Bold Celebration Scholarships. She is invested in the success of Ball State students.

During a campus visit, he learned about My Name is Jerry, an immersive learning project involving Hollywood actor Doug Jones, ’82, who worked with a diverse team of Ball State students to produce a full-length film that garnered a number of awards.

REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCENoble knew he wanted to have similar experiences. Last fall, he participated in the filming of Down to Earth, a documentary produced as part of an immersive learning project. This Virginia B. Ball Center for Creative Inquiry project brought together 14 students from six majors to explore issues of sustainable agriculture. Noble served as one of three directors of photography, producing several animations for it.

As part of the project, Noble and the team traveled to Virginia and Washington, D.C., to interview some “really big names” in sustainable agriculture. But much of the documentary features the farm of veterinarian Kyle Becker of Mooreland, Ind., on a relatively small farm—“maybe 30 cows and a bunch of chickens and turkeys,” says Noble. Becker raises grass-fed livestock using rotational grazing.

NEW PERSPECTIVEWhile filming, Noble was able to spend time on Becker’s farm—an experience entirely new to the native of South Bend, Ind. He gained new perspective.

SUPPORTING STUDENTSAhrendts’ dedication to young leaders inspires scholars to pursue their passions.

Ahrendts commits herself to encouraging and inspiring young people. She and her husband founded the Ahrendts-Couch Family Foundation to support those who are helping to encourage and inspire young people in Indiana. In partnership with Burberry Chief Creative Officer and her successor as Burberry CEO Christopher Bailey, Ahrendts co-founded the Burberry Foundation, which supports charitable organizations focused on inspiring the next generation through the power of creativity.

At Ball State, a generous lead gift led the 2010 creation of a $1 million fund to support the Ball State Burberry Bold Celebration Scholars and the Burberry Emerging Media Scholars program. The fund is providing 25 four-year scholarships of $40,000 to students studying merchandising, design, and digital media.

Building on the strengths of Ball State’s Digital Corps and Emerging Media Faculty Fellows, these scholarship programs support students such as sophomore telecommunications major Sam Noble.

The Burberry Emerging Media Scholar had planned to major in art but became increasingly interested in film and animation during his senior year of high school. Noble was drawn to Ball State because of its growing reputation in telecommunications and animation, and the concept of immersive learning intrigued him.

“I was eating really great food with the people who grew that food, listening to their stories, listening to them tell how they grew it and why they grew it and what made them passionate about it,” Noble explains. That passion “flowed through everyone in the class.”

At the end of the semester, the student team enjoyed dinner with Becker. “He told us ‘this project was one of the best experiences I have ever had farming … because you guys all cared so much and you wanted to tell my story … and you wanted to know so much about it.’”

LASTING IMPACTOf course, Noble hopes the finished documentary “wins some awards and goes to some interesting places.” But beyond any accolades, Noble says he believes immersive learning projects such as Down to Earth can make a real impact.

“If I can change someone’s eating habits just a little bit so they improve their health or improve the world, I think that is a really great outcome,” he says.

Noble is already looking forward to his next immersive learning experience. He hopes to take part in a project focused on “igniting” the Indiana film industry by exploring and documenting potential shooting locations throughout the state. But the Down to Earth project inspired him. “I got to test my skills, make mistakes, and get dirty. It was a great, transformative experience.”

To learn more about the Down to Earth project and to view the documentary, go to downtoearthfarming.org/film.html.

“The Burberry Emerging Media Scholarship has opened many doors, and meeting Angela—who helped make this possible—has inspired me to get involved and pursue my passions.”

—Sam Noble, sophomore telecommunications major

THE DOWN TO EARTH TEAMThe Virginia B. Ball Center for Creative Inquiry (VBC) at Ball State University takes pride in its immersive learning initiatives, which have given rise to many student-led seminars during the past 14 years. These projects enable students to gain real-world experience outside of a typical classroom setting. For the Down to Earth seminar, 14 students were selected to explore issues related to sustainable agriculture. After conducting research and visiting area farms, the team produced a documentary that speaks to the challenges of our current food system, the necessity for sustainable farming, and the many benefits of local foods. Learn more about the VBC at bsu.edu/vbc.

Students involved with the production of Down to Earth pose for the camera during filming at a small farm in Indiana.


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For 50 years, the John R. Emens College-Community Auditorium has united the campus and community

through shared experiences as innovative leaders have stretched our

minds, legendary comedians have made us laugh, and captivating shows

have moved us. Students, alumni, employees, and friends reflect on the auditorium’s rich, transformative past

and celebrate its promising future.


Entertainers who’ve performed over the years from the seasoned stage of Emens Auditorium are no strangers

to preshow jitters. But Earl Williams, ’51 MA ’60, the performance venue’s

first director, remembers a particular afternoon when he felt jitters of a different kind—his own.

It was March 14, 1964, billed as the “sneak preview” day for members of the Ball State and Muncie communities eager to attend a debut performance at the newly completed John R. Emens College-Community Auditorium, a venue shaping up to be the cultural hot spot in town.

Inside the auditorium, tucked away in an understated spot between two academic buildings off Riverside Avenue, Williams felt the pressure to deliver a perfect first show.

“My staff was nervous. I was nervous. The carpet was still being laid down in the aisles,” he recalls. “The big question was, ‘How would the public accept this place?’”

As it turned out, Williams had nothing to fear. “The reaction from everybody who came through the doors was priceless,” he says. “They just loved it.”

Golden memoriesThis year, as Emens Auditorium celebrates its 50th anniversary season, Williams and others are looking back on countless memories made by thousands of patrons who’ve enjoyed events there during the past five decades.

From comedy acts and country western artists to famous symphonies and Broadway shows, Emens has rolled out the red

carpet for thousands of entertainers (see “Big Names at Emens,” pages 30–31). Bob Myers, MBA ’07, Emens’ current director, says he tells his staff “we are in the ‘experience business.’”

“We facilitate the creation of precious memories and shared experiences here,” says Myers, whose favorite performers to grace the Emens stage include B.B. King, Blue Man Group, the troupe of Les Misérables, and Marlee Matlin.

Williams, who oversaw operations at Emens from 1964–89, says his favorite memories at the auditorium include multiple visits in the 1970s and early ’80s by legendary radio and TV comedian Red Skelton. During Skelton’s 1977 Homecoming stop, he stayed in Muncie for an entire week. He and Williams became close.

“We had a good relationship,” he says. “We’d never had a performer like him, someone who wanted to get out among the people the way he did.”

Norm Beck, ’58 MA ’62 PhD ’71, who began working at the university in the 1960s before retiring in 2004 as associate vice president for human resources and auxiliary services, was in the crowd that afternoon of Emens’ first preview show in March 1964. The act was Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians. Beck remembers the day as a “gala celebration.”

“The dream of President Emens had been fulfilled after many years of planning,” says Beck, who serves on the Alumni Council. “The auditorium stood as a concrete and wonderful example of what could be achieved through the collaboration of town and gown.”

A community effortPlanning for the auditorium began in the late 1940s, but fundraising efforts to cover its $3 million construction costs didn’t begin until the early 1960s. Half of the money came from private donors in the community.

“Forty-four places in town had payroll deductions, and a lot of the factory and union workers donated $5 of every one of their paychecks in 1961 and 1962 to the cause,” Williams remembers. “It was really something to see how the community made it happen. Ball State couldn’t have done it on its own.”

EMENS’ RICH PAST

John Emens, who served as Ball State’s president from 1945–68, played an instrumental role in coordinating the campus-community efforts to build the auditorium that would ultimately bear his name.

Today Emens continues to serve as a major entertainment venue for east central Indiana, a place that “adds so much to the quality of life here in our community,” says Muncie resident Charles Sursa, who chairs the community-led Emens 50th anniversary steering committee of leaders from organizations throughout Muncie and Delaware County.

Sursa grew up with fond memories of attending shows at Emens, including annual performances by University Singers and the Muncie Symphony Orchestra, with which his parents, David and Mary Jane, were deeply involved.

Sursa says, “I can’t think of another venue in this city that pulls us together and benefits us the way Emens Auditorium does.”

EMENS’ BRIGHT FUTUREImportant as it is to reflect on Emens’ 50 years as a major venue for entertainment in east central Indiana, Myers says he and his staff are equally excited about its future. A university-sponsored fundraising effort is slated to begin this year. Proposed renovations include improvements to the front face of the auditorium, with an expanded lobby and restrooms on the main floor.

More convenient box office access with additional queue space as well as a covered, curbside canopy on the circle drive in front of Emens would further efforts to provide a more audience-friendly architectural environment.

While Emens continues to offer its performers the best in sound, stage, and technical quality, it is time for ancillary improvements to be made to the venue, Myers says.

“As a presenter, my job is to bring the artist and audience together. This involves doing whatever is necessary to create an appealing place for both of these constituencies. We’ve always focused on providing the best possible performance space to our artists,” he says. “Now we’re focusing on our functional needs, all of which will help us provide the best service in both entertainment and overall patron experience for the Muncie community and east central Indiana.”

The Ball State University Singers—Indiana’s

Official Goodwill Ambassadors—are also

celebrating 50 years of entertainment

in 2014. Hundreds of University Singers

alumni are expected to attend the 50th

Annual Spectacular at Emens Auditorium in

April. Learn more about the vocal ensemble

and anniversary celebration events at

ballstateuniversitysingers.org.

By Gail Werner, ’04

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Enhancements to the building since its construction have been funded through revenues accumulated from Emens events and other university non-state sources. A community-university fundraising effort will help add significant modern improvements to the facility.


Fred Waring, The Lettermen, Ronald Reagan, Igor Stravinsky, Johnny Mathis, Pearl Buck, Count Basie, Isaac Stern, Peter Paul and Mary, The Sound of Music, Simon and Garfunkel, Birch Bayh, Wernher Von Braun, Paul Newman, Four Tops, Fiddler on the Roof, Ralph Nader, and the Righteous Brothers.

Guy Lombardo, Book of Job, Stevie Wonder, Duke Ellington, The Nutcracker, Betty Friedan, George Carlin, Lily Tomlin, Dionne Warwick, The Carpenters, Richie Havens, Johnny Cash, Mac Davis, The Imperials, Bill Cosby, Stan Kenton, The Spinners, Alex Haley, Dixy Lee Ray, Peanuts, Sherlock Holmes, Red Skelton, Harry Chapin, Jerry Lewis, The Amazing Kreskin, Dizzy Gillespie, Burl Ives, Ann Landers, David Letterman, Pablo Cruise, and Coretta Scott King.

Kenny Loggins, Mel Torme, Don Ho, Vincent Price, Mike Wallace, Gordon Lightfoot, Charlie Daniels, Sugar Babies, John Conlee, Tammy Wynette, Babes in Toyland, Liberace, Neil Young, Evita, Gerald Ford, Ray Charles, David Copperfield, Tom Jones, Joe Biden, Stevie Ray Vaughn, 42nd Street, Randy Travis, Singin’ in the Rain, Henry Kissinger, Marie Osmond, Tony Bennett, Jimmy Carter, Vienna Boys’ Choir, Mitzi Gaynor, Jay Leno, Anne Murray, Dreamgirls, and The Oak Ridge Boys.

BIG NAMES AT EMENS Willie Nelson, West Side Story, Pat Boone, Natalie

Cole, Lend Me a Tenor, Dick Vitale, Timothy Leary, Jim Davis, The Music Man, Jesse Jackson, Judy Collins, Chris Rock, Oklahoma, Guys and Dolls, Ruth Westheimer, The Smothers Brothers, Violent Femmes, David Copperfield, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tori Amos, Grease, Bob Dylan, Carrot Top, Adam Sandler, Jeff Foxworthy, B.B. King, Les Misérables, Third Eye Blind, Clay Walker and the Dixie Chicks, Wynton Marsalis, Kenny Chesney, and The Beach Boys.

Elie Wiesel, Riverdance, Weird Al Yankovic, Annie, Ben Harper, Chicago, Godspell, Rent, Travis Tritt, Penn & Teller, Steven Curtis Chapman, Bill Cosby, Legally Blonde, Lewis Black, Willie Nelson, In the Heights, George Carlin, Rascal Flatts, Dave Chappelle, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Ron White, Cats, Malcolm Gladwell, Ben Folds, Mickey Rooney, Hairspray, Joe Bonamassa, Vince Gill, Jeff Dunham, David Sedaris, Loretta Lynn, Jason Aldean, and Brian Regan.

Avenue Q, Dierks Bentley, Beauty and the Beast, David Axelrod, Blue Man Group, Bob Knight, Jason Mraz, Garrison Keillor, and Martina McBride. David Letterman also hosted conversations with Rachel Maddow, Biz Stone, and Oprah Winfrey.

STAGE

THE CEILING is scalloped and the walls are curved to eliminate sound traps.

Emens Auditorium Trivia

The STAGE and CARPET have each been replaced one time.

Number of musicians the orchestra pit accommodates

$3 MILLION

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Johnny Mathis Tom Jones

Tony Bennett Jay Leno

David Copperfield Wynton Marsalis

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Thanks for the memoriesBy Bob Myers, MBA ’07, director of Emens Auditorium

I can’t tell you how many performances I’ve taken in during my years as director of Emens Auditorium at Ball State University. (I came into this position in 1996, so that should give you some idea). Suffice it to say, the number is well into the thousands. For almost every show or event that takes place here, I am present with the crowd, doing my best to ensure all flows smoothly and everyone has a splendid time.

In my years as director, I’ve seen B.B. King up close and personal. I’ve been inspired by deaf actress Marlee Matlin and her invitation to students to break down barriers in their lives. And I—along with so many others—have been mesmerized by the bald, blue characters of Blue Man Group, who’ve treated our crowds to incredible, multisensory performances.

Speaking of great productions, hosting the national tour of Les Misérables in 1998 for a full week was extraordinary. The only other occurrence of a weeklong run here was when Riverdance played on the Emens stage in 2000.

To say what I do is a cultural treat would be an enormous understatement. I get asked frequently, “What has been your favorite performance at Emens?” It’s difficult for me to pinpoint just one.

It’s not just big shows that have special meaning to the thousands who’ve walked through the doors of Emens during the past 50 years. It’s fond memories of Ball State acts, like our show-stopping University Singers, or fantastic examples of civic engagement, such as rousing performances put on by our Muncie Symphony Orchestra. I would be remiss not to mention the time-honored tradition of commencement ceremonies, a special time for so many students and their families in the region.

We here at Emens Auditorium recently kicked off the start of a yearlong celebration of the 50th anniversary of this incredible entertainment venue, which has proven to be such a valuable asset to the Muncie community. Now the 50th anniversary steering committee wants to hear from you. What are your most memorable Emens experiences? What made them such special moments? Send your thoughts and memories to [email protected].

The above column appeared in Muncie’s The Star Press in November.

“I saw fun. perform at Emens, and they were amazing.

If I didn’t know better, I would have thought they were

playing their CD through the speakers, it was so clear.

— Senior Joe O’Rourke, telecommunications

“Emens Auditorium has a special place for me from

a community standpoint, as a student, and now as a

faculty member. My passion for the arts was ignited by

attending events at Emens as a child. I remember my

mom, dad, and I attended a Mickey Gilley concert,

which sparked my love for live concerts and music.

Emens is a gem on this campus—something I share with

potential students and their families. The impact it has

not just as an entertainment venue but as a cultural and

community icon cannot be measured.”

— Chris Taylor, ’96 MA ’98, director of digital sports production in the Department of Telecommunications

“I enjoyed lots of traveling Broadway shows on that

stage. I also played in the Wind Ensemble under

Dr. Joseph Scagnoli and guest conductor Stephen

Melillo. But my favorite was the Newsboys’ Take Me to Your Leader tour. Great concert!”

—Tricia Weiss, ’97

“I’ve been to many events at Emens in my life. The best

by far was Riverdance. Awesome.”

—Chi-chi Margolis, friend

“The Box Tops in the late 1960s remains my most

memorable show. It was my first ‘date’ with my

grandmother’s best friend’s granddaughter. I bought a new

suit to wear to the show. Their big hit was ‘The Letter.’”

—John Bartlett, ’82

“We have been Artist Series season ticket holders for

several years and are always impressed with the variety

of shows included in the series package. We also took

advantage of the recent backstage tour provided by the

Emens staff and now have a better perspective on what

happens during a performance.”

— Randy J. Sollars, ’77, director of university budgets

“I performed at Emens Auditorium two years ago with the Beauty and the Beast national tour. As a Ball State student, I was

inspired by many a touring production at Emens, so to be returning as a performer on that very stage was nothing short of

surreal. The sold-out crowd sounded like a rock concert rather than a theater audience, and their energy was infectious. My

final bow was incredibly special, watching my theater professors, mentors, and friends jump to their feet in support. I’m so

very thankful that I had the opportunity to perform at my alma mater. I will never forget it.”

— Emily Behny, ’10, who portrays Nessarose, the Wicked Witch of the East, in the touring production of Wicked

“I have one stirring memory from years ago when

my wife and I had season tickets for the Emens Artist

Series. We attended a truly magnificent show, Bubblin’ Brown Sugar. At one point in the show, the female

soloist was well into her selection when a baby began

crying. The soloist stopped her singing and then sang,

‘That’s All Right, Baby.’ The baby stopped crying.”

— Bruce Geelhoed, PhD ’75, professor of history

“When I was a student at Ball State in the early ’90s,

the Indiana Hoosier Lottery Show was broadcast from

Emens, and I got called from the audience to go on

stage to meet the host Mark Patrick, a great memory

for me because I thought he was so nice looking and

I got a hug from him!”

—Barbara Ellis, ’93

“That place just makes you feel like you are a part of something

bigger. Oprah Winfrey, David Letterman, and Biz Stone are a few

people and performances that make Emens amazing.”

— Kate Stofko, ’12

Oprah Winfrey and David Letterman

Beauty and the Beast

REFLECTIONSREFLECTIONS

Read about President Jo Ann M. Gora’s favorite Emens memories in Parting Thoughts (page 49).

Go to bsu.edu/emens50years during Emens’ 50th Anniversary season to celebrate the auditorium’s rich history and promising future. Share your memories, view a photo gallery, and learn more about the season lineup.

celebrating beneficence


When I first committed to Muncie, Delaware County, and Ball State University, I was a junior at Jay County

High School in Portland, Ind., and I knew very little about the world. The year was 1988, and the late Rick Majerus (head men’s basketball coach from 1987–89) was making the Rib Cage and the Cardinals the talk of the town. That same year, Ball State University Foundation Board member Stefan S. Anderson, then president and CEO of First Merchants Bank NA, decided to list the company’s stock on NASDAQ. Both Ball State and First Merchants were on the move.

I spent five seasons with the men’s basketball team, which included a red-shirt year, two coaching changes, plenty of bench warming, 40 starts, 111 wins, two NCAA appearances, a preseason National Invitation Tournament (NIT), two

Mark Hardwick is executive vice president and chief financial officer of First Merchants Corp., a $5.5 billion financial holding company headquartered in Muncie, Ind., which operates in central Indiana and Ohio. In 2012, Indianapolis Business Journal named him CFO of the Year.

Hardwick received the Miller College of Business Award of Distinction in 2013. Earlier, he was inducted into the Ball State University Athletics Hall of Fame as a member and team captain of the 1989–90 basketball team, which went to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship tournament.

Hardwick serves on the Miller College of Business Executive Advisory Board, the board for Cardinal Properties Inc., and the Cardinal Commitment Campaign Committee. He is a past member of the Cardinal Varsity Club Board of Directors and the Accounting Advisory Council.

In the community, Hardwick is currently the president of the Delaware Country Club and serves on the board of Union Chapel United Ministries and the finance committee of the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County.

Mark and his wife, Cathy (Alley) Hardwick, ’93, live in Yorktown, Ind., with their two children, Halie and Bryce. His brother, Scott R. Hardwick, ’99, and his wife, Stephanie (Dalton) Hardwick, ’10, also attended Ball State. They live in Richmond, Ind., with their three children, Carmen, Kami, and Drew.

Athletics Hall of Famer reflects on his personal and professional commitments to his alma mater.

By Mark Hardwick, ’93 MBA ’99

with, and it will become a doorway to your next opportunity. I received the gift of athleticism, and it opened the door to Ball State. Then, I maximized the gift of a scholarship, and it turned into an education, which in turn opened a door that included the gift of employment at GSO. That gift turned into a passion for banking, which opened a door to the gift of leadership with First Merchants Corp.

After 16 years of faithfully stewarding my responsibilities at the bank, I’m now an executive vice president and the chief financial officer of a $5.5 billion corporation with an $850 million market cap, 1,100 employees, and 110,000 customers. To whom much is given, much is expected.

First Merchants is expected to earn more than $40 million in net income in 2013, and we love to give back to the communities we serve. Muncie and Delaware County is our founding market, and it remains our largest market. Ball State makes a meaningful difference in this community—my home—by strengthening the economy and supporting innovation. Wanting to enhance those rewarding community-campus bonds, I regularly participate in the Miller College of Business Dialogue Days, speak to a variety of business

classes and clubs, and serve on the Miller College Executive Advisory Board.

First Merchants has long reinforced the value of higher education through tuition reimbursement for our employees, and we have seen the tremendous outcomes of financial contributions to the university—most recently, from our participation in Ball State Athletics’ Cardinal Commitment: Developing Champions campaign. I am so honored that our efforts are helping young men and women build character, pave the way for successful careers, and learn the value of contributing to society.

My Little League baseball coach, John Crosbie, said, “Be sure that you put as much back into this game as you take out of it.” I love that statement, and I believe it’s true of all aspects of life. I have been blessed by Muncie, Delaware County, Ball State University, Union Chapel, and First Merchants, and I plan to spend the rest of my life giving as much back as I’ve received.

I made my first commitment to Ball State in 1988, and there are many more to come.

postseason NITs, and a trip to Hawaii, where we won the Hilo Classic. Those years also included an undergraduate degree in accounting, a jump-start on my master’s degree, lots of friends, fun, and falling in love with my wife of 18 years, Catherine “Cathy” (Alley) Hardwick, ’93.

After graduating from college and hanging up my basketball gear, I moved to Indianapolis to work for George S. Olive LLP (now BKD LLP) as a staff accountant, and after several years of auditing, I jumped at the opportunity to move back to Muncie to work for Mr. Anderson as the corporate controller for First Merchants Corp. The company had just over $1 billion in total assets, and the future was limitless.

I believe the formula for success is very simple but not easy. Faithfully steward every opportunity that you are blessed

Banking on Ball State.Investing in Muncie.

In 2013, Mark Hardwick was inducted into the Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the 1989–90 men’s basketball team, which holds the highest USA Today poll final season ranking in university history. Recruited by head coach Rick Majerus, Hardwick was a fan favorite for his long-range jump shot.

celebrating beneficence


First Merchants Corp. has been a longtime Ball State supporter, honored in October 2012 for its commitments

to the university and for gifts totaling more than $1 million. Headquartered in Muncie, with 79 locations throughout Ohio and Indiana, First Merchants maintains a vested interest in supporting institutions that enhance the communities it serves, says Chief Financial Officer Mark Hardwick, ’93 MBA ’99. Recognizing the function of athletics in galvanizing community pride, the 121-year-old company has committed $300,000 to the Cardinal Commitment: Developing Champions campaign. In addition, it has committed to a $750,000 sponsorship of the Ballpark Complex.

Hudson Akin, vice president for university advancement, said First Merchants’ support of the $20 million campaign, which will last through 2014, advances thoughtful, strategic

improvements to a range of athletic facilities, enabling the university to recruit top coaches and student-athletes and to improve the fan experience.

“We are pleased to partner with First Merchants to enhance the athletic facilities and provide opportunities for Ball State students,” Akin says. “First Merchants is an integral part of the community. The leadership recognizes the importance of investing in Ball State and the impact the university makes in the quality of life in Muncie and east central Indiana.”

The campaign will support improvements to the facilities for softball, baseball, men’s and women’s golf, football, men’s and women’s basketball, and men’s and women’s volleyball. Read about the campaign’s progress, review project renderings, and hear from student-athletes about the critical need for facility improvements at bsu.edu/commitment.

DEVELOPING CHAMPIONS

Renovations to the Ballpark Complex, which hasn’t been updated in more than 40 years, will include improvements to team meeting rooms, press boxes, dugouts, grandstands, changing areas, and concessions stands.

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Last year, gifts of less than $100 added up to more than $700,000 in contributions to Ball State to:

• endow scholarships

• fund technology enhancements and research endeavors

• support immersive learning projects that solve real-world problems.

To support the most vital and emerging needs atthe university, gifts may be earmarked for theBall State Fund.

Our goal is to have 15,797 undergraduate alumni make a gift to the university when the 2014 fiscal year ends June 30.

We appreciate your generosity.

A N N U A L G I V I N G

SUSAN FISHER, ’89Public relations manager at Muncie Public Library and a member of the Cardinal Circle,

a society of alumni and friends who have made a gift two or more years in a row

“I give to Ball State because I appreciate the opportunities my degree has afforded me, and I value the resources Ball State shares with our community. My gift strengthens the university and helps current students reach their goals.”

I support the next generation.

bsu.edu/give


will include former Miss Americas, retail brands, small business owners, and actors from New York to Los Angeles—many of whom are graduates of Ball State’s theater program.

While her life as a New Yorker could have started as an 18-year-old college freshman, Buffie says she chose Ball State because she knew the midsize university in the Midwest would offer her the “true” American collegiate experience.

“I wanted to hang out on a quad, walk across campus, live in a dorm— not take classes above some coffee shop in the city,” she explains. “I got to do all those things and more at Ball State, while still taking advantage of internships in New York City for my colloquial credits and honors thesis.”

The university challenged her academically and socially, helping her become the self-assured woman she is today—someone undaunted by the prospect of donning an evening gown, performing a dance routine, and forming savvy responses about her platform before millions of television viewers.

“Had I gone to school anywhere but Ball State, I wouldn’t have been able to participate in the leadership and community service opportunities I did, be a tour guide, dance in the Ball State Dance Theatre company, and study abroad,” she says. “To this day, when I go back to campus, I think, ‘I wouldn’t have changed a thing.’”

outstanding accomplishments of recent Ball State graduates. “I am part of this exclusive circle that is so committed to this musical.”

One of her challenges as marketing director is presenting Circus to investors and others in the New York theater industry as a commercially viable project, while still honoring its Ball State roots. The university remains the primary owner of the piece.

BRINGING IT BACK TO BALL STATEAlong with her role with Circus, Buffie plans to launch her own brand development firm, Clarity Branding, to capitalize on her love of helping people succeed through creation of personal brands. Her clients

CENTER STAGEEntrepreneur promotes ‘Circus’ to NYC theater insiders

IT takes a lot of confidence to stand on stage in front of the

entire country and compete for the title of Miss America. Just ask Claire Buffie, ’08, who in 2011 participated in the storied national pageant as Miss New York, placing in the top 12 as America’s Choice finalist.

Buffie, 27, is no stranger to exuding poise on and off the stage. The young entrepreneur has taken the East Coast by storm: She owns a New York

By Gail Werner, ’04

At an October performance featuring Sutton Foster, ArtD ’12, at the Palladium in Carmel, Ind., Ball State student and alumni artists performed excerpts from The Circus in Winter musical. Attendees at the event included (from left) Claire Buffie, ’08; Krystal Worrell, musical theater major; Ben Clark, ’11; Beth Turcotte, professor of theater; Nick Rapley, ’11; Jonathan Jensen, ’10; Sam Malone, musical theater major; and Ken Dingledine, ’93.

Buffie placed in the top 12 as America’s Choice finalist in the 2011 Miss America pageant. She will continue her involvement with the Miss America pageant through a forthcoming launch of her brand development firm, Clarity Branding. Her clients include contestants of the pageant and graduates of Ball State’s theater program.

CIRCUS DREAMSAn Honors College graduate and both a Presidential and Emens scholar, Buffie earned her bachelor of fine arts degree in visual communications from Ball State. The university is where she got her start in pageants, entering on a whim for Miss Ball State and placing third her first year of competition.

Using scholarship money earned through the Miss America program, Buffie began graduate work at Georgetown in 2011. Her final thesis required she create a marketing plan for an organization of her choosing. In a serendipitous turn in fall 2012, Buffie attended a New York reading of The Circus in Winter, the Ball State-born production that was one of eight musicals featured in the National Alliance for Musical Theatre’s Annual Festival of New Musicals.

After months analyzing the musical’s marketing needs, Buffie presented her 93-page plan at another New York reading in spring 2013. “I was in tears because Circus had become my baby,” she says. In the audience was Ken Dingledine, ’93, vice president and director of operations for Samuel French, one of the country’s leading publishers of musicals and plays.

Dingledine, who has been integral to formation of the Ball State theater and dance alumni group, hired Buffie as marketing director for Center Ring Theatrical LLC, the production company he co-founded to develop Circus from student to professional production. “I’m one of four people on this core team, and it’s humbling to be trusted with that role,” says Buffie, recipient of the 2013 GOLD Award, recognizing the

From left: Claire Buffie’s sister, Sarah, and father, William, were two of her biggest supporters during her journey to become Miss New York.

alumni headliner

City-based photography and design business, recently earned a master’s degree in public relations and corporate communications from Georgetown University, and has spoken nationally as an advocate for human rights through her role with the Miss America Organization. She was the first pageant contestant to campaign on a gay rights platform, Straight for Equality: Let’s Talk. The issue of gay rights is close to

home for the Indianapolis native, who has an older sister who is gay.

“One of the simplest ways I live my platform is on a wall in my home, I have pictures of my family—my brother, his wife and kids; my sister, her husband and son; and my other sister, her partner and their girls. When you see pictures of a same-sex couple in someone’s home or on a desk at work, it creates an invitation for equality to become a topic of conversation.”

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alumni connection


alumni connection February 11–March 15The 79th Annual Student Art Show, Atrium Gallery, Art and Journalism Building, Room 101, reception, 6–8 p.m.; awards ceremony 7 p.m.

Friday, February 14Music in the Museum, David Owsley Museum of Art, 7 p.m.

Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Donor Appreciation Dinner, Alumni Center, reception 6 p.m.; dinner 7 p.m.

Saturday, February 15Figi Pig Roast, Alumni Center, reception 5 p.m.; dinner and program to follow

Ball State Bands: Wind Ensemble and Symphony Band, Sursa Hall, 7:30 p.m.

February 18–23A Behanding in Spokane, Cave Theatre

Monday, February 17Joshua Bell, Emens Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

February 20–23, 26–March 1The 39 Steps, Strother Theatre

Friday, February 21Ball State Dance Theatre: Works in Motion, Ball Gym, Korsgaard Dance Studio, Room 213, 6 p.m.

Saturday, February 22Eric Bibb & Ruthie Foster, Pruis Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Ball State Symphony Orchestra with Undergraduate Solo/Concerto Competition Winners, Sursa Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 23Women’s Basketball Alumni Day, Worthen Arena, 2 p.m.

Luke J. Wessel, ’95, Indianapolis, received the highest national industrial brokerage honor at the 2013 National Leadership Conference.

Mark K. Meier, ’97, Indianapolis, was promoted to project manager for Meyer Najem Construction, LLC.

Kevin J. Singh, ’98, Ruston, La., was granted tenure and promoted to associate professor in the School of Architecture at Louisiana Tech University.

Camille D. (Ferguson) Blunt, ’99, Indianapolis, was appointed to the Indianapolis-Marion County Library Board of Trustees.

Michelle O’Keefe, ’99 MA ’10, Indianapolis, is the vice president of public affairs and communications for Eskenazi Health in Indianapolis. She has worked for the health system for the past 12 years and was integral in the recent move and renaming of Wishard Hospital to the new Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Hospital.

Shanan R. Riegle, ’99 MAE ’05, Yorktown, Ind., a teacher at Yorktown Middle School, received the John Morton Excellence in the Teaching of Economics Award.

|2000|Sherry L. P. (Crawford) Grate, EdS ’01 EdD ’06, Auburn, Ind., superintendent of DeKalb County Central United School District, was named District II Superintendent of the Year, representing 11 counties in northeastern Indiana.

Meggan J. Ratterman, ’01, Hamilton, Ohio, married Andy Davidson, September 1.

Geri Ruppert, ’01, Dallas, Texas, received the position of Training Service Consultant for Nielsen Audio.

William T. Smith, ’01, Ft. Campbell, Ky., 326 Brigade Engineer Battalion, 1st BCT, was promoted to the rank of captain in the United States Army active duty.

is an associate professor of acting, movement, and voice at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.

David K. Livingston, ’88, Frankfort, Ill., was named President and COO of Meridian Health Plan of Illinois in Chicago.

Rick Hall, ’89, Carmel, Ind., was elected chair of the Ball State University Board of

Trustees in January. Hall, who will serve a two-year term as chair, joined the board in 2007. He had served as secretary since 2011 after a previous term as assistant secretary. Hall is a partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, where he practices in the areas of governmental services and finance. Earlier in his career, he served as a law clerk to Judge Michael Kanne of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit and worked for U.S. Sen. Richard G. Lugar. At Ball State, Hall earned four letters playing basketball and was the Cardinals captain in his senior year. Hall also is a member of the Ball State University Foundation Board.

|1990|Julie A. (Tuttle) Davis, ’94, Yorktown, Ind., started a new job at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology as the senior director of interactive marketing.

Mario Garcia, MA ’95, Indianapolis, was promoted to managing member of Brittain Minnix Garcia, an Indianapolis-based law firm.

Jim Streisel, ’95, Carmel, Ind., was named the Dow Jones News Fund’s 2013 National High School Journalism Teacher of the Year for his work advising Carmel High School’s award-winning HiLite newspaper and website as well as Acumen news magazine.

Edward L. Walter, ’80 MPA ’86, Burlington, Ky., retired as a senior attorney with the Office of Chief Counsel, IRS, in Cincinnati, Ohio, after 31 years of service to the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Johann S. Buis, MM ’83 DA ’91, River Forest, Ill., was appointed to be a director-at-large of the American Musiological Society, located in Brunskwick, Maine.

Bruce Hayes, ’84, Fort Wayne, Ind., earned the Project Management Professional credential from the Project Management Institute.

June A. Koegel, ’85, Topsham, Maine, was appointed to the Volunteers of America’s National Board of Directors.

Teresa J. Ward, ’85, Riverside, Calif., published her first children’s book, Go to Your Room.

Kye-Anne Wilborn, ’85, Chicago, Ill., business and finance cluster manager for Chicago Public Schools, received the 2013 Economics Ambassador Award sponsored by 3M and Econ Illinois at a luncheon hosted at the Union League Club of Chicago. The award recognizes individuals who have provided extraordinary advocacy and support for economic and financial literacy education for youth.

Lee A. (Miller) Maxwell, ’86, Bradenton, Fla., a middle school science teacher, was named 2013–14 Teacher of the Year at Imagine School of North Manatee, a charter school in Palmetto, Fla.

Kate S. (Hiser) Lee, ’87, South Bend, Ind., joined the St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce as Director of Talent Engagement for internSJC, a new program encouraging businesses to develop high-quality opportunities for students.

Jeffrey C. Casazza, ’88, Fort Wayne, Ind., is the 2013 recipient of Leepoxy Plastics Inc. Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching for his innovative approach to the teaching of theatrical composition. Casazza

Bend’s Swanson Primary Center. The top ten finalist for 2014 Indiana Teacher of the Year has been teaching for 37 years, 20 of those years in kindergarten.

Bruce A. Suardini, MA ’76, Urbana, Ill., received the George Schwab Distinguished Service Award from the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association.

Ron D. Collier, ’79, New Palestine, Ind., president and chief executive officer for Indiana Members Credit Union, was inducted into the 2013 Credit Union House Hall of Leaders. Collier is a member of the Indiana Credit Union Hall of Fame and a recipient of the Indiana League’s Professional Achievement Award.

R. Wayne Estopinal, ’79, Jeffersonville, Ind., was appointed chair of Ball State’s presidential search committee. Estopinal, who has served on the Ball State University Board of

Trustees since 2011, facilitated a range of open forums to receive public input as the university seeks a new president. Estopinal is president of The Estopinal Group, an architectural firm based in Jeffersonville. He is a member and past president of the Ball State University Alumni Council and serves on the Ball State University Foundation Board of Directors.

Michael D. Hall, ’79 MA ’83, Indianapolis, has published two books, Figment of My Reality and Five Aces.

Robert J. Holley, AA ’79 BS ’81, Plainfield, Ill., was named special agent in charge of the FBI’s Chicago division.

|1980|Amy S. Ahlersmeyer, ’80, Zionsville, Ind., was promoted to vice president of marketing and communications at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park in Fishers, Ind.

Michele T. Miller, ’80 MA ’81, Marietta, Ga., opened a private practice speech-language therapy clinic, The Communication Spot, LLC.

|1970|Patrick J. Mark, ’70 MAE ’78 EdS ’81 EdD ’88, Greenville, S.C., was promoted to superintendent/district ombudsman for the Greenville County School District.

Jeff C. Young, ’71, Sarasota, Fla., had his 42nd book, Albert Pujols: A Baseball Star Who Cares, published by Enslow Publishers.

Philip S. Stevenson, ’72 MA ’76 EdS ’88, Centerville, Ind., superintendent of Centerville-Abington Community Schools, is the District VI Superintendent of the Year, representing east central Indiana.

E. Ric Frataccia, MA ’73 EdD ’78, Valparaiso, Ind., superintendent of Portage County School Corporation, was named District I Superintendent of the Year for northwest Indiana.

Karen (Wessel) Garloch, ’73, Charlotte, N.C., medical writer for The Charlotte Observer, works as a health writer and part of a reporting team that writes about

how the state’s nonprofit hospitals contribute to the high cost of healthcare. The team has won 14 national awards including being named a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in local reporting. They received the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Domestic Print Award at the Kennedy Center in September.

“My experiences with Ball State’s journalism program helped me obtain three internships and build a successful career.”

Read Garloch’s stories at charlotteobserver.com/hospitals.

John M. Dierdorf, ’74, Indianapolis, chairman of the board of Forum Credit Union, was named the Indiana Credit Union League’s 2013 recipient of the Leadership Achievement Award.

Ronald L. Woodward, ’74, Wabash, Ind., was named the 2013 Distinguished Citizen at the Wabash County Chamber of Commerce annual dinner.

Sue Panzica, ’75, MAE ’77, PhD ’08, was named Teacher of the Year in South Bend, Ind. Panzica teaches kindergarten at South

|1950|Byron C. Starr, ’53, and wife, Charlotte Starr, Edgewater, Fla., celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary October 23.

Leigh E. Morris, ’58, La Porte, Ind., past Alumni Council member, was named interim president of the Legacy Foundation, a nonprofit community foundation.

|1960|Warren S. Popp, MA ’62, Sacramento, Calif., received the 2013 Arthur S. Marmaduke Award as California’s High School Counselor of the Year.

Dave D. Welcome, ’63 MA ’66, Bloomfield Hills, Mich., was inducted into the Michigan High School Coaches Hall of Fame.

Keith P. Henschen, ’65, Salt Lake City, Utah, received the Distinguished Professional Practice Award from the Association for Applied Sport Psychology.

Shirley A. (Ogle) Willard, MA ’66, Rochester, Ind., organized the sixth Trail of Death Commemorative Caravan to honor the Potawatomi American Indians.

Susie E. (Duncan) Sexton, ’68, Columbia City, Ind., released her second essay collection, More Secrets of an Old Typewriter: Misunderstood Gargoyles and Overrated Angels.

Roy A. Weaver, ’68 MAE ’71, Muncie, Ind., past Teacher’s College Alumni Board member, received the National Association for Gifted Children President’s Award.

Larry K. Greenwalt, ’69, Zionsville, Ind., Chairman of Greenwalt CPAs, was named a five star wealth manager in the October 2013 issue of Indianapolis Monthly.

Harold Strangeman, MA ’69, Charleston, Ill., wrote, You’re My Hero!, an article that appeared in the Bits and Pieces section of the September and October issues of Good Old Days magazine.

events calendar

alumni connectionalumni connection


Monday, March 10Department of Theatre and Dance New York Showcase, Theatre Row Studios, 410 W. 42nd St., New York City, 4 p.m.

Tuesday, March 18TAO: Phoenix Rising, Emens Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 20Muncie Symphony Orchestra: Young People’s Concert, Emens Auditorium, 9:30 a.m.

Friday, March 21Visiting Art Historian Nicole Woods-Beckton, Art and Journalism Building, Room 225

March 25–30A Festival of New Plays, Cave Theatre

March 20–April 15Annual Graduate Exhibition, Atrium Gallery, Art and Journalism Building, Room 101, reception 4–6 p.m. March 20

Monday, March 24Excellence in Leadership Speaker Series: Bill Rasmussen, Emens Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 27Four Bitchin’ Babes, Pruis Hall, 7:30 p.m.

March 27–30, April 1–5The Music Man, University Theatre

Friday, March 28Ball State Bands: Wind Ensemble and Symphony Band, Sursa Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 29Ball State Choirs: The Statesmen, University Choral Union, and Women’s Chorus, Sursa Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, February 26Connect with Ball State in Florida, The Addison, 2 East Camino Real, Boca Raton, FL, reception 6–8 p.m.

Thursday, February 27Connect with Ball State in Florida, Chico’s Corporate Offices, 11215 Metro Parkway, Fort Myers, FL, tour followed by reception 5:30–6:30 p.m.

Peter Happel Christian, Art and Journalism Building, Room 225, 5:30 p.m.

Tracy Silverman Three Part Invention, Pruis Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, February 28Connect with Ball State in Florida, Lakewood Ranch Golf and Country Club, 7650 Legacy Blvd., Lakewood Ranch, FL, reception 5:30–7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 1Artist Series: Women of Ireland, Emens Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

Monday, March 3Excellence in Leadership Series: Lauren Bush Lauren, Pruis Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 5Ball State Bands: The Ball State Concert Band, Sursa Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 6Royal Winnipeg Ballet: Moulin Rouge, Emens Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 8Sigma Alpha Epsilon Founders Day, Alumni Center, reception 5:30 p.m.; dinner 6:30 p.m.

Ball State Jazz Ensembles, Emens Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

Adam Shunk, MA ’04, PhD, ’07, was featured as a Rising Star by the Indianapolis Star. Shunk is a licensed sports psychologist and neuropsychologist at St. Vincent Sports Performance Center in Indianapolis. Shunk is the consulting sports psychologist for the Purdue University Athletic Department.

Jason Croy, ’05, earned a doctorate in physics from the University of Central Florida. In 2011, he completed a postdoctoral program at Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois. He is part of the Materials Research Group at Argonne National Laboratory.

Erica N. Brock, ’06, New York City, joined activist group The Catholic Worker.

Kari E. (Jones) Gayes, ’06, Muncie, Ind., is a communications manger in Ball State University Marketing and Communications.

Kevin McCaffrey, ’04, New York City, made his network television

debut as a comedian on The Late Show with David Letterman in November. The former Late Show monologue writer appears every week on truTV Presents: World’s Dumbest; and in 2014, the Chicago native will appear on VH1’s I Love the 2000s. In October, McCaffrey married Jaimie (Hughes) McCaffrey, ’03, who is a freelance monologue writer for the Late Show and a staff writer for World’s Dumbest.

Joshua M. Panyard, ’04, Austin, Texas, was hired as lead designer for The Chive, a photo-entertainment website.

Melissa L. (Key) Hunt, ’02, and her husband, Ryan J. Hunt, ’02, Indianapolis, welcomed a daughter, October 7.

Kelly Jean (Johnson) Scott, MAE ’02, Anderson, Ind., has been named as a top ten finalist for the Indiana Teacher of the Year Award.

Nicholas J. Gayes, ’03, Muncie, Ind., is the men’s and women’s diving coach at Ball State.

Katie A. Mellen, ’03, Indianapolis, was named manager of a new Walmart Neighborhood Market.

Charles R. Brimbury, MAE ’04, Peru, Ind., superintendent of Peru Community School Corporation, was named District III Superintendent of the Year, representing nine counties in north central Indiana.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD The Ball State University Alumni Association’s highest honor was established in 1959 to recognize alumni for their loyalty and significant contributions to their professions, communities, and society.

Terry L. Walker, ’68, chairman of the Hamer D. and Phyllis C. Shafer Foundation, retired in 2012, following a more than 30-year career with Muncie Power Products, where he served as chairman and CEO. He had previously served as a partner at R.J. Whitinger & Co. The Muncie native served on the Miller College of Business Alumni Society Board of Directors from 1978–86 and as its president from 1983–84. Walker was a member of the Ball State Bold

Campaign Committee from 2007–11, the Alumni Center National Steering Committee from 1993–98, and was named a member of Beta Alpha Psi accounting honorary, which recognized him with its Accountant of the Year Award in 2006.

HONORARY ALUMNI AWARD In its inaugural year, the Honorary Alumni Award is the association’s highest honor given to friends of the university who have made significant and long-standing contributions to Ball State’s welfare, reputation, prestige, and pursuit of excellence.

Marianne Glick, president and owner of GlickArt and director of the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Family Foundation, has served Ball State as a member of the Board of Trustees since 2006 and is now the board’s assistant secretary. She recently retired as president of Glick Training Associates, a firm Glick founded in 1986 to assist organizations in enhancing employee productivity and

effectiveness. The entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader is also an accomplished artist, who often contributes her paintings to support nonprofit organizations such as the Children’s Bureau, Girls Inc., Dress for Success, Planned Parenthood, United Way, and Women’s Fund. In 2010, Ball State named her an Indiana Woman of Influence.

Amanda C. (Hopper) Jones, ’09, and her husband Dustin R. Jones, ’10, Yorktown, Ind., welcomed a son, May 14.

Nathan A. Rush, ’09 MA ’13, Worcester, Mass., was hired as an institutional research analyst with Becker College.

|2010|Justin R. Toft, MA ’10, Sandusky, Ohio, married Diane M. Myers, October 5.

Keaton Wooden, ’10, Chicago, Ill., is the associate producer for the Chicago Commercial Collective. His feature film, starring Shawna Waldron (The American President), had

Laura B. (Thompson) Israel, ’06, and her husband, Christopher Israel, Minneola, Fla., welcomed a son, Bryson Michael Israel, October 28.

James L. Liechty, ’06 MS ’07, and his wife, Lauren K. Liechty, ’08 MA ’12, welcomed a son, September 29.

Kimberly A. (Earn) Beal, ’07, Westfield, Ind, received the 2013 Statewide Olin W. Davis Award.

Nicholas A. Duvall, ’07, and his wife, Hilary M. (Brown) Duvall, ’10, Fishers, Ind., welcomed a daughter, October 7.

David P. Studinski, ’07 MA ’09, New York, NY, member of the Journalism Alumni Society Board, received the march director position for NYC Pride.

MEET THE 2013 ALUMNI AWARD WINNERS

GRADUATE OF THE LAST DECADE (GOLD) AWARDRecognizing the outstanding accomplishments of recent graduates.

Claire H. Buffie, ’08, owner, photographer, and designer at Claire Buffie: Photography & Design in New York City. (Read about Buffie on pages 38-39).

Daniel G. Haake, ’04 MUR ’06, Urban Planning Alumni Advisory Board member, is a freight/rail planner at CDM Smith, a logistics and supply firm in Indianapolis.

PAST CHAIR AWARDHonoring the outgoing chair of the Ball State University Alumni Council.

Kimberley A. Stout, ’82, Alumni Council immediate past chair, is a conversion specialist at TruPay Corporation in Mishawaka, Ind.

BENNY AWARD Ball State alumni, faculty and staff, community members, and businesses that contribute outstanding service to the university.

Anthony O. Edmonds, George and Frances Ball distinguished professor of history emeritus, is a retired professor, author, and speaker.

Bonnie J. Johnston, ’71 MA ’79, Family and Consumer Sciences Alumni Society Board of Directors member emerita, is a retired family and consumer sciences teacher from Centerville (Ind.) High School.

Annette A. Munoz, ’02, Alumni Council member at-large emerita, is a music teacher at Turkey Run Junior-Senior High School in Penn, Ind.

its world premiere at the Louisville International Film Festival. He also produced a play, following the life of Julia Child, which appeared at a Broadway playhouse.

Zachary R. Allen, ’12, Muncie, portrayed the scarecrow for Warner Bros. Wizard of Oz red carpet screening, TCL Chinese Theatre’s IMAX ribbon cutting, and the unveiling of the Judy Garland as Dorothy statue in Hollywood, Calif.

Travis M. Doto, ’12, Middletown, Ind., received The Daily Point of Light Award for his service to the community.

Sean A. Muzzi, ’12, Troy, Mich., was hired as the string bass player for the Glenn Miller Orchestra.

Douglas W. Reddington, ’78, Alumni Council chair emeritus, is a manager of campus project implementation at DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind.

Michael L. Shumaker, ’73 MAE ’77, Alumni Council Indianapolis chapter representative emeritus, is a retired art teacher from Fall Creek Valley Middle School in Lawrence, Ind.

Joseph H. Schroeder, ’03 MS ’04, Young Accounting Alumni Advisory Council member, is an assistant professor of accounting at the Kelley School of Business, Indiana University in Bloomington.

Quinntin W. Shepherd, ’04, is a partner and executive vice president at Shepherd Insurance and Financial Services in Carmel, Ind.


in memoriam

Edwin R. Key, MA ’65, Lompoc, Calif., Oct. 30.

Robert L. Taylor, ’65, MA ’66, Barrington, Ill., April 3.

Patricia A. Troyer, MA ’65, Albion, Ind., Sept. 14.

Arden R. Chilcote, MA ’66, Franklin, Ind., Sept. 14.

Gerald C. Foldenauer, ’66, Torrington, Wy., Nov. 5, 2012.

Paula J. (Sutphin) Scott, MA ’66, Marion, Ind., Sept. 12.

Ralph G. Steinke, MA ’66, Saint Charles, Ill., May 2.

Linda L. (Pigg) Schroeder, MA ’67, Leavenworth, Kan., Sept. 24.

Gary L. Cleaveland, ’68, Mission Viejo, Calif., July 21.

Sidney L. Fennig, ’68, MAE ’70, Decatur, Ind., Nov. 5, 2012.

John M. Rotz, ’68, Glendale, Ariz., Sept. 5.

A. Dean (Staley) Staley, ’68, Henderson, Nev., Sept. 20.

Judith A. Craig, ’69, MAE ’73, Carmel, Ind., Sept. 7.

Linda G. (Bateman) Orcutt, ’69, MAE ’74, Muncie, Ind., Sept. 7.

Constance J. (Hayden) Smith, ’69, Muncie, Ind., Oct. 10.

Sally K. (Cochrane) Teachout, ’69, Lebanon, Ind., Sept. 13.

|1970|Bonnie E. Barr, MA ’70, Muncie, Ind., Nov. 12.

James D. Brindel, MA ’70, Madison, Ind., Nov. 20.

James E. Dixon, ’70, Havana, Fla., Nov. 15, 2012.

Constance (Robinson) Ellsworth, MA ’70, Kokomo, Ind., Sept. 13.

Sharon K. Gramza, MA ’70, MAE ’84, Indianapolis, Nov. 9.

Jean (Basham) Hamori, MA ’70, Zionsville, Ind., Sept. 3.

Sue F. Hargrove, ’70, Indianapolis, Aug. 2.

William R. Blake, ’62, Elwood, Ind., Oct. 28.

Dorothy P. (Watson) Clemens, ’62, MAE ’66, Prescott, Ariz., Sept. 10.

Ronald C. Colborne, ’62, Lexington, S.C., March 18.

Richard A. Grindle, ’62, Leesburg, Ind., Nov. 17.

Betty L. Johnson, MA ’62, Fort Wayne, Ind., Aug. 28.

Tamara (Yermack) Kramer, ’62, MA ’83, Pendleton, Ind., Sept. 4.

John O. Rogers, ’62, La Porte, Ind., Nov. 13.

Donald E. Wesner, ’62, MA ’70, Delphi, Ind., Sept. 13.

Robert C. Whitlock, ’62, Indianapolis, Oct. 24.

Peter F. Yohler, ’62, MA ’68, Muncie, Ind., Nov. 9.

Carla I. (Monroe) Yust, ’62, MA ’64, Indianapolis, Nov. 4.

Richard H. Buehler, ’63 MA ’67, Cloverdale, Ind., Sept. 1.

Keith W. Dafforn, ’63, MA ’68, Huntington, Ind., Aug. 25.

Rosalie A. (Ruschkofski) Daugherty, ’63, Logansport, Ind., Aug. 30.

Marcia A. (Kingen) Hartsock, ’63, Honokaa, Hawaii, Nov. 4.

Richard L. Hoffmeyer, ’63, MA ’71, Travares, Fla., Sept. 11.

Michael J. Koons, ’63, MA ’71, Bluffton, Ind., Oct. 6.

Mary M. (Moore) Moorehead, MA ’63, Montpelier, Ind., Oct. 21.

Joe B. Ritter, ’63, New Bremen, Ohio, Aug. 30.

Anthony Wesolowski, ’63, MA ’66, Hesperia, Mich., Sept. 4.

Mary A. (Kingsinger) Chase, MA ’64, Portland, Ind., Oct. 29.

Jean (Roles) Moomaw, ’64, Spokane, Wash., Aug. 3.

Rachel G. (Green) Powell, ’64, MAE ’69, Lafayette, Ind., Nov. 3.

Jerry P. Dodson, ’65, Boise, Oct. 1.

Mary J. Doyle, MA ’65, Bluffton, S.C., Sept. 8.

Richard L. Bowman, ’57, Bellingham, Wash., June 27.

Delores A. Dillon, ’57, Leonardo, N.J., Aug. 24.

Phyllis A. (Haehl) Fleener, ’57, Grapeview, Wash., Sept. 4.

Delores S. (Janney) Lifson, ’57, Mount Vernon, Iowa, Oct. 10.

John B. McGinnis, ’57 MA ’59, Champaign, Ill., May 16.

Robert L. Nelson, ’57, Leesburg, Fla., Sept. 19.

Richard E. Treber, ’57, Marion, Ind., Oct. 25.

John Richard “Dick” Badry, ’58, MA ’59, Peru, Ind., Sept. 3.

John F. Clouse, ’58, MA ’60, Muncie, Ind., Sept. 11.

Harold E. Thompson, ’58, MA ’59, Alexandria, Ind., Oct. 5.

Robert Popovich, MA ’58, Noblesville, Ind., Nov. 18.

Charles H. Loewen, MA ’59, Bradenton, Fla., Oct. 23.

Charles B. Williams, ’59, MA ’67, Alexandria, Ind., Sept. 8.

Verl N. Wolfe, ’59, Winchester, Ind., Nov. 18.

|1960|

June M. (Reese) Brockel, ’60, Schererville, Ind., Sept. 26.

Dorothy H. (Zachary) Burton, ’60, MA ’67, Mount Vernon, Ohio, Nov. 21.

Retha J. (Lozier) Hudson, MA ’60, San Jose, Calif., Aug. 20.

Mona L. (Hutchinson) Kime, ’60, MA ’65, Wabash, Ind., Nov. 13.

James R. McGraw, ’60, Atlanta, June 24.

David R. Craigmile, ’61, Saint Helena Island, S.C., Nov. 18.

Robert E. Dawes, MA ’61, LaFontaine, Ind., Sept. 9.

James C. Etzler, ’61, Fort Wayne, Ind., Sept. 23.

Albert M. Johnson, ’61, Kokomo, Ind., Sept. 24.

Saturday, April 12University Singers Reunion, Alumni Center; sign-in and socialize 10 a.m.; luncheon and program 11:30 a.m.; rehearsal 3 p.m.

University Singers 50th Annual Spectacular!, Emens Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

April 15–19, 21Hope and Fury, Cave Theatre

Thursday, April 17“Edmund F. Petty Memorial Lecture,” David Owsley Museum of Art, 5 p.m.

Arts Alive Series: Nathan Gunn, Sursa Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 22Artist Series: The Ten Tenors: Broadway, Emens Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 23Ball State Bands: Ball State Concert Band, Sursa Hall, 7:30 p.m.

April 23–26Design & Dance, University Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 26Nursing Alumni Banquet, social hour 5:30 p.m.; dinner 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 24The Boxcars, Pruis Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 25Ball State Bands: Wind Ensemble and Symphony Band, Sursa Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 26Muncie Symphony Orchestra: Ode to Joy: Beyond Borders, Emens Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.; pre-concert talk 6:30 p.m.

Thomas W. Morris, ’51, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Sept. 2.

Phyllis J. (Ruble) Pond, ’51, New Haven, Ind., Sept. 22.

Everett Steen, ’51, MA ’52, Portland, Ind., Oct. 25.

Betty Jo Hudson, ’52, MA ’58, Eastport, Mich., Oct. 4.

Kenneth D. LaRue, ’52, MA ’58, Yorktown, Ind., Nov. 21.

Betty A. (Hemdal) Migliore, ’52, Mission Viejo, Calif., Sept. 4.

Phyllis A. (Masters) Patterson, ’52, Michigan City, Ind., Oct. 13.

Robert A. Polhemus, ’52, Hudson, Fla., Aug. 16.

John L. Edwards, ’53, Phoenix, July 19.

Bob M. Mantock, ’53 MA ’59, Peru, Ind., March 25.

Donald W. Poer, ’53, New Castle, Ind., Oct. 29.

Samuel J. Hackett, ’54, Ventura, Calif., Oct. 11.

Norma J. McGrew, ’54 MA ’63, Centerville, Ind., Sept. 23.

Robert L. Neuman, ’54 MA ’59, Chandler, Ariz., April 5.

Charlotte L. (Mathews) Stewart, ’54, Anderson, Ind., Oct. 14.

Lois I. Butler, ’55, Fulton, Mo., Aug. 21.

William F. Gage, ’55, Albion, Ind., Aug. 19.

Josephine A. (Vance) Juran Leiby, ’55, Hendersonville, N.C., Sept. 23.

Mary F. (Pangborn) Pelton, ’55, MAE ’63, Franklin, Ind., Aug. 22.

Laura J. (Barlow) Friend, ’56, Muncie, Ind., Nov. 19.

Lewis E. Matthew, ’56, MA ’65, Indianapolis, April 10.

Ann (Cain) Neuman, ’56, Chandler, Ariz., April 5.

Wilma J. Pyle, ’46, Lake Wales, Fla., Aug. 26.

Mary Dawn (Thees) White, ’46, Evansville, Ind., Sept. 7.

Clara A. (Evers) Lichtsinn, ’47, Webster City, Iowa, Sept. 16.

Rosemary T. (Thorpe) Strauch, ’47, MA ’55, Muncie, Ind., Oct. 14.

Rachel M. (Miller) Verba, ’47, Columbia City, Ind., Oct. 9.

Doris L. (Hartlep) Ingram, ’48, Danville, Ill., Aug. 31.

Richard M. Jellison, ’48, Oxford, Ohio, Nov. 5.

Gerhard C. Niemann, ’48, Carmichael, Calif., Sept. 15.

Walter E. Pearson, ’48, MA ’49, Eugene, Ore., March 11.

Cleo (Caton) Sheffield, ’48, Yorktown, Ind., Nov. 25.

Angae L. (Smith) Davis, ’49, Richmond, Ind., Aug. 20.

Patricia (Taylor) Taylor Pivnick, ’49, MA ’63, Webster, N.Y., Nov. 6.

|1950|Roberta L. (Kester) Bennett, ’50, MA ’64, Union City, Ind., Oct. 31.

James R. Cox, ’50, MA ’73, Bremen, Ind., Oct. 21.

Joan V. (Bulen) Dobbs, ’50, Parker City, Ind., Oct. 22.

William P. Garrison, ’50, Kokomo, Ind., May 5.

Eugene B. Himelick, ’50, Urbana, Ill., Nov. 11.

Glenn E. Hobbs, ’51, Kokomo, Ind., Oct. 31.

Jean M. (Overbey) Lewis, ’51, Indianapolis, Sept. 29.

Dan A. Mallas, ’51, Valparaiso, Ind., Nov. 1.

|1930|Margaret C. (Allen) Dibert, ’37, Fort Wayne, Ind., Sept. 27.

Carol (Smith) Hyman, ’38, Lebanon, Ind., Oct. 21.

Charles E. Billiard, ’39, MAE ’47, Peachtree City, Ga., Aug. 26.

Clarabelle (Carothers) Edson, ’39, Kokomo, Ind., Oct. 28.

Martha A. (Hindsley) Hall, ’39, Williamsburg, Va., July 5.

Kathryn (Hackerd) Zimmer, ’39, Rensselaer, Ind., Aug. 23.

|1940|Eleanor R. (Rowdabaugh) McKinney, ’40, LaFayette, N.Y., March 10.

Willie A. Satkamp, ’40, MA ’48, Winchester, Ind., Nov. 8.

E. Ellen (Layman) Lash, ’41, La Porte, Ind., Sept. 12.

Edra T. (Stoelting) Roper, ’42, Indianapolis, Aug. 30.

Ruth R. (Maxime) Schneider, ’43, Indianapolis, Nov. 9.

Mildred J. (Crampton) Ball, ’44, Des Peres, Mo., Oct. 8.

Margaret E. (Weller) Hardy, ’44, Indianapolis, Nov. 7.

Carolyn J. (Kirkwood) Hartley, ’44, Racine, Wis., Aug. 16.

Theresa A. (Randall) Luccio, ’44, Placida, Fla., April 9.

Ruth E. (Donaldson) Schlegel, ’44, Anderson, Ind., Nov. 17.

Pearl V. (Winolan) Clark, ’45, MA ’67, Anderson, Ind., Nov. 23.

Garnet M. (Musselman) Parsons, ’45, Muncie, Ind., Sept. 26.

Jane A. (Libey) Holbrook, ’46, Noblesville, Ind., January 29.

Monday, March 31Hamlet, Pruis Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 1Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Pruis Hall, 7:30 p.m.

April 3–4Visiting Artist Seth Green, Art and Journalism Building, Room 125, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Friday, April 4NREM Alumni Society Awards Dinner, Alumni Center, reception 6 p.m.; dinner to follow

April 4, 6Ball State Opera Theatre: Werther featuring Ball State Symphony Orchestra, Sursa Hall, 7:30 p.m. on April 4; 2 p.m. on April 6.

April 8–May 3Senior Thesis Exhibitions, Atrium Gallery, Art and Journalism Building, Room 101

Tuesday, April 8Ball State Choirs: Chamber Choir and Concert Choir, Sursa Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 9Ball State Jazz Ensembles, Sursa Hall, 7:30 p.m.

April 10–13, 16–19Dancing at Lughnasa, Strother Theatre

April 11–13Ball State Dance Theatre: Junior Choreography Showcase, Ball Gym, Korsgaard Dance Studio, Room 213

Friday, April 11University Singers Reunion reception, Alumni Center, 8 p.m.

in memoriam


in memoriamin memoriam

|1990|Lisa C. (Cummings) Speicher, ’90, Muncie, Ind., Oct. 5.

Tony L. Criswell, ’91, Frankfort, Ind., Jan. 2.

Randel O. Martin, MA ’93, Richmond, Ky., Dec. 3, 2012.

Catherine A. (Sanders) Criswell, ’94, Lafayette, Ind., Feb. 9.

Amantha D. Weller, ’95, Louisville, Ky., Nov. 16.

Nancy J. (Smith) Dudley, ’96, Gas City, Ind., Oct. 28.

Holly B. Frese, ’96, Chesterfield, Ind., March 8.

John G. Jenkins, ’80, Beaverton, Ore., Oct. 3.

Bobby G. Johns, ’80, Bracey, Va., Aug. 22.

Lynn D. Morris, ’80, Plymouth, Ind., Nov. 2.

James A. Reese, ’80, Parker City, Ind., Sept. 18.

Carleto E. Cronkhite, ’81, Kokomo, Ind., Oct. 19.

Christopher L. Effinger, ’81, Newburgh, Ind., Dec. 8, 2012.

Danny D. Price, ’81, Littleton, Colo., Feb. 16.

Carol A. Berning, EdD ’82, Fort Wayne, Ind., Nov. 2.

Slade T. Edling, ’82, Michigan City, Ind., Sept. 10.

Jackie D. Hanshew, ’82, MA ’83, Peachtree City, Ga., June 27.

David L. Hessler, MA ’82, Logan, N.M., Oct. 17.

Josephine (Stephenson) Hinds-Krumal, MM ’82, Dayton, Ohio, Sept. 20.

Gina S. Moffett, ’83, Carmel, Ind., Oct. 2.

Gil R. McDougal, ’84, Martinsville, Ind., Nov. 4.

Daniel E. Chopp, ’85, Indianapolis, Sept. 15.

Christie D. (Lyons) Joy, ’85, Richmond, Ind., Oct. 15.

James D. Rodriguez, ’85, Muncie, Ind., Aug. 21.

David W. Barrett, ’86, Anderson, Ind., Aug. 27.

Ginger K. (Dubois) Tierney, ’86, Noblesville, Ind., Nov. 23.

Sara A. (Shure) Clark, ’87, Golden, Colo., Nov. 1.

Michael E. McGeady, BAR ’87, London, England, Oct. 28.

Laura C. Rodgers, ’87, Dublin, Ohio, Aug. 26.

Jayne E. (Humphrey) Schaffer, ’87, Yorktown, Ind., Nov. 18.

David A. Zacchetti, MA ’89, Fredericksburg, Va., Aug. 14.

James D. Eppley, MA ’74, Huntington, Ind., Aug. 24.

Cecil A. Fox, ’74, MA ’79, Fort Myers, Fla., Sept. 27.

Esther E. (Hale) Jacobs, MA ’74, Carmel, Ind., Nov. 9.

Phyllis J. (Decker) Burand, MAE ’75, Anderson, Ind., Aug. 28.

Timothy J. Couch, MA ’75, Midland, Mich., Aug. 26.

Edward S. Gryczynski, MA ’75, Locust Grove, Va., Oct. 30.

Rebecca A. (Hadley) Smith, ’75, Indianapolis, Oct. 15.

James R. Ayers, MA ’76, Brownsburg, Ind., Sept. 10.

Kimberly A. Blackhall, ’76, Indianapolis, Sept. 16.

James D. Genovese, ’76, Valparaiso, Ind., Sept. 7.

Cynthia L. Sauer, ’76, MAE ’80, Lafayette, Ind., Sept. 24.

Jonathan D. Griffin, ’77, West Terre Haute, Ind., Oct. 15.

Louise E. (Logan) Hartley, MAE ’77, Fishers, Ind., Oct. 17.

Jeffrey W. Hughel, MAE ’77, Anderson, Ind., Nov. 13.

Phillip M. Neff, MA ’77, New Carlisle, Ohio, Oct. 14.

Ann P. (Patterson) Bear, MAE ’78, Indianapolis, Aug. 28.

Richard J. Smith, EdS ’78, EdD ’83, Spokane, Wash., Sept. 9.

Jane A. (Church) Tracy, ’78, MA ’88, Elwood, Ind., Sept. 22.

Vicki J. (Oisten) Conley, ’79, Muncie, Ind., Nov. 24.

Susan (Higgins) Musial, MA ’79, Lafayette, Ind., Nov. 13.

Barbara J. (Stewart) Myers, ’79, Indianapolis, Aug. 16.

Homer J. Sowers, ’79, Indianapolis, Nov. 8.

|1980|Stephen J. Dick, ’80, MA ’87, Muncie, Ind., Sept. 10.

Benjamin C. Mukkala, ’70, Benbrook, Texas, Sept. 25.

Patricia E. (Matthews) Nichols, ’70, De Pere, Wis., Feb. 14.

Robert A. Paul, ’70, Walkerton, Ind., Sept. 25.

Carrollee (Starr) Allen, ’71, MAE ’74, Syracuse, Ind., Nov. 17.

Laura J. (Parrish) Basham, ’71, MAE ’77, Shelby, Ind., Sept. 26.

Anne M. (Watson) Bourdon, ’71, MA ’73, North Wales, Pa., Jan. 11.

Pamela K. (Centers) Soper, ’71, MAE ’78, Richmond, Ind., Oct. 25.

Carolyn A. Wardrop, ’71, Indianapolis, Nov. 12.

Douglas W. Brown, ’72, Elkhart, Ind., Oct. 8.

James D. Greene, ’72, Cathedral City, Calif., Sept. 23.

William R. Harriff, ’72, Phoenix, Ore., Oct. 14.

John M. Harrison, ’72, Springfield, Oct. 18.

Thomas A. Magers, MS ’72, Libertyville, Ill., Aug. 20.

Eloise C. (Sherrod) Paris, ’72, Springport, Ind., Aug. 19.

Carl G. Petersen, MBA ’72, Benbrook, Texas, June 13.

Christina (Mater) Shafer, ’72, Lafayette, Ind., Sept. 13.

Lynda (Bodinet) Werking, ’72, MA ’77, Hagerstown, Ind., Nov. 2.

Steven P. (Hunt) Winters, ’72, Indianapolis, Sept. 22.

Raymond E. Jett, ’73, Queensbury, N.Y., Nov. 11.

Joan B. (Strandt) Peterson, MAE ’73, Indianapolis, Nov. 24.

Thomas A. Porter, ’73, Muncie, Ind., Aug. 30.

Carolyn J. (Doyle) Snyder, ’73, Mishawaka, Ind., Oct. 25.

Dianne M. (Treesh) Avery, ’74, Traverse City, Mich., Sept. 27.

Rick A. Brewer, ’74, Noblesville, Ind., Oct. 21.

May 31–June 8Alumni Traveling Cardinals Program: Town & Country Life in Oxford; registration deadline is February 25

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Performances at Emens Auditorium, Sursa Performance Hall, or Pruis Hall, call 877-99-EMENS (36367).

University Theatre, Strother Theatre, and Cave Theatre shows, call 765-285-8749.

Ball State alumni events, contact the alumni association at 765-285-1080.

For a comprehensive list of university happenings, visit the Ball State calendar at bsu.edu/calendar. The Alumni Association Legacy Scholarship

Honoring Ball State family legacies, the alumni association offers financial assistance to incoming freshmen or current Ball State students with a parent or grandparent who is an active member of the Ball State University Alumni Association. Students must also demonstrate academic success and involvement in extracurricular activities to be considered for the $2,500, nonrenewable stipend. For details, go to bsu.edu/alumni, email [email protected] or call 765-285-1080, toll-free: 888-I-GO-4BSU. The 2014 scholarship recipients will be announced later this spring.

The 2013–14 Legacy Scholars: Front row: Elizabeth Cavanaugh, Hayley Williams, Dallas Doppler, Lauren Donahue, Taylor Donahue, Kaitlyn Sirk, Courtney Piazza, Alesia Struewing, Claire Smith, Sarah Stinson, Emily Vonderheide, Megan Steftenagel, Raeanne Schlotterbeck. Back row: Chase Streetman, Nikki Butler, Cara Wilcox, Hannah Mason, Courtney Lyon, Katie Wietbrock, Bracken Petroviak, Erin Kesler, Jennifer Kesler, Jessica Lohse, Connor Parkison, Nathan Bussberg, Adam Byers, Danielle Bozymski, Megan Hreha.

Michele R. (DeShong) Gibson, ’96, Campbellsville, Ky., Aug. 30.

Gregory G. Givens, ’99, Jasonville, Ind., Sept. 8.

|2000|Carrie A. Dunigan-Palmer, ’02, ’03, Rushville, Ind., Aug. 19.

Michael W. Hatcher, ’03, Lake Wales, Fla., Nov. 22.

Joseph D. Carr, ’04, Kent, Ohio, Aug. 22.

Timothy Martin, ’04, New Ross, Ind., Nov. 12.

Nathan D. Monroe, ’04, Dunwoody, Ga., Nov. 17.

Chris F. Sutula, ’05, Elberta, Ala., Nov. 4.

Whitney N. (Collins) Foote, ’09, Anderson, Ind., Nov. 27, 2012.

Monica L. Hedges, ’09, Muncie, Ind., Oct. 17.

Nathan A. Hixenbaugh, ’09, Wakarusa, Ind., Sept. 11.

|2010|Ashley D. Burgauer, ’10, Muncie, Ind., Aug. 29.

Don E. Vice, ’10, Muncie, Ind., Aug. 20.

Terry L. Houseman, ’11, Bunker Hill, Ind., Nov. 12.

Accredited.The Ball State MBA is among the elite programs with AACSB accreditation, achieved by only 15 percent of business schools. U.S. News & World Report ranks our online graduate business programs 17th in the nation.

Affordable.The Ball State MBA is ranked as the sixth “best buy” nationally by the consumer advocacy group GetEducated.com. It is less expensive than the national average and the most affordable MBA program in Indiana.

Flexible.The Ball State MBA has been delivering graduate-level business classes to working professionals at remote locations for more than 30 years. Classes are provided online or on campus—during evening hours.

Specialized.The Ball State MBA provides students the opportunity to focus their degree in relevant concentrations such as entrepreneurship, sales management, finance, or health economics, policy, and administration.

Learn how our nationally ranked MBA can advance your career and impact your future.

bsu.edu/mba

Please speak to the most memorable events you have attended at Emens as well as to the auditorium’s role in uniting the campus and Muncie communities.

I remember my first Emens presentation very well. My husband, Roy, and I attended the Wynton Marsalis concert in 2005. He gave an amazing performance, and we had the added pleasure of getting to meet him backstage. I remember thinking that back in Boston, the city from which we had just moved, we would have waited in line for hours to get tickets.

This year, Emens Auditorium is celebrating its 50th anniversary season. Its full name—the John R. Emens College-Community Auditorium—reflects the role it plays in bringing together Ball State and the larger Muncie community. When the project was launched in the 1960s, the local community partnered with the university and raised funds to pay half its construction costs. It was important to Muncie then and remains so today.

During the past 50 years, Emens has hosted an array of speakers, artists, musicians, and theatrical productions. When we kicked off the start of the season last October with a production of Hello Dolly, I was delighted to see how many long-time community members joined us. I learned about their favorite Emens experiences, from hearing President Gerald Ford to listening to Louis Armstrong or laughing along with Red Skelton.

In my time at Ball State, I have been able to enjoy the wide range of programming that Emens provides. I have learned from world-renowned authors like Malcolm Gladwell, Jonathan Kozol, David Sedaris, and Thomas Friedman. Speakers spanning the political spectrum have included Karl Rove and Howard Dean. Coaching legends Tony Dungy and Bob Knight have shared their insights. I’ve enjoyed Broadway shows as diverse as Hairspray, The Drowsy Chaperone, and Spamalot.

But perhaps my fondest memories are of the times Emens has welcomed back our most famous alumnus, David Letterman, ’69. In recent years, Dave has returned to campus to present fascinating conversations with remarkable personalities: Biz Stone, a co-founder of Twitter; Rachel Maddow, MSNBC political commentator; and, of course, Oprah Winfrey. I have had the privilege to be a part of these conversations, but more so I have been privileged to see how much these events mean to our students.

In my 10 years at Ball State, I have had many wonderful Emens moments. As we continue to celebrate its 50th anniversary season, we encourage you to share your favorite Emens memories at [email protected].

—President Jo Ann M. Gora

President Jo Ann M. Gora looks on as David Letterman, ’69, greets Rachel Maddow, host of MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show, before their December 2011 conversation in Emens Auditorium. Letterman has hosted other interviews in Emens, including talks with Twitter co-founder Biz Stone in 2010 and Oprah Winfrey in 2012.

Have a question for the president? Email [email protected], and she will respond in an upcoming Alumnus.

parting thoughts


Ball State UniversityAlumni AssociationMuncie, IN 47306-1099

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Are you still chirping about homecoming? We are. If you want to reminisce down the red brick road, visit bsu.edu/homecoming/gallery to view photos capturing Homecoming 2013.

alumnusBall State

A sold-out crowd in Emens Auditorium watched student groups compete during Air Jam—the annual Homecoming lip-sync competition. The 2013 theme: “There’s No Place Like Homecoming.”

alumnus e-magazine winter 2014

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