August 31, 2022
Stories of GratitudeI want to share a few important highlights from my address at our Fall Opening Convocation on August 19. These highlights are remarkable displays of gratitude, one of our enduring values.
I shared the heartfelt story of Zak Malitz, a 32-year-old Ball State student who passed away last August, and couldn’t take his rightful place among our graduates at the May 2022 Commencement. Zak’s father, Roger Malitz, was a cellist who taught in our School of Music before his own death 20 years ago. Zak’s mother, Deb Malitz, wanted to create a new scholarship fund that would support the passions of her husband and their son. We are grateful for such generosity. In the midst of discussions, we learned that Zak loved his time at our University—and that Ms. Malitz wished he could have completed his degree before he died.
After determining that Zak had the credits he needed to graduate, we awarded him a posthumous degree. It was my pleasure to present Deb with Zak’s posthumous degree during our Fall Opening Convocation.
I also talked about a campus conversation session with faculty and staff. In April, I met at 6 a.m. in Worthen Arena with the women and men who work the third shift—from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. I told our colleagues how much all of us appreciate that, while we sleep, they work all night to clean our classrooms and our offices. A few days later, I received a “thank you” card personally signed by all of these hard-working women and men.
Another highlight from Fall Opening Convocation was when I presented the President’s Medal of Distinction to Annie Burns-Hicks—a Ball State graduate who is a pioneering Black educator and champion of civil rights in Indiana.
Ms. Burns-Hicks graduated from Ball State Teachers College in 1958. When she returned home to Hammond, Indiana, to teach, she was informed by school officials that the city “wasn’t ready for a colored teacher.” Ms. Burns-Hicks sued the school district in federal court and won a legal battle to become Hammond’s first Black teacher in 1960. Her hiring paved the way for Hammond’s first Black police officer, the first Black firefighter, and the first Black school trustee.
Earlier this year, Hammond school officials approved the renaming of Maywood Elementary—where Ms. Burns-Hicks attended school and taught for more than 40 years—as the Annie Burns-Hicks Elementary School.
Ms. Burns-Hicks overcame extraordinary obstacles to pursue her passion of becoming a teacher. She is an enduring source of inspiration. For that, all of us are grateful.
I encourage you to learn more about these stories and other highlights of this year’s Fall Opening Convocation by viewing the recorded event online, if you were unable to attend or watch it live.
| |
Sincerely,
Geoffrey S. Mearns
President
Ball State University
| |
Register to Volunteer Soon for United Way Day of Action at Ball State, Sept. 9
This year’s United Way Day of Action is scheduled for Sept. 9, and there are numerous community project opportunities for Ball State employees participating in this special day of service. To become a volunteer, register by midnight on Friday, Sept. 2. Confirmation letters will be sent to registered volunteers on Sept. 2.
Ball State employees interested in being part of the United Way Day of Action can also help by donating items for the hygiene product collection and book drives prior to Sept. 9.
More than a quarter of Delaware County households live one crisis away from falling into poverty. These working families face daily obstacles hindering their health, education and financial stability. Ball State employees’ participation in the Day of Action supports the United Way’s commitment to improve the lives and futures of these families across our community.
Learn more about the United Way Day of Action and how to be part of it.
| |
Our Call to Beneficence Podcast
| |
Next Episode of Our Call to Beneficence Features Ball State Graduate Dan Towriss, CEO & President of Group 1001
Ball State graduate and esteemed business executive Dan Towriss ’94 is the guest on the next episode of the monthly podcast Our Call to Beneficence, hosted by Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns. This episode will be available on or shortly after Aug. 31.
Mr. Towriss is the CEO and president of Indianapolis-based Group1001, a privately owned insurance group with assets that include its wholly-owned subsidiary Gainbridge—a digital platform in the finance and insurance sectors.
An insurance industry veteran with more than 22 years of experience in the life insurance sector, Mr. Towriss earned a bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science from Ball State. He has served on the Ball State University Foundation’s Board of Directors since 2019. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, and RISE, and is director emeritus for Indy Women in Tech.
Subscriptions and reviews are also encouraged to help grow the audience for this podcast.
| |
Fall Learning and Development Opportunities Are Available
There are numerous Learning and Development programming opportunities for the Fall 2022 semester. Here are just a few sample offerings to look forward to:
- Process Improvement/LEAN
- Working Effectively with Student Workers
- How to Onboard New Employees
- Community Bus Tours
- The Emotional Bank Account
- TMS Training
- Introduction to University Finance Training
These sessions are open to all employees on campus, including graduate assistants. To view upcoming sessions and register, visit the Human Resources Learning and Development page. Click on "View Upcoming Learning Sessions" to register. When logging in to register, use your Ball State University username without the “@bsu.edu” part.
If there are questions or problems logging in, contact Breanne Holloway, assistant director of Organizational Development and Learning, at bholloway1@bsu.edu or 765-285-1819.
| |
Beat the Back-to-Work or Back-to-School Blues
The transition back to work and school often triggers stress and anxiety. Ball State has lots of free and confidential resources to help University employees and/or their family members through our EAP, LifeWorks.To get started, consider CareNow—a self-guided, self-paced virtual therapy that is available at your convenience. It covers more than 20 topics, such as getting better sleep, managing stress, and improving work-life balance.
If there are questions or problems logging in, contact Breanne Holloway, assistant director of Organizational Development and Learning, at bholloway1@bsu.edu or 765-285-1819.
| |
Speak Confidentially With a Counselor
No matter what’s causing you anxiety and stress, these feelings should pass within a few weeks. If they don’t, it could be a sign of an underlying issue—and you may want to consider speaking with a LifeWorks counselor. To do so, call 888-456-1324 or go to bsu.lifeworks.com (log in with your Ball State University credentials) to connect with a counselor.
| |
| Ball State's Response to COVID-19
| |
All employees are strongly encouraged to get a COVID-19 vaccination and then attest to their full vaccination using our online form. For more COVID-19 information, plans, and resources for faculty, staff, students, and campus visitors, visit the Ball State Cardinals Care website.
On-Campus Vaccination Clinic Open Each Thursday in September
| |
Outstanding Faculty Awards 2022
| |
2022 Outstanding Faculty Award Winners Honored at Ball State’s Fall Opening Convocation
Every year, Ball State presents awards to select faculty members who have made outstanding contributions to the University community. The award winners are announced at Fall Opening Convocation, held on Aug. 19 this year. The 2022 winners are:
Excellence in Teaching Award: Ms. Dusty Rademacher, Department of Social Work, College of Health; and Dr. Kristin Richey, Department of Psychological Science, College of Sciences and Humanities
Outstanding Junior Faculty Award: Dr. Gerardo Ramirez, Department of Educational Psychology, Teachers College
Outstanding Administrator Award: Dr. Paaige Turner, Dean of College of Communication, Information, and Media
Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award: Dr. Lisa Kuriscak, Department of Modern Languages and Classics, College of Sciences and Humanities
Outstanding Faculty Service Award: Dr. Maria Williams-Hawkins, Department of Media, College of Communication, Information, and Media
Outstanding Research Award: Dr. Sergei Zhuk, Department of History, College of Sciences and Humanities
Outstanding Creative Endeavor Award: Prof. Ted Neal, School of Art, College of Fine Arts
Outstanding Teaching Award: Dr. Molly Ferguson, Department of English, College of Sciences and Humanities
Outstanding Faculty Award: Prof. David Largent, Department of Computer Science, College of Sciences and Humanities
Outstanding Diversity Advocate Award: Dr. Emily Rutter, Associate Dean in Honors College (Dr. Rutter was nominated and selected for this award when she was in the Department of English.)
Rawlings Outstanding Distance Education Teaching Award: Prof. Mya Ajanku, Theatre and Dance, College of Fine Arts
| |
Marketing & Communications
New Video Promotes Ball State, Brings University to Life for Viewers
| |
Ball State debuted a new promotional video during this year’s Fall Opening Convocation that captures what makes our University truly distinctive. The video, “Cardinals bound by Character, Community, and Campus,” was written and produced by University Marketing & Communications staff.
Viewers of the video experience Ball State through the sights and sounds around campus, paired with perspectives—expressed by voiceovers—of an alum, recent graduate, faculty member, groundskeeper, current student, and University President Geoffrey S. Mearns.
The video can be used in a variety of ways to promote Ball State. In addition to premiering at Fall Opening Convocation on Aug. 19, the video was shown to students during Freshman Convocation on Aug. 21.
Faculty and staff are encouraged to view the video, and download the video file to promote the University:
| |
Cardinal Central
Steps for Student Withdrawal from all Classes/Total Withdrawal to be Processed Through Cardinal Central
Effective Aug. 22, 2022, steps for student withdrawal from all classes/total withdrawal will be processed through Cardinal Central under the direction of Gloria Pavlik, director of Enrollment Support Services.
Questions about this can be directed to Cardinal Central either by:
- Calling 765-285-3312
- Visiting the office in Room L20 at the Student Center; o
- Emailing either Gloria Pavlik, director of Enrollment Support Services, at gpavlik@bsu.edu; or Debra Fenty, director of Cardinal Central at debra.fenty@bsu.edu.
| |
Academic Affairs
Summit Scheduled for September
The Student Success Summit is an opportunity to bring together campus partners in a community of practice, and to discuss strategies that foster student success and well-being. The program will include keynote speaker Dr. Timothy Renick, founder and executive director of the National Institute for Student Success.
There will also be concurrent breakout sessions about:
- The role of faculty and staff in student success;
- Leveraging available technology and tools for student success;
- Data to help faculty and staff better understand incoming and continuing students; and
- Learning how Ball State approaches student success efforts and initiatives.
This two-day event will be held at the Emens Auditorium and the Student Center on:
- Sept. 15, 2022, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Sept. 16, 2022, 8 a.m.-noon
| |
Student Affairs
Career Center Hosts Networking Event for Students in Indiana Connection Lounge Sept. 13
The Career Center will host an in-person networking event for students—an Indiana Connection Experience—1-4 p.m. on Sept. 13 at the Indiana Connection Lounge in the Career Center in Lucina Hall. During this event, students will have the opportunity to connect in a no-pressure environment with employees at IU Health.
This will be the first networking event held at the new Indiana Connection Lounge, which was established to assist students in gaining the social capital necessary to take advantage of the socioeconomic ladder that higher education offers. This environment facilitates connections between organizations and students, offers a setting for specifically tailored and meticulously curated events, and aids employers in new and efficient methods of recruiting.
Additionally, the Career Center will host its annual Job Fair at 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sept. 21 at Worthen Arena. For more information about Indiana Connection Lounge and these events, visit bsu.edu/careercenter.
| |
Ball State University Foundation
Nominations Accepted for Ball State’s Top 100 Student Awards
The Top 100 Student Awards, a program established in 2021 by the Ball State University Foundation, will honor 100 outstanding Ball State juniors and seniors who excel in three categories: academic excellence, campus leadership, and community impact. This awards program is also an opportunity to educate students on the importance of staying connected to Ball State once they graduate, while also continuing to grow the culture of Beneficence. Any Ball State faculty or staff member can nominate an eligible student. The nomination period is Aug. 22-Oct. 28, 2022. An event for the top 50 students is scheduled for Saturday, March 25, 2023. Learn more.
| |
Governmental Relations
Stay Current on the Latest Statehouse News
The Office of Governmental Relations invites you to subscribe to its weekly newsletter, Statehouse Update. The newsletter provides updates on key legislation being followed by the University and insights into the legislative process. Sign up or view past editions of the newsletter.
| |
University Athletics
Employee Special Pricing Available on Cardinal Football, Basketball, Volleyball Tickets
Ball State faculty and staff are eligible for special pricing on Ball State Football, Basketball and Volleyball tickets this year. Call Ext. 5-1474 or visit the athletics Faculty/Staff Page to purchase online.
| |
R. Wayne Estopinal College of Architecture and PlanningAcademic Articles and Presentation
Harry Eggink’s article “The Soul of the Sketch” has been accepted for publication in the 2022 Design Communication Association Journal: Representations.
Miller College of BusinessIndiana Communities Institute Lends Helping Hand to HELP
At a recent statehouse event, Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch launched the second Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program (HELP) cohort, including Daviess County, Dubois County, and the City of Vincennes.
HELP is an initiative of the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) in partnership with Ball State University, Indiana University, Ivy Tech Community College, and Purdue University. It aims to build capacity within participating communities while helping them be strategic in maximizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The Indiana Communities Institute (ICI) recently conducted forums in the first cohort communities: Auburn, Jay County, and Kosciusko County. ICI will soon lead training and project planning to pursue quality of place initiatives as part of one of the four focus areas.
In addition, the three communities in the second cohort launched their months-long process with the ICI Community Development Course in July before working with ICI experts to build a diverse team, help conduct a forum, and consider quality of place issues and opportunities. A third cohort will launch in January.
As part of the Miller College of Business, ICI harnesses Ball State's talent and resources to help Indiana towns, cities, and counties address 21st Century economic development challenges.
College of Communication, Information, and MediaCCIM, Office of Community Engagement Pair Up to Host MCS Student Event
This summer, the College of Communication, Information, and Media (CCIM) partnered with the University’s Office of Community Engagement to host every fifth grader in the Muncie Community School District—offering the students a one-of-a-kind experience. The Department of Media, School of Journalism and Strategic Communications, Department of Communication Studies, Center for Information and Communication Sciences, and Ball State Esports all led group sessions that gave the students a glimpse into the college experience. Each session was innovative and filled with active learning, leaving students with a spark for higher education.
CCIM Graduate Mick Tidrow Hired as New Voice of the Cardinals
Ball State graduate Mick Tidrow is returning to Ball State as the new Voice of the Cardinals. In his role, Mr. Tidrow will serve as the radio play-by-play voice for all Ball State football and men's basketball games, in addition to calling selected ESPN+ broadcasts, hosting coaches shows and providing regular appearances in social media packages. A two-time graduate of CCIM’s Department of Media, Mr. Tidrow becomes just the third person in the Voice of the Cardinals role in nearly 50 years.
CCIM’s SuperParty Set for Aug. 31
The CCIM SuperParty is scheduled for 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 31, and is open to students from all majors. The CCIM SuperParty is a way to explore, connect, and engage with the 35-plus student organizations within CCIM, while making new friends and building a community along the way.
College of Fine ArtsExperience the Arts and Culture In-Person at Ball State; Tickets Available Now
Tickets are now available at the College of Fine Arts Box Office in the Music Instruction Building for all 2022-2023 events and programming featuring work by students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guest artists. Stop by the box office Monday-Friday noon-5 p.m. or call 765-285-8749 to learn more about ticket packages and subscription plans. View the full calendar of events.
College of HealthFaculty Research to be Highlighted in Fall 2022 Speaker Series
The College of Heath Focus on Scholarship speaker series to highlight faculty research has been scheduled. All three of these Fall 2022 sessions of the series will be available via Zoom. Details for attending each of these virtual events will be shared through the campus’ Communications Center within a few weeks leading up to each event.
- Hearing Loss, Cognitive Function and Cardiovascular Endpoints: It’s all Connected
Speakers: Dr. Lynn Bielski & Dr. Brad Fleenor
Sept. 28, 2022 at 1 p.m.
- The Transition to Practice of Athletic Trainers: Preparation and Experiences
Speaker: Dr. Stacy Walker
Oct. 20, 2022 at 1 p.m. - Exploring the Crucial Role of School-Based Food Pantries during COVID-19 and Beyond
Speaker: Dr. Christina Doll
Nov. 9, 2022 at 1 p.m.
College of Sciences and HumanitiesOrchid Greenhouse Gets Observational Beehive
Department of Computer Science Expands its Academic Offerings
The Department of Computer Science now has five concentrations for undergraduate students: cybersecurity & secure software design, data analytics & machine learning, general computer science, game design & development, and web & mobile app development. This expanded offering of concentrations prepares Ball State graduates to be leaders of the digital age with careers in some of the fastest growing industries, such as cybersecurity.
Planetarium Open During Cooper Building Demolition
Despite the rumblings of demolition and renovation at the Cooper Science Building, the Charles W. Brown Planetarium is still open. The calendar has a list of events for all ages. All programs are free of charge and open to the public.
Teachers CollegeBall State Graduate Selected for Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Recent Ball State graduate Alexis Pitchford has been selected for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. As part of the Fulbright Student Program, she will spend over 10 months as an English Teaching Assistant at Athens College, in Athens, Greece. Ms. Pitchford completed a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, along with a minor in Psychology of Human Development, in December 2021. She is a graduate student in the Educational Psychology program. She completed her master’s degree in July 2022. At Ball State, Ms. Pitchford has been a tutor and an executive board member of both Make-A-Wish and Hillel, a Jewish student organization. Learn more.
Camp Achieve Returns
After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Camp Achieve returned this Summer. Camp Achieve is Ball State’s annual five-week summer social skills autism day camp for children 6-12 years of age. Faculty from Ball State’s Center for Autism Spectrum Disorder organized and hosted the camp. Camp Achieve is designed to support positive behavior and social skills, and helps maintain the academic skills of the campers throughout the summer by providing innovative programming and therapeutic recreational activities. Learn more.
Migrant Education STEM Summit Held at Ball State
Fifty sixth- through eleventh-grade students were welcomed to Ball State’s campus in July for the Migrant Education STEM Technology Summit. The summit is a partnership between the Indiana Department of Education Migrant Education Program and Teachers College. It brings together students and educators from across Indiana to explore how technology is changing the world around us and creating opportunities for future careers. Learn more.
| |
Connect With UsFollow us on social media to stay up to date with current campaigns, news and events
| |
|
|
|
|
