Dear Colleagues:      

     On December 2, Ball State University will host distinguished alumnus David Letterman in conversation with WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark. The conversation is part of the David Letterman Distinguished Professional Lecture and Workshop Series, which was established by our University in 2008.

    The former Late Show host will interview Ms. Clark, who made her WNBA debut with the Indiana Fever in May. After finishing her college basketball career for the Iowa Hawkeyes as the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer, Ms. Clark was the WNBA’s No. 1 draft pick.

    I am grateful to Mr. Letterman and Ms. Clark for participating in this special event. Mr. Letterman is a native Hoosier and national icon, and Ms. Clark has quickly become a beloved Hoosier and national star. Together, their conversation onstage at Emens Auditorium will be a highlight of the year for our University.

    I also appreciate members of our campus community who came to the Emens Box Office on November 16, 17, and 18—some waiting in line for hours—to pick up their free tickets to the event. Based on the distribution of all available tickets, everyone—from our students, faculty, and staff to our friends and neighbors in the community—is excited for Mr. Letterman and Ms. Clark’s upcoming appearance on campus.

    As many of you know, Mr. Letterman has been involved for many years with his alma mater. He has given back generously to Ball State, most notably through the lecture series that bears his name. Previous guests of the series include media mogul Oprah Winfrey, TV host Rachel Maddow, and entrepreneur Biz Stone.

    Mr. Letterman last returned to Ball State in May 2023 for a screening of “Clear Reception with David Letterman,” a documentary about the art of glass produced in collaboration with Ball State students in the Department of Media, Center for Emerging Media Design & Development, and Schools of Art and Music.

    We are excited to welcome him back to campus again soon for what is sure to be a memorable occasion—and a distinct milestone—for our University.

    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

This month, Ball State University’s Charles W. Brown Planetarium—the largest planetarium in Indiana—is celebrating 10 years of providing education, engagement, and amazement.

The Brown Planetarium opened its doors on November 8, 2014, and has welcomed more than 180,000 guests since then. The planetarium team presents free public shows, offers hands-on activity stations onsite, and facilitates scheduled school and group visits. Additionally, Brown Planetarium’s staff have produced several full-length full-dome programs, created original astronomy content for global distribution, and worked with dozens of community partners on unique projects and special events.

When the once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse passed over Indiana on April 8, Brown Planetarium telescopes provided eclipse views to an online audience of millions worldwide. 

For the ninth consecutive year, Ball State University has received a Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity, the oldest and largest diversity magazine and website in higher education.

The HEED Award—which has a rigorous, comprehensive application process—recognizes U.S. colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion. Ball State will be featured in the magazine’s November/December 2024 issue, along with 113 other HEED Award recipients. Read more in this Ball State press release.

As a key training and development resource for the Ball State campus community, the University’s Office of Inclusive Excellence ensures that diversity is an integral part of the Ball State identity and fosters an environment where individuals of diverse backgrounds know they are supported through its advocacy efforts. Inclusiveness is one of Ball State’s enduring values.

Ball State University’s College of Communication, Information, and Media (CCIM) has completed significant studio renovations, integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance immersive learning experiences and support student success. The renovations feature an XR virtual production (VP) system from ARwall, an award-winning leader in the industry known for its patented technology and use by international filmmakers. 

Completed prior to the start of the Fall 2024 semester, the renovated studios—located in the Ball Communication Building—were upgraded to meet industry standards and enhance hands-on, real-world learning experiences for students. Read more in this Ball State press release.

As an education leader in the media production industry, CCIM prepares its nearly 1,600 students to thrive in ever-changing and fast-paced technology-based fields.

For more information about Ball State’s College of Communication, Information, and Media, visit CCIM's website.

In response to public feedback, Indiana Public Radio (IPR)—a listener-supported service of Ball State University—has added more news and music to its current schedule.

On Oct. 28:

IPR and The Note can be streamed at indianapublicradio.org and the Ball State Public Media app. Read more in this Ball State press release.

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