Dear Colleagues:    

     On Sept. 17, Ball State University hosted the Engage East Central Indiana Forum in Muncie. These forums are valuable opportunities to foster discussions about how we can work together to grow Indiana’s economy and help our communities thrive. I am grateful to the Indianapolis Business Journal and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation for leading these Engage events across our state.

     Ball State has long embraced its role as a community-engaged, state-serving institution. Each year, approximately 90 percent of our freshman class is from Indiana. Because of our intentional, successful efforts to build workforce pipelines to retain students, 80 percent of our graduates choose to stay in the Hoosier state.

     Among our industry-diverse Ball State graduates, our University is preparing our state’s teachers, executives, entrepreneurs, STEM field workers, and healthcare professionals who will nurture our communities for generations.

     Our University strategically collaborates with partners, on and off campus, to grow our regional and state economies. Ball State is committed to industry engagement and is helping employers throughout Indiana—particularly small and mid-sized enterprises—connect with and hire our students. Learn more about Ball State’s industry engagement online.

     Below are a few more stories I hope you will enjoy and share. Let your friends and colleagues know how “We Fly” at Ball State.

Sincerely,

Geoffrey S. Mearns
President
Ball State University

One of Ball State’s own played a significant coaching role in the 2024 Paralympics, which took place Aug. 28-Sept. 8 in Paris. Dr. Lawrence Judge, professor of kinesiology and coordinator of the athletic coaching education graduate program, coached two world-class athletes representing Team USA: Jeremy Campbell in discus and Josh Cinnamo in shot put. Read more about Dr. Judge and his role in the 2024 Paralympics in this Ball State blog.

With a winning discus throw of 61.14 meters, Mr. Campbell won his fourth title and set a Paralympic Games record. Mr. Cinnamo, one of the world’s top shot putters, came in fourth place. The distance of his put was within a meter of the athlete who earned the gold medal in this event.

Ball State University achieved a fundraising milestone, securing more than $79 million in new gifts and commitments during the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2024.

This record-breaking achievement highlights the unwavering support of the University’s graduates, friends, and partners, and significantly bolsters its mission of engaging students in experiences that empower them to have fulfilling careers and meaningful lives enriched by lifelong learning and service.

Ball State’s $79 million in contributions during the 2023-24 fiscal year marks the sixth consecutive year of raising more than $30 million in new private, philanthropic gifts to the University. Prior to this streak, Ball State had not raised more than $30 million in two consecutive years.

One of the standout initiatives contributing to Ball State’s fundraising success is the University’s ongoing comprehensive campaign, Our Call to Beneficence, which recently surpassed the $300 million mark in secured gifts and commitments. Funds raised during Our Call to Beneficence will support initiatives to ensure student opportunity and success, enrich the academic experience, and expand Ball State’s campus and community impact. Read more in this Ball State press release.

Ball State’s National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) chapter was recently named the association’s 2023-2024 National Student Chapter of the Year. The announcement was made during NABJ’s 49th annual convention in Chicago. Ball State’s NABJ student chapter earned this accolade for the student members’ work to address several community and campus issues and bring change. These students are within Ball State’s College of Communication, Information, and Media.

Noah Berryman, a former Ball State swimmer, has been named a recipient of the 2024 Bob James Memorial Scholarship Award by the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Faculty Athletics Representatives, as recently announced by the league office. Read more in this Ball State Athletics press release.

The Bob James Memorial Scholarship Award recognizes one female and one male student-athlete who have achieved a minimum grade point average of 3.50 and have displayed good character, leadership, and citizenship. The students are nominated during the year they complete their final season of eligibility. 

Ball State is holding a dedication ceremony for its Peace Plaza, a new space on the University’s campus designed to promote peace and inclusive excellence. Scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sept. 21, the event is being held in conjunction with the International Day of Peace. The Peace Plaza will also serve as a memorial to all who have fallen victim to violence worldwide and can be a place for people to remember, reflect, and work toward a more peaceful society and world. Read more online.

I'm a new paragraph block.

Follow us on social media to stay up to date with current campaigns, news and events