Families from the Muncie community gathered on campus in June at Ball State’s inaugural We Fly Fest to enjoy ice cream, food trucks, games, campus tours, and giveaways. Dozens of campus partners hosted activities and information tables, highlighting the University’s welcoming Cardinal spirit. Kids donned free shirts and played on the Brown Family Amphitheater lawn, while visitors enjoyed a lively performance by the Ball State Studio Band.
Dear Alumni and Friends:
As we embark on another new academic year, our University continues to advance our ambitious plan to revitalize The Village. Construction is well underway on our Performing Arts Center and The Cantio Hotel. Over the Summer, we commemorated the launch of our new Center for Innovation and Collaboration (page 6), and we held a groundbreaking ceremony with our partner, Trademark Construction, for the new owner-occupied houses and townhomes that will be constructed in The Village.
These projects are a tangible demonstration of how, as a community-engaged University, we are committed to serving our friends and neighbors. We are also committed to the important work of serving our students. And the best external validation of the transformative power of a Ball State education is our University’s recent Carnegie Foundation Classification as an “Opportunity College and University” (page 4).
We are the only public college or university in Indiana to receive the new Carnegie designation. Nationally, Ball State is one of just 27 colleges and universities to earn both this designation and an R2 classification as a doctoral university with high research activity. Even more distinctive, the University is one of only 14 institutions in the country—and the only one in Indiana—to hold all three of Carnegie’s top recognitions: Opportunity College and University, R2 research status, and the Community Engagement classification. This particular classification recognizes our University’s outstanding commitment to public service, civic involvement, and community partnerships. These Carnegie classifications affirm that what we do at our University makes a difference in the professional success and fulfillment for our graduates. Featured in this issue are several Ball State graduates (Dan Towriss, ’94, page 22; Keith Robinson, ’95, page 16; and Jill Lacy, ’92, page 14) who are helping us share the message about the positive impact of our University’s mission.
I am confident that our University will continue to transform the lives of people for many years to come.
Sincerely,
Geoffrey S. Mearns President, Ball State University
PresidentMearns
Cardinals fly everywhere. Ball State Magazine is the official publication for alumni, employees, students, friends, and fans located near, far, and wide.
Ball State Magazine is published twice yearly.
University Marketing and Communications Muncie, IN 47306 765-285-1560
Printed by EP Graphics, Berne, Ind. Printer uses ink with soy oil, and all wastepaper and solvents are recycled.
Greg Fallon, ’04
Editor; Associate Vice President of University Communications and Digital Strategy gmfallon@bsu.edu
Elizabeth Brooks, ’95
Art and Production Director; Senior Graphic Designer
President’s Cabinet
Charlene Alexander Chief Strategy Officer
Jean Kramer Crosby, ’96 President of Ball State Foundation and Alumni Association, Vice President for University Advancement
Deedie Dowdle Vice President for Marketing and Communications
Ro-Anne Royer Engle, ’18 EdD ’25 Vice President for Student Affairs
Sali Falling, MA ’88 Vice President and General Counsel
Mark Liebling
Vice President for People and Culture
Paula Luff
Vice President for Enrollment Planning and Management
Loren Malm, ’86 Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer
Anand Marri Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Jeff Mitchell Director of Athletics
Sue Hodges Moore Interim Vice President for Business Affairs and Treasurer
Becca Polcz Rice Vice President for Governmental Relations and Industry Engagement
22 The Long Game
Dan Towriss, ’94 (above), turned a career as an actuary into a global enterprise— helping build a multibillion-dollar firm, reshaping motorsports, and making strategic investments in women’s sports and his hometown. His long-term thinking and personal reinvestment philosophy continues to influence industries and shape institutions.
27 Students into Scholars
Ball State’s Teacher-Scholar Program pairs undergraduates with faculty mentors for hands-on research, boosting student retention, expanding academic identity, and generating national recognition. Through this innovative model, students from all disciplines transform early curiosity into confidence, purpose, and real-world impact.
30 Strengthening the Mission
With bold leadership and deep campus collaboration, Burris Laboratory School continues to define what it means to be a university-affiliated lab school. It has earned international recognition for student-driven learning, teacher-led innovation, and a mission rooted in experimentation, reflection, and community connection.
On the Cover Frog Baby, the bronze statue within the fountain north of Bracken Library, has been our very own good luck charm since its arrival on campus in the late 1930s. (Photo by Samantha Blankenship, ’15)
Ball State is one of 27 institutions nationwide—and the only one in Indiana—to earn dual recognition in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications
Hope Churchill, ’25, didn’t just find her voice at Ball State University—she helped shape the institution’s future.
As an undergraduate, she discovered a passion for the interpersonal side of business, refined her academic path, and built meaningful professional connections. Her leadership and insight also led to a rare opportunity: serving as the student representative on the Ball State University Board of Trustees.
“It was an honor to serve,” Ms. Churchill said. “My experience gave me a broader perspective—not just as a student, but as someone contributing to decisions that shape the future of our University.”
Her story is one example of how Ball State empowers students to lead with purpose. That commitment—to academic excellence and real-world impact— is at the heart of a prestigious national honor: dual recognition in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications.
Ball State is one of just 27 institutions nationwide—and the only one in Indiana—to earn both a Research 2 (R2) designation and be named an Opportunity College and University.
Ball State is also one of just 14 institutions nationwide to earn all three of Carnegie’s most prestigious classifications: R2 research status, Opportunity College and University (OCU), and the Community Engagement classification. This particular designation recognizes the University’s outstanding commitment to public service, civic involvement, and community partnerships.
The new OCU classification, introduced as part of a major overhaul to the Carnegie Classification system, evaluates whether institutions serve a student population reflective of their geographic regions and whether those students go on to out-earn peers in similar labor markets. These rankings, developed by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education, aim to recognize institutions that deliver
We are excited to see the emergence of exceptional groups such as R2s that are also OCUs. Ball State University is rare in so clearly advancing both opportunity and innovation. Thank you for all you do for your students and for our country as a whole.
— Timothy Knowles, president, Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching; and Ted Mitchell, president, American Council on Education, in a letter notifying Ball State of its new dual recognition.
Across the country, colleges and universities promote various rankings—from national reputation to student experience to post-graduation outcomes. But few systems carry the weight or legacy of the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
Since 1970, the Carnegie system has served as the definitive framework for categorizing U.S. colleges and universities. Managed by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the American Council on Education, the classifications help inform federal policy, research funding, and institutional benchmarking across the country.
In 2025, Ball State University earned rare dual recognition: it was one of just 27 institutions nationwide—and the only one in Indiana—to be classified both as a Research 2 (R2) university and as an Opportunity College and University (OCU). This combination affirms Ball State’s role as a nationally impactful institution—one that is expanding research output while also increasing real-world outcomes for its students.
The new OCU category, part of a major revision to the Carnegie system, evaluates whether institutions enroll student populations reflective of their surrounding regions and whether graduates go on to earn more than peers in comparable labor markets. It reflects a growing emphasis on economic mobility, not just academic prestige.
Ball State’s R2 designation, meanwhile, places it among a select group of institutions with high research activity and graduate education—one of just 133 universities to earn that distinction in the latest classification.
Together, these classifications underscore Ball State’s success in delivering on two of higher education’s most pressing goals: the elevation of student outcomes and the creation of knowledge. It is recognition rooted not just in reputation, but in measurable impact.
on higher education’s promise of economic mobility—especially for students from modest or working-class backgrounds.
Ball State’s inclusion in this elite group places it at the forefront of a national reframing of institutional excellence.
“This rare combination affirms our national leadership in two vital areas: advancing knowledge through research and continuing student access with professional outcomes,” said Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns. “These priorities reflect the enduring values that guide our work—student-centered teaching and mentorship, academic excellence across disciplines, workforce relevance, and civic and regional engagement.”
While the R2 classification acknowledges Ball State’s growing research output and its investment in graduate education, the OCU designation celebrates the University’s practical, resultsdriven approach to student success—connecting academic programs with career pathways and real-world application.
Ball State’s dual recognition highlights an institution that generates new knowledge and translates that knowledge into economic mobility and societal impact. It’s a combination that positions the University among the most effective in the country at delivering on higher education’s social mission.
“This recognition affirms our mission: to prepare our graduates for fulfilling careers and to inspire them to lead meaningful lives,” President Mearns said. He credited the achievement to the dedication of faculty and staff who support students at every stage of their journey.
For Ms. Churchill, that mission was made tangible through mentorship and institutional trust. As a student trustee—one
of nine members appointed by the governor of Indiana—she helped guide the strategic direction of the University. The board’s responsibilities include setting admission standards, granting degrees, ensuring fiscal responsibility, and overseeing all facets of University operations.
Rick Hall, ’89, chair of the Ball State Board of Trustees, said Ms. Churchill’s presence on the board exemplifies the University’s commitment to student-centered governance.
“Hope brought a thoughtful perspective to our conversations, which significantly contributed to our decisions as a Board,” Trustee Hall said. “Having a student voice at the table isn’t just symbolic—it’s essential. Hope reminded all of us why we serve: to help students succeed, to create meaningful opportunities, and to ensure this institution continues to meet its mission with clarity and compassion.”
Ball State’s status as a high outcome and high research, and deeply engaged institution is more than a label—it’s a reflection of its long-standing commitment to student success, community, and innovation.
From classrooms to boardrooms, from research labs to career paths, Ball State’s impact is far-reaching—and now, nationally recognized. As the Carnegie Classifications evolve to better measure real-world outcomes, Ball State is leading the way.
“Serving on the board reminded me how seriously Ball State takes its commitment to students,” Ms. Churchill said. “It’s not just words—it’s built into the structure, into every decision.”
—By Andrew Walker,
’14
The new Center will serve as a hub for innovation, workforce development, and community partnerships
As part of Ball State University’s Village Revitalization Plan, a bold new space is taking shape at the southeast corner of Ashland Avenue and Martin Street in Muncie.
Scheduled for completion in Fall 2026, the Center for Innovation and Collaboration will serve as a hub for entrepreneurship, workforce development, and community partnerships across East Central Indiana.
The Center, which will span more than 34,000 square feet and cost an estimated $21 million, will drive economic growth, support academic excellence, and create lasting connections between Ball State and the region.
“This is the intersection of education and community,” Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns said. “The key element of this site is collaboration among programs on our campus and greater collaboration with businesses and organizations in the community. That’s the essence of its title.”
The Center’s open, flexible layout will include collaborative workspaces, lab areas for prototyping, training rooms, immersive learning studios, and a café. These spaces are designed to bring together students, faculty, and community partners for shared work and innovation.
Fairmount Properties and RATIO Architects of Indianapolis partnered with the University to design a building that reflects both innovation and sustainability.
The exterior features dark metal panels, glass, and stone, with a compact, three-level footprint that incorporates sustainable materials, sunshades, and balconies—blending Ball State’s campus architecture with the revitalization of The Village.
The Center also represents a longterm investment in economic growth. Its programs will support leadership development, upskilling, and immersive
He has partnered with Dr. Jennifer Palilonis, ’96 MA ’04, George and Frances Ball Distinguished Professor of Multimedia Storytelling and interim director for the Center, to help develop the initial group of collaborators. These include the Institute for Digital Intermedia Arts (IDIA Lab), the Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute, the Emerging Media Design and Development (EMDD) master’s program, Honors College, Lifetime Learning, and various career development initiatives.
“Over the past year, we have made significant progress toward planning future programming for the Center,” Dr. Palilonis said. “Perhaps most importantly, the Center leverages our already-strong culture of collaboration and cooperation through immersive learning, applied research, and more.”
Community outreach is also a major priority.
“I have met with many community leaders and visionaries who share in my excitement—eager to get into the new building and work together to create meaningful learning opportunities for Ball State students and individuals in East Central Indiana,” Dr. Palilonis said.
The Center’s first external partnerships already reflect its commitment to inclusion and opportunity. Among them are the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center and Muncie-Delaware County Black Chamber of Commerce (MDCBCC).
The Chamber plans to move into the new building when the Center opens.
“This new Center will support Black and minority-owned businesses by providing resources such as mentoring, networking opportunities, workshops, and programs for small businesses that can’t afford innovative technology—businesses that perhaps would fail without it,” said Jason Walker, MDCBCC president.
Mr. Walker praised Ball State’s early outreach, partnership, and collaborative spirit.
“Many times, opportunities like this are forgotten or overlooked for Black and brown communities,” he said. “But Jennifer [Palilonis] and Chris [Palladino] met with me and our staff to ask, ‘What is it that we needed to make this happen? And what will make this work for the Chamber?’”
Even before construction is complete, new partnerships are already forming. Recently, students from Ball State’s EMDD program redesigned the Chamber’s website—at no cost—offering an early example of the Center’s collaborative potential. —By Jennifer Criss, ’98 MA ’23
learning, helping students launch businesses, retain talent in Muncie, and contribute to the city’s future.
“If we can connect students with opportunities while they’re on campus, more of them will stay here in Muncie to work and build their own businesses, which will support the growth and vitality of our community,” President Mearns said.
Planning for the Center’s programming is underway.
Chris Palladino, ’95, Ball State’s director of real estate services, is part of the advisory committee and leads initial planning for the Center’s use.
“Our development partners at Fairmount Properties worked closely with internal Ball State team members to define the overall program components we believed would provide the greatest impact on the Ball State and Muncie communities,” Mr. Palladino said.
Our Call to Beneficence: The Campaign for Ball State University is building a legacy of opportunity and excellence.
Our unprecedented initiative to raise more than $350 million in philanthropic gifts is driving dozens of specific, vital projects in every corner of the institution. Thanks to our expanding network of supporters, we have made significant strides toward that goal. Scan the QR code to learn how you can Answer the Call.
bsu.edu/answerthecall
• $330+ million raised to date
• 57,000+ gifts and commitments from alumni, friends, and fans
• $130+ million raised to ensure student opportunity and success
• $58+ million raised to enrich the academic experience
• $106+ million raised to impact the community
• $47+ million raised for the new Performing Arts Center
Wall dimensions: 20 ft wide; 12 ft high
Ball State’s Board of Trustees has adopted the next iteration of the University’s long-term strategic plan that will shape priorities and decisions through 2030. Approved by the Board in June, the Strategic Plan 2025–2030, the next iteration of Destination 2040: Our Flight Path, outlines five institutional goals focused on academic strength, research, workforce relevance, community impact, and operational effectiveness.
The strategic plan was shaped through extensive input from the campus and broader community. Approximately 7,000 people responded to two surveys. Ten cross-functional working groups—made up of faculty, staff, and administrators from a range of departments and disciplines—took a deep dive into each of the plan’s goals. The University also hosted eight open forums, both on campus and in the community, to gather feedback and surface priorities.
The plan was developed by a strategic planning committee composed of faculty, staff, students, administrators, and community members, reflecting a deliberate effort to ensure the final framework was informed by broad and diverse perspectives.
President Geoffrey S. Mearns described the plan as “a reflection of our shared commitment to preparing students for fulfilling careers and meaningful lives—and to serving the needs of our state.”
The plan builds on Ball State’s current momentum, aiming to deepen undergraduate learning, expand graduate offerings, and strengthen regional engagement. All undergraduate students will be expected to complete a culminating experience such as a capstone, internship, or thesis. The plan emphasizes high-impact practices like immersive learning, study abroad, and undergraduate research, and it includes new strategic imperatives of both purpose and relationship-rich education.
For more information and to read the entire Strategic Plan 2025–2030, visit bsu.edu/strategicplan
New and expanded graduate programs will be designed around workforce demand. The plan calls for flexible learning formats, including online degrees, professional certificates, and micro-credentials. These offerings are intended to support both early-career professionals and adult learners pursuing career advancement.
Community partnerships are another focus. The plan formalizes Ball State’s leadership role in improving talent development, population health, and quality of place in Muncie and across East Central Indiana. It reinforces the University’s ongoing partnership with Muncie Community Schools, regional nonprofits, and economic development organizations.
Faculty research and creative work will continue to be supported, especially when it enhances teaching, attracts external funding, or addresses public needs. Operationally, the plan calls for expanded use of data, analytics, and emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence (AI)—to improve services and support strategic growth.
The adoption of the plan in the June meeting coincided with the Board’s decision to freeze undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees for the next two academic years. That move underscores a consistent approach to financial stewardship.
“By freezing tuition and fees for the next two years, we are reinforcing our commitment to maintaining a high-value education and making smart, long-term investments guided by our new strategic plan,” said Rick Hall, ’89, chair of the Board of Trustees. —By Greg Fallon, ’04
Built with Absen PL Pro 1.9 mm panels, a 14-bulb immersive lighting kit, HTC Vive Mars tracking, a professional camera, and lens rig
Uses the same type of technology seen in
Emmy Award-winning The Mandalorian and Muppets Haunted Mansion
As an education leader in the media production industry, Ball State's College of Communication, Information, and Media has invested in a state-of-the-art LED wall to provide an immersive learning experience and prepare its graduates to succeed in a growing, fast-paced industry.
Ball State University’s College of Communication, Information, and Media (CCIM) has recently completed significant studio renovations, incorporating cutting-edge technology to enhance immersive learning experiences and prepare its nearly 1,600 students to thrive in ever-changing and fast-paced technology-based fields.
A centerpiece of the upgrades is a turnkey, scalable LED volume wall—part of a new XR virtual production (VP) system. This advanced setup, commonly used by professionals in the virtual production industry, synchronizes actors’ performances with real-time virtual environments displayed on LED panels.
By giving students direct access to the same tools used by top studios, the system bridges the gap between classroom and career.
“This technology isn’t just impressive—it’s practical,” said Suzy Smith, chair of the Department of Media and associate professor of media. “It gives our students real experience with tools they’ll use in the field, while also pushing their creativity in ways that traditional sets simply can’t.
It’s a game-changer for how we teach—and how they learn.”
To maximize the benefits of this technology, CCIM has introduced a new academic concentration, “Visual Effects and Motion Graphics,” in collaboration with the School of Art in Ball State’s College of Fine Arts. This cross-curriculum endeavor allows students in the Department of Media and the School of Art to enhance their virtual production and animation skill sets.
Housed within the Ball Communication Building, Ball State’s LED volume wall stands out as the only installation of its kind located within an academic unit in the Midwest—setting the University apart as a regional leader in virtual production education.
“We are lucky that we’re at a University that sees value and sees the vision of what we do,” Prof. Smith said. “There was never any hesitation in supporting this idea because Ball State is dedicated to supporting and preparing our students.” —By
Cody Voga
Ball State’s esports team racks up titles, national recognition, and another undefeated Rocket League run
Ball State senior Luke Long reacts during a Rocket League match in the University’s Esports Center. Known for its blend of soccer and rocket-powered cars, Rocket League is one of several games in which Ball State Esports excelled in 2024. The Cardinals finished undefeated in conference play and ranked among the top eight teams nationally, reinforcing the program’s standing as a powerhouse in collegiate esports.
Ball State Esports capped an impressive 2024 season with championships across multiple games, national accolades, and another undefeated Rocket League campaign—cementing the Cardinals yet again as a top-tier collegiate esports program.
The University’s Rocket League team dominated competition, finishing undefeated in both the Esports Collegiate Conference (13–0) and Eastern College Athletic Conference (7–0), and earning a spot among the top eight teams in the country. The team’s performance earned a Team of the Year nomination at the Jan. 13 Scholastic Esports Awards at Ohio State University.
Head Coach Gannon Nelson—who leads three varsity rosters—was nominated for Coach of the Year for his leadership and focus on team growth.
Valorant and Overwatch squads also delivered strong results. Valorant went 12–1 in ESC play—its lone loss caused
by a power outage—and placed second in both the ESC Championships and Battle for Indiana. Overwatch took second place in the ECAC and finished top 16 nationally.
The League of Legends and Rocket League teams each won their brackets at Battle for Indiana, hosted by Butler University. And in the ECAC Championships, Ball State took home first-place titles in Rocket League and League of Legends, beating Concord and Savannah College of Arts and Design, respectively.
Ball State’s success extended into sim racing. Ar Muhammad Aleef, a Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Scholarship recipient, won the Collegiate iRacing League Formula College Championship. Kale Davidson finished second, and Ball State swept team titles in the CiL Formula College, Cup Series, and SportsCar Challenge.
Beyond gameplay, Ball State’s esports production students helped run the
Ball State University’s Career Center received the Career Services Pursuit of Excellence Award for its nationally recognized, studentcentered approach to career development and industry connection
Ball State University’s Career Center has earned national recognition for its innovative and student-centered approach to career development.
broadcast at the ESC Championships— gaining hands-on experience leading peers from other institutions in live event coverage.
Ball State launched its varsity esports program in January 2021 as part of its College of Communication, Information, and Media (CCIM), becoming a founding member of the Esports Collegiate Conference. The University also offers an Esports Production concentration within CCIM’s Department of Media, where students study the history of esports, video production, streaming, and live broadcasting.
More than 700 students participate in Ball State’s student-run Esports Club, including more than 50 varsity student-athletes.
“Our students embraced the challenge and put in the work,” said Dan Marino, director of esports. “I’m proud of their results and how they represent Ball State.” —By Andrew Walker, ’14
The Career Leadership Collective honored the Career Center with its prestigious Career Services Pursuit of Excellence Award. The annual award celebrates institutions that demonstrate a long-standing commitment to impactful, equitable, and high-quality career services.
The Career Center has previously earned multiple national best practice recognitions, including the NACE Career Services Excellence Award (2017), the Career Services Innovation Award (2023), and additional local and individual team member honors for service and innovation—further validating Ball State’s leadership in career development.
“We are honored to receive the Career Services Pursuit of Excellence Award from the Career Leadership Collective,” said Jim McAtee, assistant vice president and executive director for career and professional development. “This recognition celebrates our innovative career and connection ecosystem, which empowers every student with industry competencies, career support, industry connections, and transformative opportunities, maximizing the ROI of their higher education and setting a national standard for career development excellence.”
media. He worked closely with Shawn Carmichael, assistant director of mentoring, to strengthen his resume, sharpen his interview skills, and navigate internship opportunities.
“Shawn really helped me prepare my resume and LinkedIn profile,” Mr. Ashby said. “He was someone I could count on for feedback and support—especially when it came to interview prep and salary negotiation.”
That guidance helped Mr. Ashby land a video editing position with the Indiana Pacers and Fever—an opportunity that aligned perfectly with his Sports Link experience and career goals.
Jayce Blane, ’25, credits the Career Center with helping him build professionalism and make key industry connections.
“I got to refine my resume, get a free headshot at the career fair, and make sure my online portfolios looked good,” he said.
The unsolicited award recognizes excellence in strategic planning, data visualization, equitable access, and professional development for career services teams.
At Ball State, that commitment is evident in student outcomes. Jack Ashby, ’25, turned to the Career Center for help preparing for a career in sports
That impact—measured in personal growth, career confidence, and long-term opportunity—is what drives the Career Center’s work every day.
“We don’t innovate for recognition; we innovate for impact,” Mr. McAtee said. “But when our peers across the country recognize that impact, it’s worth celebrating.” —By Andrew Walker, ’14
Ahead of the 2025-26 academic year, Ball State University welcomed several new leaders whose expertise will help advance the University’s new strategic plan and future direction
By Cody Voga
DR. NANCY ABASHIAN
was named the dean of University Libraries following nearly two decades of leadership experience in academic libraries, including her most recent role as senior director for public services and the Office of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) at Binghamton University Libraries in New York.
Dr. Abashian has led initiatives that showcase her ability to integrate cutting-edge technology and innovative services into library operations. She planned and executed a multi-year, multi-million-dollar project to create a high-density storage facility, relocate more than 850,000 items, and implement advanced library systems.
MARK LIEBLING
was selected as Ball State’s inaugural vice president for people and culture. The newly created Division of People and Culture marks a significant organizational step for the University, positioning Ball State to better support its faculty and staff by modernizing human resources services and aligning them more strategically with the University’s long-term goals. Mr. Liebling brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in higher education and global business. At Northwestern Michigan College, he served as associate vice president of human resources, where he led efforts in organizational restructuring, labor negotiations, compensation and benefits design, and employee engagement.
Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, Lehman Brothers, Mastercard, and The Walt Disney Company. Across every role, he has built highperforming teams and introduced scalable systems that improved operations and strengthened workplace culture.
DR. KRISTEN McCAULIFF
was appointed dean of the College of Communication, Information, and Media (CCIM).
Dr. McCauliff previously served as CCIM’s interim dean for the 2024-25 academic year.
A member of Ball State’s faculty since 2009, Dr. McCauliff is a respected scholar and experienced academic leader. She previously served as associate provost for faculty affairs and professional development, leading campus-wide initiatives that advanced faculty success and student learning. In 2015, Dr. McCauliff was recognized as Ball State’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year. Nationally, she has earned accolades as an EAB Rising Higher Education Leaders Fellow and University of California, Berkeley Bridging Differences Fellow.
RODNEY NASSIRI
was appointed the new associate vice president for facilities, planning, and management. Mr. Nassiri brings more than 20 years of experience in facilities and operations management, capital planning, and strategic leadership. He most recently served as senior director of facilities and construction management at Universal Studios Hollywood, overseeing large-scale infrastructure projects and maintenance operations.
In his role, Mr. Nassiri provides strategic leadership for Ball State’s campus planning, maintenance, and facilities operations. He oversees the University’s 788-acre campus, which includes more than 90 buildings and several ongoing capital projects. His work includes advancing key initiatives such as the Village Revitalization Plan. He will also collaborate with the University’s chief sustainability officer to further Ball State’s leadership in environmentally responsible campus management.
Your next adventure starts here. Discover the world through the Ball State Alumni Travel program. These tours take you to extraordinary places, made even more meaningful when shared with fellow Cardinals.
bsu.edu/alumni/travel
Catch up with old classmates, swap stories, and grow your network with Cardinals Connect. Give back by mentoring, opening doors, or cheering on the next generation of Ball State grads—because once a Cardinal, always a Cardinal! cardinalsconnect.com
Learning doesn’t stop at graduation! Dive into fun, free virtual events, exclusive webinars, and expert insights—just for Ball State alumni. alumlc.org/bsu
Join us in person and online for One Ball State Day April 1, 2026. Cardinals across the globe united to contribute $1.3+ million for the 2025 event in support of Ball State students, programs, and initiatives that shape the future of our University. oneballstate.bsu.edu
That decision set a tone that would carry through every chapter of her life, including a decades-long relationship with Ball State that continues to this day.
Ms. Lacy has stayed deeply engaged with the University across generations. From her early days as a student leader to her current role helping shape Ball State’s strategic direction, her involvement reflects a long-standing dedication to the institution’s success.
Today, she serves on the Ball State Foundation Board, the Women of Beneficence Leadership Council, and the University’s Strategic Planning Committee—roles central to Ball State’s philanthropic and institutional trajectory.
Her most recent work began in 2024, when Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns invited her to join the committee developing the University’s latest iteration of its strategic plan. She describes the group as “small but mighty,” with a mission to help Ball State prepare for an unpredictable and rapidly changing world. Her presence on the committee reflects more than her institutional knowledge—it draws from her experiences as an alumna, Foundation representative, and, at the time, a Ball State parent. Her son, Callahan Lacy, ’25, recently graduated from the University.
“I serve as the Foundation representative, an alumni representative, and at the time, a parent representative,” she said. “How do we ensure that we’re being innovative? How do we ensure that we are growing the right way, not just for growth’s sake? How do we make sure we’re resourcing appropriately, and that we’re preparing students for jobs that don’t even exist yet?”
For Jill Lacy, ’92, Ball State is more than an alma mater— it’s a lifelong connection that continues to shape her service, career, and community leadership
When Jill Lacy, ’92, left her hometown of Chicago to begin college at Ball State University, she didn’t arrive with a detailed plan. But what she found on campus—friendships, mentorship, and a sense of belonging—would shape her life in ways she never anticipated.
She quickly immersed herself in student life. Double-majoring in political science and exercise science, she joined the Student Government Association, became an Orientation leader, and found a lasting home in Alpha Chi Omega, the oldest national sorority on campus.
For Ms. Lacy, the organization wasn’t just a college activity—it marked a defining choice.
“I always say Alpha Chi Omega was the first lifetime commitment I made as an 18-year-old—my husband obviously came later,” she said with a laugh. “But it was the first thing that I felt like I made a choice to make a lifelong involvement—not just my college years.”
to stay
in
It doesn’t end when you graduate— it keeps going. For those of us who continue
that space, there’s nothing else quite like it. — JILL LACY, ’92
These are questions she takes seriously. Whether she’s helping shape the University’s strategic vision or working with the Foundation Board to align donor support with studentfocused results, Ms. Lacy brings a steady, values-driven perspective to every conversation.
That leadership style took root early. Her time with Alpha Chi Omega gave her a platform to learn the complexities of managing peers, resolving conflict, and navigating responsibilities well beyond the classroom. She served on the executive board and credits those experiences with developing her professional skillset.
“It was where I learned to lead and manage conflict and try to figure out how to communicate effectively,” she said. “I think it is the best fundamental growth set that a student can have in college, just the amazing things you get to do, the challenges you have when you manage your peers, manage finances, and really learn to work with other people.”
Those lessons stayed with her. For 13 years, Ms. Lacy served as an advisor to the chapter before terming out. She remains deeply connected to the organization, whose mission focuses on domestic violence awareness and prevention, and whose programming—including the annual Watermelon Bust—continues to engage students across campus.
Even outside of Ball State, Ms. Lacy’s work reflects the same commitment to service and impact. Since 2012, she has served as president of the Lacy Foundation, a private charitable organization founded in memory of her husband’s uncle, who died in a car accident at age 27 in 1973. Her grandmother-inlaw, who was CEO at the time, launched the foundation as well as the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Series, an initiative dedicated to helping Central Indiana become a world-class place to live, work, and learn.
What began with a choice to get involved as a student has turned into something much more enduring: a relationship with her alma mater that continues to grow, a lifelong commitment to leadership—through her sorority and her philanthropic work— and a fulfilling career centered on service.
“There’s nothing else quite like it,” Ms. Lacy said of her ongoing involvement at Ball State. “It doesn’t end when you graduate—it keeps going. For those of us who continue to stay in that space, there’s nothing else quite like it.” —By Jennifer Criss, ’98 MA ’23
Before Ball State University graduate Dr. Keith A. Robinson, ’95, served his community as an educator, a coach, and an elected official, he was a young man searching for direction.
His plan to join the armed forces after graduating from high school fell through when he was medically disqualified in April of his senior year because he had once been hospitalized for asthma as a youth.
“Maybe I’ll go to college,” he said to himself, even though he had never aspired to attend college. He applied to a few universities in Indiana. Ball State was the only one that accepted him.
“It turned out to be the best place for me; a blessing. I went from ‘What am I going to do now?’ to ‘I am going to get my education and I am going to help others,’” said Dr. Robinson, who was a first-generation college student.
At Ball State, he developed strong connections with other students and faculty, including several professors and a Teachers College dean who saw potential in him. Later, he joined the Omega Psi Phi fraternity. Some of his older fraternity brothers became mentors for him. All of this helped him build the foundation for his sense of belonging and community on campus, his personal and academic growth—and, ultimately, his success at Ball State and beyond.
“My time at Ball State gave me a perspective, a career, and a pathway that I probably would have never considered otherwise,” said Dr. Robinson, who earned his bachelor’s degree in English from the College of Sciences and Humanities. He continued his educational pursuits, earning his master’s in education
administration and supervision from Roosevelt University and his doctorate in educational leadership from National Louis University.
Dr. Robinson followed a career path with opportunities to guide and inspire young students. Today, he is the associate principal for educational services at Evanston Township High School in Evanston, Ill. His previous education positions include teaching at Gary Roosevelt High School, coaching football and boys’ swimming at Pike High School in Indianapolis, coaching football at Lane Tech College Prep High School in Chicago, and coaching football at Evanston Township High School. He also served as dean of students at Niles West High School and assistant principal for operations at Niles North High School— both in the Village of Skokie, Ill.
Beyond his work as an educator and coach, Dr. Robinson continues to serve others. He is the first Black trustee elected for the Village of Skokie. Additionally, Dr. Robinson is a member of several boards, including the Ball State University Foundation’s Board of Directors and the Teachers College Advisory Council at Ball State.
He and his wife, Dr. Sharon Robinson, a pediatrician, have two daughters, Taryn and Kari.
Dr. Keith Robinson shared more in this brief Q&A:
What are your thoughts about being the first Black trustee elected for the Village of Skokie?
“I feel blessed and fortunate to be able to represent the community in that way. To me, it means that I’m living right and making good decisions, which makes people see me for who I am. In my career, I’ve supported families in respectful ways. People trust and believe in who I am and my ability to articulate and serve them in ways that are in their best interests.”
How has Ball State contributed to your evolution into who you are today?
“Those great teachers, that first introduction to teaching at that level and the understanding of the science behind it, plus the joy and love of education—all of that intersected at Ball State. Also, the community and friendships I formed at Ball State have been great. I’ve stayed very closely connected to folks from my fraternity and college community. It has helped shape who I am today.”
Why do you continue your relationship with Ball State?
“My college experience and the connections I made there are part of the main reasons I’m still committed to my relationship with Ball State University. And, I’m loyal to a person or a place that provides space for me to be my best self. Ball State was the only place that gave me the opportunity to do that at the college level.” —By
Landa Bagley
Mentorship program connects graphic design students with recent alumni for career guidance, skill-building, and lasting professional relationships
Students can thrive when supported by those who’ve walked similar paths and share the wisdom they acquired along the way. That’s the underlying premise of OneCreative’s mentorship program, in which Ball State University juniors and seniors majoring in graphic design are paired with industry mentors who are Ball State graduates. It’s an opportunity for alumni to re-engage with the University, and for students to grow in confidence, skill development, work preparedness, and meaningful connections.
Developed by Shantanu Suman, associate professor of graphic design in the University’s College of Fine Arts, in collaboration with the student-led group OneCreative, the virtual 10-week mentoring program uses a near-peer model. Mentors—strategically selected professionals just 2-8 years into their careers—offer relatable guidance on early post-college challenges like job searches, burnout, and self-doubt, drawing on their own real-world experiences.
This relatability fosters authentic conversations about everything from portfolio prep and presentation skills to managing workplace expectations and imposter syndrome. The program includes one-on-one mentor/mentee meetings, panel discussions, reflection sessions, and regular check-ins.
“As someone who participated in the mentorship program twice, I was fortunate to receive invaluable professional guidance from both of my mentors, and to foster a genuine friendship with my second mentor, Rhianna Sevier (’22),” said graphic designer Abigail Gomez-Aguilar, ’25.
“Without OneCreative, I would have never had the opportunity to build these relationships, and I am positive many other students feel the same way.”
Beyond mentoring, OneCreative’s program offers students practical career preparation. Participating alumni conduct mock interviews, review resumes and portfolios, discuss industry
To learn more about this program and other aspects of the OneCreative group, contact Prof. Suman at ssuman@bsu.edu.
trends, and introduce students to hiring colleagues— opening doors to internships, as well as jobs not publicly advertised but often shared through internal referrals, networking, or word-of-mouth.
OneCreative’s mentorship program is one of many examples of how Ball State prepares students to pursue fulfilling careers and meaningful lives.
“Through conversations with alumni, the students develop emotional intelligence, adaptability, and communication,” Prof. Suman said.
“These are traits employers demand, and automation and artificial intelligence can’t replicate. The mentorship program fosters confidence, resilience, and connection, creating a community that lives out Ball State’s commitment to students through every mentor-mentee relationship.” —By
Landa Bagley
Beyond its mentorship program, OneCreative holds portfolio review events. Below: Anna McCreary, ’24 (right), reviews the portfolio of senior Trinity Czarnik, who graduated in Spring 2025.
The mentorship program fosters confidence, resilience, and connection, creating a community that lives out Ball State’s commitment to students through every mentormentee relationship.
— SHANTANU SUMAN
Through education, collaboration, and community-driven planning, Ball State’s Indiana Communities Institute equips local leaders across Indiana to build stronger, more vibrant places
When community members and local leaders come together to shape a shared vision for their hometown—its identity, culture, and future—the result can spark lasting change. But knowing where to begin isn’t always easy.
That’s where Ball State University steps in. Deeply rooted in Ball State’s commitment to lifetime learning, impactful service to communities, and Indiana’s success, the University’s Indiana Communities Institute (ICI) is a trusted partner to local and regional leaders from cities, suburbs, urban, and rural areas across the state who strive to create stronger, more vibrant places to live, work, and visit. The partnership is built on collaboration, research, and the belief that thriving communities can be created with the right tools and guidance.
Part of Ball State’s Miller College of Business, ICI collaborates with numerous experts and talented professionals from across the University, including the Center for Business and Economic Research, Rural Policy Research Institute, Bowen Center for Public Affairs, and Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning. These experts provide research, technical resources, guidance, and professional knowledge to support ICI’s wide range of programs and services.
With its vision of better communities for more people, ICI offers local leaders’ expertise, guidance, and a variety of tools—including meaningful educational experiences delivered through the ICI Academy training or customized, community-driven initiatives and insights. Training topics range from local finance and economics to how to meaningfully engage with people in ways that inform visioning for the future.
“Our training programs are designed to meet people where they are, and to help them go further than they thought possible,” said Brian Blackford, ’01 MPA ’19, Indiana Communities Institute’s executive director. “We want to help community leaders, members, and volunteers learn about what impacts their communities. When people have access to knowledge and support, they become catalysts for real and lasting change.
“Largely, our role is to help connect resources and expertise from Ball State with partners primarily in communities around Indiana, sometimes beyond, who are working in the community development or economic development space,” Mr. Blackford added. “We want to help them build capacity, get the training, and have the research they need to improve the places they live.”
In addition to training, ICI helps create, develop, and implement communitybased projects. The projects vary—one might center on assisting local stakeholders in better understanding the issues and opportunities facing them. Another might focus on sharing positive stories about neighborhoods and residents. Others might focus on placemaking, investments in public spaces, arts, tourism, and business development.
But before any assistance is offered, there must be an invitation.
“ICI’s first rule is we only go where we’re invited,” Mr. Blackford said.
The institute has been approached for help often, and its reach has continued to grow over the years. On average, ICI supports community-based work—including multiyear projects—in about 25 Indiana counties and provides various trainings to approximately 500 Hoosiers from across the state each year. ICI also innovates a handful of programs and processes annually.
Although Leeann Wright had worked for and with non-profits for 20 years, she had not been in a community development role before working at the Community Foundation of Pulaski County in Winamac, Ind. So, in 2023, she took ICI’s Community Development Course.
“I’m a lifetime learner, and I knew I needed some help,” said Ms. Wright, now the foundation’s executive director. “ICI is the best of the best. It’s where knew I would get knowledge, guidance, and expertise.”
What excited her the most about this course were the discussions on how to actively engage community members who usually don’t make their voices heard.
As her role with her county’s Community Foundation grew, she asked ICI for help with some of her county’s strategic visioning—particularly on addressing some social, economic development, and community development issues, Ms. Wright said.
“We needed support to create an action plan to address those issues. So ICI came in and did a strategic visioning session,” Ms. Wright explained. “We held five listening sessions with the public, and now the county is ready to enter the comprehensive planning stage.”
Through it all, she has consistently considered how to engage people in fruitful discussions about their shared community and its quality of place, with the understanding that from there, economic growth can occur.
Indiana Communities Institute (ICI) — 2021-present
Number of counties that benefited from direct ICI support
55
4,500+
Local residents and officials engaged with ICI program
12 New programs developed to serve Indiana communities
1,400+
Indiana Communities Institute (ICI)—part of Ball State’s Miller College of Business— has a core staff of four people. Pictured left to right: Kara Riggleman, ICI’s community development program manager; Brian Blackford, ’01 MPA ’19, ICI’s executive director; Geoff Schomacker, ICI’s associate director for strategic development; and Angie Popplewell, ’05, ICI’s director of operations.
“People don’t follow jobs. Jobs follow people. We have to make our community welcoming and have a high quality of place,” Ms. Wright said. “It’s the amenities. Do we have enough service providers, enough safe and welcoming places for kids to gather and play, and enough parks, for example? But it’s also understanding our culture and how newcomers might experience it. By that, I mean when someone is walking down Main Street, are people tapping on their phones constantly, or will people look up and wave hello and stop for a quick chat?
“But we need to have conversations about these sorts of things within our community,” she continued. “After what I learned in the ICI course I took, I’m always actively thinking about how to get more people at the table where visioning and strategy are being talked about to make sure their voices are heard.”
And how will she do that? By staying curious about people.
“Ask them non-intrusive questions,” she explained. “To build relationships, you have to be present, ask questions, be curious, be sincere, and reach out consistently. Show up in the places where people are and don’t expect them to come to you.”
Community leaders and volunteers trained through ICI Academy
40 Workshops and courses offered through ICI Academy
Dr. Ceann Bales, MPA ’01, currently the executive director of the Jay County Development Corporation, completed two ICI workshops. One workshop offered economic development training, and the other focused on community development.
In 2019, the community where she lived and worked at the time, Randolph County, Ind., sought ICI’s assistance and expertise on the county’s “Cultivating Community” initiative. Except for a brief period during the COVID-19 pandemic, ICI has offered guidance on this initiative for six years.
“ICI came in and helped us with community engagement, and helped us come up with an overall economic and community development plan and look at what Randolph County residents want,” said Dr. Bales, who at the time was the executive director of the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation (now known as Randolph County United).
“The most important thing that ICI emphasized to us is that if we want to attract and retain individuals in our community, success in doing that is no longer solely dependent on jobs. It also centers on our community’s quality of life, place-making, and our pride and love for our community,” Dr. Bales said. “ICI really helped us rethink how we define quality of life and quality of place in Randolph County. We took a hard look at what it means to make our community a place where people whose families have been here for generations want to stay—and where new people want to move and set down roots.”
After gathering input from residents, county leaders developed a plan built around five core pillars—including one focused
on quality of life. A committee was formed to explore the development of a future trail network, and the county also created a brochure to highlight its local parks.
But according to Dr. Bales, one of the most meaningful outcomes of ICI’s involvement was how it helped leaders engage directly with the community. More than 250 residents participated in planning sessions and shared ideas that helped shape the county’s direction.
“People who typically might not have been involved became engaged,” Dr. Bales said. “It was wonderful, for those of us who had been doing this type of work in our community for a long time, to have people come to the table that we had never worked with before.
“It’s really a thoughtful, intentional, and engaging process to allow all people’s voices to be heard in a community.”
Dr. Bales, who earned her master’s degree in public administration from Ball State’s College of Sciences and Humanities, takes pride in knowing the University offers resources, guidance, and expertise that help communities.
“I am so proud that Ball State—which played such an important role in my education and my professional career— really walks the walk when it comes to truly believing in Indiana, continual education beyond the campus, and understanding the important role that rural communities and other communities in Indiana play in the health and future of our state,” she said.
“Knowing that Ball State supports ICI in doing this work shows that this University is committed to the lifelong journey of not only its alums but also the other residents of the state of Indiana.”—By
Landa Bagley
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Ball State Online offers flexible programs for busy, working alumni like you. Whether you’re climbing the career ladder or transitioning to a new career, Ball State Online has more than 100 online programs that can fit your goals and schedule.
• Consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report
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• Asynchronous coursework, 100% online
• No application fee for alumni Together, We Fly. Learn more at bsu.edu/online
Ball State nursing students gain hands-on experience through clinical simulations made possible by dedicated community volunteers who serve as real-life patient stand-ins
Ball State University’s School of Nursing and the Muncie community have formed an unofficial, but mutually beneficial, relationship.
Offered through the College of Health, the school prepares its students to thrive in the workforce by developing the clinical skills and judgment required for professional nursing. Many graduates of the program go on to serve in hospitals and medical facilities regionally and throughout the state of Indiana.
In turn, the community gives back in a unique way—helping students prepare for fulfilling careers and meaningful lives.
Community members volunteer as patients within simulation-based experiences for nursing classes across the curriculum, according to Jane Milleman, ’03, nursing simulation operations coordinator. During these sessions, students conduct assessments while the volunteers portray a range of medical concerns—such as a foot wound, gastrointestinal bleed, or anxiety.
“Having a real person play a role in a simulation really enhances the reality,” said Dani Ely, ’11, director of nursing
simulation. “When the patient is a mannequin in a bed, sometimes that can be limiting for students to use their imagination and think about this as a real experience. But with the real person acting in the role and sitting there, that really enhances it for our students.”
Pat Greenberg is part of a growing, tight-knit group of volunteers who helped fill 628 simulation slots last year. She enjoys the work and says it helps keep her active in retirement.
“I like working with the students because it keeps me younger, and catch their enthusiasm and positive attitudes,” she said.
Ms. Greenberg and about 30 other volunteers provide immediate feedback during the simulations and complete post-event surveys that offer students constructive input on their communication style and professionalism—aligned
with best practices for standardized patients.
“Watching the first-year students come in all scared and nervous, it’s fun putting them at ease and smiling, knowing that you’re helping them out,” she said. “And then you see that the second- and thirdyear students are more confident and give advice. It’s a joy to watch them grow.” For most nurses, work is more than a paycheck; it’s a passion for compassion and a commitment to serve others.
Because Ball State nursing students can immerse themselves in realistic, hands-on learning environments, they benefit from valuable feedback—and gain a head start on fulfilling, impactful careers.
“I feel like I’m investing in the future,” Ms. Greenberg said. “Someday, these nursing students may be my nurses. So, I’m investing in my medical future as well as theirs.”
—By Cody Voga
The School of Nursing is looking to expand its network of volunteers. Those interested can visit the “Ball State University School of Nursing Volunteers” Facebook page or email Jane Milleman at jane.milleman@bsu.edu.
After transferring to Ball State and finding his path, Dan Towriss, ’94, has helped build a multibillion-dollar firm, a racing empire, and a legacy of giving back
By Andrew Walker, ’14
Getting into Formula 1 isn’t just hard. It’s political. It’s territorial. It’s exclusive by design.
Even with the backing of General Motors, the plan to place an American team on the Formula 1 grid was met with resistance. The hurdles weren’t just technical—they were global, bureaucratic, and layered with skepticism.
“That’s an understatement,” said Dan Towriss, ’94, when asked if the bidding process had been difficult. “But I don’t hear ‘no’ as rejection. I hear it as ‘not yet.’”
Winning driver Kyle Kirkwood (left) celebrates with Cassidy and Dan Towriss, ’94, following the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach in April 2025. Mr. Towriss was named CEO of TWG Motorsports in early 2025, overseeing a portfolio that includes Andretti INDYCAR, Formula E, Spire Motorsports (NASCAR), and Wayne Taylor Racing (IMSA). Under his leadership, the group’s Formula 1 entry, Cadillac Racing, is set to debut on the 2026 grid.
In early 2025, Mr. Towriss was named CEO of TWG Motorsports, a division of TWG Global formed to consolidate a growing portfolio of motorsports investments—including majority ownership in Andretti Global (with teams in IndyCar and Formula E) and teams in NASCAR and IMSA. He helped build the framework for the Cadillac Formula 1 bid while navigating a complex landscape of international approvals and commercial scrutiny.
That new business is being led, perhaps improbably, by a trained actuary. Mr. Towriss’ background in risk modeling and long-term valuation—unusual credentials in the racing world—has proven essential in building one of the sport’s most expansive portfolios.
“When you put it that way, it seems very puzzling, doesn’t it?” Mr. Towriss said, reflecting on how someone with an actuary background ended up building a global motorsports operation.
“But motorsports is business—and can be successful when done correctly.”
And the man behind Formula 1’s newest team?
A former standout high school pitcher. A Ball State University graduate. A Muncie kid who only wound up back in town after blowing out his arm at Indiana University.
That’s where the story really begins.
Mr. Towriss grew up on the north side of Muncie in a 1,200-square-foot house not far from the busy intersection of McGalliard Road and Wheeling Avenue. His mom worked in radiology at Ball Memorial Hospital. His dad ran One Accord, a small American-Mexican restaurant with a loyal following.
It wasn’t a flashy childhood, but it was full of structure and steady expectations. “They both worked hard,” Mr. Towriss said of his parents. “My dad especially instilled that work ethic in me and my brothers.”
Baseball became his first proving ground— though not without setbacks.
“The start was very inauspicious, getting cut from the team a couple of different times when I was in grade school,” Mr. Towriss said with a smile. But he kept showing up. By sixth grade, he started to find his rhythm on the mound. By high school, he’d become a standout pitcher for Muncie Central and the Post 19 American Legion team, helping lead the Chiefs to a state title on the historic McCulloch Park diamond—not far from home.
His success earned him a baseball scholarship to Indiana University, which he chose over Notre Dame. But after injuring his throwing elbow during freshman year, Mr. Towriss made the difficult choice to forgo surgery and end his baseball career. He came back home. And Ball State became the place where he rebuilt his direction.
After transferring to Ball State, Mr. Towriss didn’t expect to be noticed. He had his sights set on actuarial science but was still adjusting to life without baseball and starting over in a new environment.
Then one day, walking across campus, a professor called him by name.
“I was kind of baffled,” he recalled. “I wasn’t sure why he knew me. I followed him into the building, thinking maybe I was in trouble or something.”
He wasn’t. The professor had simply recognized him from class—a small moment, but one that stuck.
“That moment really showed me how different Ball State was,” Mr. Towriss said. “At a big university, nobody would know who you are. But
here, the faculty were connected. They were invested. That changed everything for me.”
Once he found his footing, he didn’t let up. He took as many as 21 credit hours per semester, studied for actuarial exams, and worked part-time as a surgical assistant at Ball Memorial Hospital— often splitting his days between classrooms and operating rooms.
Several Ball State faculty members stood out to Mr. Towriss as especially influential. Among them: Dr. John Beekman, who established the actuarial science program and knew not only Mr. Towriss’ name but also his family’s connection to the department; Dr. Bart Frye, ’69 MA ’73, and Dr. Rebecca Pierce in mathematical sciences; and Dr. Cecil Bohanon in economics. Each, in different ways, helped reinforce the idea that Ball State wasn’t just preparing students to pass tests, but to lead.
Their investment in his future was mutual, as Mr. Towriss’ drive left a lasting impression. Dr. Pierce, associate professor of mathematical sciences, taught Mr. Towriss in three courses: MATH 321, MATH 324, and MATH 428. More than three decades later, thanks in part to her green gradebook, she still remembers where he sat—and how hard he worked.
In one class, he earned the highest score on the final exam, acing a notoriously difficult test. In another, he had the top average score in his class while preparing for his first actuarial exam. On a group project in regression modeling, he and his teammates delivered the top submission in the course. “Dan’s attendance was perfect in all three classes,” Dr. Pierce noted. “He was an outstanding student across the board.”
Mr. Towriss graduated cum laude in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in actuarial science. The program, faculty, and hands-on experience gave him not just technical training, but a launchpad.
“Ball State gave me options,” he said. “I could have stayed technical or gone into business or leadership. That foundation shaped the rest of my career.”
Mr. Towriss began his professional career at Lincoln National Life in Fort Wayne.
One early influence was CEO Ian Rolland—also an actuary—who helped expand Mr. Towriss’ view of what was possible.
In 2009, he joined Guggenheim Partners and helped build its insurance platform. When the chance came to lead a buyout of that platform, he took it—forming Group 1001, a network of insurance businesses focused on innovation and access.
That included the launch of Gainbridge, a digital platform offering annuities directly to consumers. The platform’s structure—data-driven, transparent, and long-term—reflected Mr. Towriss’ actuarial roots.
“There’s some pretty powerful applications of data and analytics that are inherent in being an actuary,” he said.
“That’s helped us grow our business.”
But it wasn’t just growth. It was a mindset: assess risk, play the long game, and do it differently.
Mr. Towriss’ business foundation remained actuarial. But in recent years, he’s applied it to motorsports.
It began quietly, with sponsorship. Gainbridge, whose logo was first placed on the turf at Ball State’s Scheumann Stadium in 2019, inked a presenting
partnership with the Indianapolis 500 and secured naming rights for the Indiana Pacers and Fever’s home arena. The exposure was powerful—but the ambition ran deeper.
Through TWG Global, a parent company chaired by Mr. Towriss’ longtime business partner Mark Walter, he and his team began acquiring major motorsports holdings. Those include majority ownership of Andretti Global (IndyCar, Indy NXT, Formula E), Spire Motorsports (NASCAR), Wayne Taylor Racing (IMSA), and Walkinshaw Andretti United (Australia’s Supercars).
“Each of these racing series actually fit into the culture that we’re building at TWG,” Mr. Towriss told the Associated Press. “It’s consistent with the culture of the company I built on the insurance side.”
In early 2025, shortly after the Cadillac Formula 1 bid moved forward, TWG launched TWG Motorsports with Mr. Towriss as CEO.
Formula 1 hadn’t welcomed an American-backed team in decades. But with General Motors as a partner and Mr. Towriss steering the process, the team was approved for the 2026 grid. In addition to motorsports, TWG Global also has stakes in the Los Angeles Dodgers, Chelsea FC, the Professional Women’s Hockey League, and, most
left: Cassidy Towriss; Dan Towriss, ’94; Jim Lowe, former associate vice president for facilities planning and management at Ball State; Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr.; and Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns cut the ribbon at the newly named Gainbridge Field at McCulloch Park in Muncie in August 2022. The event celebrated the completion of major renovations to the historic field— where Mr. Towriss once played as a member of Muncie’s American Legion team—with contributions from the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, Mr. Towriss, and Ball State.
recently, took steps to acquire the Los Angeles Lakers.
“Years ago, people were asking, ‘Why did you buy a baseball team? Or why did you do this?’”
Mr. Towriss said. “And I think we see a business opportunity. The question is, ‘What are you trying to build?’”
In August 2022, Mr. Towriss stood on the diamond at McCulloch Park—the same field where he once helped Muncie’s American Legion team win a state title. But this time, he stood beside Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr.
The visit marked a milestone in the field’s renovation. The Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation had replaced the infield and upgraded the stands and dugouts. Support from Mr. Towriss and Group 1001 funded outfield improvements, stadium lighting, and a new scoreboard—part of a broader community initiative that also received support from Ball State.
As a Ripken Foundation board member, Mr. Towriss has helped bring life to youth sports spaces across the country. This time, he was giving back to the field that helped shape him.
“That day was incredibly special,” he said. “To stand on that field again, alongside someone like Cal Ripken Jr., and know we were helping the next generation have a chance to play— that meant a lot.”
That project added to a growing legacy of philanthropy in his hometown—one that began
with a leadership gift to Ball State’s Scheumann Family Indoor Practice Facility. As his first significant gift to the University and to a Munciebased initiative, it helped galvanize support for the facility, which now enables hundreds of student-athletes and the Pride of Mid-America Marching Band to train year-round in a modern, climate-controlled environment.
His support continued with the McCulloch Park renovations and later with the new YMCA located on the Muncie Central campus. In 2024, Mr. Towriss and his wife, Cassidy, contributed a $2 million leadership gift to that project, helping ensure generations of families and students will benefit from wellness and educational programming in the heart of the city.
Throughout, Mr. Towriss’ philanthropic focus has remained consistent: access and opportunity.
Through Group 1001 and Gainbridge, he has long championed women’s sports, well before the recent surge in national attention led by the Fever’s Caitlin Clark. From tennis and golf to motorsports and basketball, the sponsorships have aimed to elevate athletes and teams too often overlooked.
Mr. Towriss has also remained closely connected to Ball State, serving on the University’s Foundation Board of Directors and supporting key institutional priorities. His support reflects a shared purpose with the institution: expanding opportunities and fostering student success.
“Dan embodies our University’s enduring values,” Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns said. “He leads with integrity, invests in other people, and remains committed to creating positive, lasting change—in his industry, in his community, and here at his alma mater. I am grateful for his thoughtful engagement and for the many ways he advances our mission of empowering students to have fulfilling careers and to lead meaningful lives.”
Through it all, Mr. Towriss’ philosophy has stayed steady: invest in the people and places that shaped you.
It’s a mindset that took root during his own college years, when he chose to leave his comfort zone, transfer home to Ball State, and chart his own path.
Now, decades later, after helping TWG build a multibillion-dollar financial firm and a global motorsports portfolio, his advice to students reflects that same perspective.
“Be intentional about being uncomfortable,” Mr. Towriss said. “There’s a lot of growth that happens in that space. That’s where you find out what you’re capable of.” ✦
By Jennifer Criss, ’98 MA ’23
Mary Konkle, ’01, associate professor of chemistry, researches the structure and function of a protein linked to type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s, and breast cancer. Undergraduate research at Ball State spans all disciplines— not just STEM—offering opportunities across every college.
Taylor Bias thought she was just a student.
Then she discovered research.
As a freshman biochemistry major, Ms. Bias joined Ball State’s Teacher-Scholar Program and began working with Dr. Mary Konkle, ’01, associate professor of chemistry. Together, they explored the protein biochemistry of MitoNEET, an enzyme involved in cellular energy production.
“The Teacher-Scholar Program set me on a path to discover my best talents and maximize
my college experience,” Ms. Bias said. “It showed me how much I enjoy the rigorous problem-solving involved in research.”
That realization opened doors: national conference presentations, academic and industry internships, and a prestigious Goldwater Scholarship. Ms. Bias, ’25, continued conducting research throughout her undergraduate years and began a doctoral program in biochemistry this Fall.
She is one of many students whose academic paths were shaped by the Teacher-Scholar Program—a one-semester initiative that connects undergraduates with faculty mentors for hands-on research across disciplines.
Launched in 2020 and housed within Ball State’s Office of the Vice Provost for Research, the Teacher-Scholar Program emphasizes collaborative learning, guided discovery, and meaningful mentorship. It is led by Dr. Daniele Nardi, associate professor of psychological science and program manager for undergraduate research, and Sharon Hahn, executive coordinator to the vice provost for research.
“The Teacher-Scholar model allows for a close, sustained relationship between student and faculty member that is hard to replicate in other types of experiences,” Dr. Nardi said. “It teaches students how knowledge is produced, how it is tested, and how it can make a difference.”
To qualify, students must be in their first or second year at Ball State (or first year as a transfer) and have no prior research experience.
The program requires a five-hour weekly commitment and offers a $750 stipend.
Participation began modestly, with 37 students in the inaugural year, affected by COVID-19 pandemic limitations. It has grown to 139 students in the 2024-25 academic year.
Students in the Teacher-Scholar Program browse a database of faculty mentors and projects, then apply to work on a topic that sparks their curiosity. The program encourages exploration beyond a student’s major, and opportunities span the sciences, arts, humanities, and social sciences.
“Research can happen in a lab, but it can also happen in a studio, an archive, or out in the field,” said Dr. Nardi. “What matters is the process— asking a question, exploring evidence, and contributing something new.”
The program was designed to integrate students into faculty research or creative work. Mentors guide students through each stage of inquiry— from formulating questions to presenting findings— while also advancing their own scholarly agendas.
Syndal Hittson, ’25 (left), credits the TeacherScholar program and her mentor, Dr. Michael Tagler (right), for guiding her toward her “dream” master’s program at Ball State, which she started this Fall.
More than 135 faculty members across all Ball State colleges now serve as mentors in the program, and students have explored topics ranging from environmental science and digital storytelling to music composition and sociological research.
Faculty participating in the Teacher-Scholar Program receive modest funding and professional development. But for many, the most meaningful outcome is the student-faculty bond.
“It’s deeply rewarding to watch students evolve from tentative beginners into confident scholars,” Dr. Nardi said.
That transformation was clear for Syndal Hittson, ’25, a psychological science major. She partnered with Dr. Michael Tagler to study sleep quality among college students and found that upper-level students and student employees were significantly more likely to report poor sleep.
“This study is what truly got me invested in my major and the scientific process,” Ms. Hittson said. “I had never considered myself smart or capable enough to become a scientist, but this program helped me see that I am. Dr. Tagler always believed in me and was patient while learned, which made all the difference.”
Ms. Hittson presented at the Midwestern Psychological Association convention in Chicago and will continue her research in graduate school at Ball State.
“It’s really been a pipeline to inspire students to get involved, and stay involved, in research,” Dr. Tagler said. “And in several instances now, like with Ms. Hittson, it’s turned into an ongoing collaboration.”
The Teacher-Scholar Program’s impact is not only anecdotal— it’s measurable. It boasts a 92 percent average retention rate for enrollment in the subsequent term, and an 89.4 percent graduation rate. Many students go on to publish, present, or pursue graduate and professional degrees.
“When students feel like they belong—when they’re connected to a faculty mentor and see how they can contribute to real work—they’re far more likely to stay and succeed,” Dr. Nardi said.
Students who wish to continue their research beyond the initial semester may apply for additional support, such as the Pepsi Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavor Grant.
Meanwhile, Dr. Nardi and Ms. Hahn continue to strengthen the program—expanding funding, building mentor resources, and tracking long-term student outcomes.
“We know these experiences matter,” Ms. Hahn said. “Now we’re gathering data to show just how powerful they are, and to make the case for continued investment.”
Dr. Nardi says the experience is about more than just research—it’s about helping students define their identity and find their passion and purpose.
“We’re helping students discover who they are, what they care about, and what they’re capable of contributing to the world.” ✦
“What I love about the Teacher-Scholar Program is that it allows me to engage with students outside the classroom and facilitate meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. It has been a tremendous benefit to both me and the students. My research centers around the prevention of chronic disease and promoting health for all by understanding relationships between physical health, healthy behaviors, and psychological and social factors. Involving students in this work not only deepens their academic knowledge but also empowers them to apply what they’re learning to real-world health challenges— equipping them with valuable skills and a sense of purpose that extends beyond the classroom.”
— Dr. Natalie Keirns, assistant professor of public health in the Department of Nutrition and Health Science
“During the 2024-25 academic year, I was fortunate to work with two undergraduate students on their research projects related to disability topics. One student is researching how students with disabilities make connections in campus housing. The second is researching female college students who receive ADHD diagnoses as adults.
I was honored to guide these students in their research interests and degree goals. They were both excellent selfadvocates and well-prepared for their projects. I happily shared my expertise and knowledge from nearly 20 years of experience in disability services and teaching in Women’s and Gender Studies.
My favorite part, outside of our bi-weekly meetings, was watching both of them present during CHIRPS week, Spring 2025. Neither had done presentations before, and they both did an amazing job. I look forward to seeing them continue their research and hopefully turn it into publications.”
— Dr. Courtney Jarrett, ’04 MA '07 EdD ’12, director of disability services and instructor in Women’s and Gender Studies
Burris Laboratory School has earned international recognition as a model for innovation, fueled by student voice, faculty collaboration, and its deep ties to Ball State
By Andrew Walker, ’14
INthe Summer of 2020, just weeks into his new role as dean of Ball State University’s Teachers College, Dr. Anand R. Marri walked the halls of Burris Laboratory School for the first time. With school not yet in session, he was getting a feel for the building and its place within the University—meeting with administrators and learning more about Burris’ long-standing connection to Ball State.
As he toured the school with then–assistant principal Dr. Abigail Comber, PhD ’12, he offered a thoughtful observation that would stay with her. “We have an opportunity to make our lab school even more distinctive,” Dr. Marri said.
It wasn’t a critique; it was a spark—one that helped catalyze a period of focused growth and renewed momentum.
At the time, Burris was known for its strong academic performance and sterling reputation among Indiana schools. But for an institution with a rich history and deep ties to Ball State, there was a shared sense among faculty and leadership that even more was possible.
“That conversation was energizing,” Dr. Comber recalled. “It encouraged us to keep asking, ‘What more can we do?’”
When Dr. Comber became principal of Burris Laboratory School in 2021, she and Eli Jones, MAE ’22—then newly appointed as director of academic innovation and community engagement—worked alongside teachers to explore a familiar question with renewed energy: What does it truly mean to be a laboratory school in today’s educational landscape?
Burris had long been recognized for its academic strength. Test scores remained high, and the school was consistently ranked among the best in the state. But the faculty saw opportunities to more intentionally embrace the core elements of the lab school model: inquiry-based teaching, ongoing research, and a spirit of continuous experimentation. How could Burris deepen its role as a place where educational ideas are tested, shared, and refined in partnership with Ball State?
That question came into sharper focus in 2022, when Burris reengaged with the International Association of Laboratory Schools (IALS). A group of Burris teachers attended the organization’s annual conference in Alabama, where they presented on Burris’ middle school IMPACT program and its innovative, feedback-based approach to student assessment.
The response was immediate and energizing.
“We made a lot of connections. People were really impressed with what we were doing,” Dr. Comber said. “That moment made clear we were contributing something meaningful to the evolving story of lab schools.”
Shortly after the conference, Dr. Comber was invited to join the IALS board of directors. Just two years later, in 2024, Burris hosted the association’s international conference—affirming its role as a national leader in laboratory school practice and celebrating the creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning that define its faculty.
The changes at Burris weren’t incremental. They were foundational.
Teachers led a school-wide recalibration in philosophy, structure, and practice, supported by an administration committed to putting the right people in place, trusting them to create, and supporting them fully.
“We try to say yes more than we say no,” said Dr. Comber. “Our teachers are the ones designing, iterating, and doing the work every day.”
That mindset helped shape IMPACT, Burris’ middle school initiative built around inquiry-driven, project-based learning. Now in its fifth year, IMPACT blends core academic content with collaborative and real-world problem solving. It aligns with Indiana academic standards while giving students meaningful ways to apply their knowledge.
Students in grades 6–8 work in interdisciplinary teams, guided by teacher-facilitators, to explore essential questions and develop solutions across subjects like math, science, language arts, and
a Ball State Teachers College student, leads a group activity at Burris Laboratory School—recently named Laboratory School of the Year for its innovative approach to teaching and its deep integration with Ball State’s teacher preparation programs.
civics. Teachers hold regular feedback conversations with students that emphasize growth, self-reflection, and skill development. That fosters curiosity, collaboration, and individualized pacing within a rigorous academic framework.
“IMPACT gives students a chance to see themselves as learners, not just task-doers,” Mr. Jones said.
The program also emphasizes consistent student-teacher dialogue. Teachers meet regularly with students to discuss their learning, and students are invited to provide feedback in return. Just as Burris continues to enhance opportunities for student engagement, it has also refined how it supports educators. The school implemented a reflective, lab school–specific framework for professional growth – designed by teachers—one that emphasizes collaboration, goal setting, and continuous learning.
The program’s influence is already visible. In one high school classroom, 92 percent of higher-order questions were asked by students who had previously participated in IMPACT. Student engagement has increased. So has teacher creativity, trust, and collaboration.
And while the middle school served as the launching point, IMPACT’s core principles—cross-disciplinary learning, student voice, and real-world application—are steadily expanding into Burris’ elementary and high school classrooms, driven by teachers eager to adapt and innovate.
We wanted students to be active partners in their education. If we’re asking teachers to model innovation, we also have to ask students to engage with it.
— Dr. Abigail Comber, PhD ’12
In Spring 2025, the International Association of Laboratory Schools named Burris its Laboratory School of the Year. It is an honor reserved for institutions that exemplify innovation, collaboration, and meaningful engagement with the lab school network. For Burris, the recognition was deeply affirming.
“To be named School of the Year just a year after hosting the international conference, it was a tremendous honor,” Dr. Comber said. “It affirmed the thoughtful work our faculty has done to grow, collaborate, and contribute meaningfully to the lab school community.”
The association specifically commended Burris for its commitment to student voice, teacher-led design, and the
sharing of practices with peer institutions. The recognition built on Burris’ long-standing identity as a laboratory school—one that has contributed to national and international conversations about educational practice for decades.
At the 2025 IALS conference in Kingston, R.I., Burris faculty and staff presented sessions on topics such as outdoor learning, school-university collaboration, and interdisciplinary curriculum design. Earlier that year, the school also launched a new partnership with Shevington High School in England, which also extended Burris’ growing network of global connections.
“We’ve always been proud of our identity as a lab school,” Dr. Comber said. “This recognition reflects how we’ve continued to build on that foundation in ways that benefit our students and resonate with colleagues around the world.”
None of Burris’ evolution has happened in isolation. As Ball State’s university-affiliated laboratory school, Burris is deeply embedded in the academic life of the campus. Its continued growth has both shaped and been shaped by that relationship.
“We are the fifth-largest school of education in the country and the most accomplished in the state of Indiana,” said Dr. Marri, now Ball State’s provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “Why not take that research and knowledge and apply it in meaningful, real-world contexts?”
That belief—that a university should model what it teaches— has guided the strong partnership between Burris and Teachers College. Each year, hundreds of Ball State students observe, assist, and teach in Burris classrooms. Faculty from both institutions collaborate on research, and the school serves as a site for applied professional learning, reflective practice, and instructional development.
“It’s a living laboratory,” Mr. Jones said. “Our teachers get to work closely with students, try new approaches supported by research, and reflect on what works. And Ball State students benefit from being part of that process.”
Eli Jones, MAE ’22, director of academic innovation and community engagement at Burris Laboratory School, talks with students during a library visit. In addition to supporting in-school innovation, Mr. Jones helps share Burris’ practices with educators across the country— part of the school’s growing national and international influence.
The collaboration isn’t just academic. Both Dr. Comber and Mr. Jones are Ball State graduates, as are many members of the Burris faculty and staff; many of the ideas now shaping Burris’ approach were influenced by the University’s emphasis on student agency, partnership, and professional reflection.
“It’s a reciprocal relationship,” Dr. Comber said. “We’re better because we’re part of Ball State. And hopefully, Ball State is better because it has Burris right here on campus.”
Even with international recognition in hand, Burris leaders and faculty are quick to emphasize that the work isn’t finished. If anything, the IALS award has deepened their commitment to thoughtful growth and community-centered learning.
The school is also exploring ways to enhance students’ early elementary experience, with an emphasis on developmentally appropriate, play-based learning in kindergarten and first grade. At the same time, new partnerships with local organizations are in development, reflecting a continued commitment to connecting global best practices with community needs in Muncie.
“Our hope is that we start to take our influence—which is so strong globally—and bring it more deeply into a local context,” said Mr. Jones, who is pursuing his doctoral degree at Ball State. “We want to be a model not just for lab schools, but for schools everywhere.”
Dr. Marri echoed that sentiment, noting that a laboratory school must remain dynamic to stay relevant.
“If the same things are happening a year from now as are happening today, I’d be disappointed,” he said. “Innovation means you’re always evolving.”
At Burris, evolution has always been part of the culture—and that mindset continues to guide what comes next.
“We’ve created something here that’s built to keep growing,” Dr. Comber said. “Our future depends on continuing to question, collaborate, and—above all—listen to our students and teachers.” ✦
Mike Shebek, ’88, still remembers taking the mound during the 1984 IHSAA semistate baseball tournament—his North Central High School team facing Muncie Southside, with a trip to the state finals on the line. He came in confident, riding a dominant season, thinking his velocity would carry the day. But that didn’t end up being the case.
“They were hitting my fastball all over the yard,” Mr. Shebek recalled. “I had to throw all curveballs. I got them out that way the rest of the game.”
It was a turning point in the game—and, in hindsight, a fitting metaphor. That quiet adjustment under pressure would come to define Mr. Shebek’s life. From early baseball success at Ball State to the disappointment of limited professional opportunities, from a humbling exit from the family business to the launch of his own company, Mr. Shebek’s story is built on resilience and reinvention.
Now, decades later, he’s made perhaps his most lasting contribution—not from the mound, but through a $5 million gift to Ball State and its baseball program. It’s a legacy shaped not by dominance, but by knowing when to make a change.
Mr. Shebek’s path to Ball State began with a coincidence. Head coach Pat Quinn had made the drive to North Central High School
in Indianapolis to scout an infielder. But midway through the game, his attention was drawn to a pitcher coming in from the bullpen.
“I actually saw Mike play the first time by accident,” Coach Quinn recalled. “I went to North Central to look at a shortstop. They brought in a tall right-hander, loose and free, and it was Mike Shebek.”
Mr. Shebek finished his senior season with a 13–1 record. Coach Quinn later called that year’s recruiting class—led by Mr. Shebek—”probably the best pitching class” he brought in during his entire Ball State tenure.
What stood out to Coach Quinn beyond the talent was Mr. Shebek’s grounded nature. “Very early in the recruiting process it was clear he was close to his family,” Coach Quinn said.
“I didn’t have to do a whole lot of recruiting to get him.”
Once on campus, Mr. Shebek earned a spot in the starting rotation as a freshman—a rare feat. Ball State lacked many amenities common in today’s programs: there was no pitching coach, no weight coach, and no clubhouse. But that era of Cardinals baseball was built on toughness and team culture.
“We were all just a bunch of guys grinding,” recalled teammate Lex Hunter, ’88. “But we believed in each other.”
Mr. Shebek didn’t draw attention to himself, but teammates and coaches alike noticed his steadiness under pressure.
“He was just low key, a great competitor, and never got rattled,” Coach Quinn said.
As Mr. Shebek reached his junior year at Ball State, he was becoming as thoughtful about life off the field as he was dominant on the mound.
He’d arrived as a telecommunications major, but began gravitating toward business courses—especially those taught by Dr. Ramon Avila, ’77 MBA ’79.
“His class gave me a whole new way to think about how organizations work,”
Mr. Shebek said. “It wasn’t just theory with him. He had energy and a real-world approach. It made an impression.”
But during Mr. Shebek’s time in Muncie, baseball still came first.
He was a fixture in the rotation— tough, durable, and unshakable. He remains Ball State’s all-time leader in career shutouts (eight) and ranks second in career complete games (25) and innings pitched (337.0). In 1987, he was selected in the 38th round of the MLB Draft by the Baltimore Orioles.
He didn’t sign.
Instead, he returned to Ball State for his senior season in 1988, hoping to improve his stock and earn a better opportunity—one that never came.
“I was hoping to get picked up by a team or have an opportunity,” Mr. Shebek said. “But it just didn’t happen. That was hard. I had spent all this time focused on baseball. And then, suddenly, it was over.”
Coach Quinn saw the same potential— still puzzled at how his ace never got another look. “You just never know,” Coach Quinn said. “Mike had the stuff. He had the mentality. But sometimes the break doesn’t come.”
What came next wasn’t what Mr. Shebek had pictured. Baseball had been his singular focus, and now the path forward wasn’t obvious.
But Mr. Shebek had always been good at adapting. When the fastball stopped working, he went to the
curveball. And when pro baseball didn’t pan out, he pivoted again—this time into the family business.
With baseball behind him, Mr. Shebek returned to Indianapolis and joined his family’s business, a company that installed automatic pool covers. He jumped in with energy and ideas, helping modernize operations. For a while, it worked. The company was growing.
But over time, philosophical differences emerged between Mr. Shebek and his parents, who still ran the company. He wanted to expand. They weren’t ready to take that leap.
“I felt like my vision wasn’t aligned with theirs,” he said.
Then came that fateful meeting. Before it was over, he’d been fired—from the family business, by his own parents.
It stung. But it also sparked something.
With no job, Mr. Shebek decided to start over. He and his wife, Kati, ’90, launched a pool cover company of their own—working out of their basement with a borrowed facility, a part-time cousin, and tri-folded mailers they sent out by hand.
They named the new company Cover Care, and the early years were lean. At one point, they took out a second mortgage just to keep things
afloat. Kati, then a nurse, eventually left her job to join the company full time.
“Mike pretty much worked 24/7 over the next 10 years,” she recalled. “There was no turning back.”
Over time, that work paid off. Cover Care grew steadily—earning a reputation for quality and reliability. Mr. Shebek eventually acquired Automatic Pool Covers, the original family business, and grew Cover Care into a national operation. He now serves as CEO of both. Most important, he has reconciled with his family—repairing relationships and coming full circle.
The success of both companies put Mr. Shebek in a position to make a transformative contribution rooted in gratitude.
For years after graduation, Mr. Shebek wasn’t deeply involved with Ball State’s baseball program. Career, family, and business demands had taken center stage. But that changed when head coach Rich Maloney reached out. What began as a simple phone call turned into a steady relationship built on shared values and mutual love for the program.
“We had a lot of long conversations,” Mr. Shebek said. “I think we just hit it off
in foundations of business, interpersonal relations, and general studies at Ball State, graduating from the University in 1988.
because we were both passionate about the program.”
Coach Maloney had already led notable improvements to Ball State’s baseball facility over the years, but he knew a major piece was missing. The program had no clubhouse. Players still dressed in their cars or trekked to and from Worthen Arena nearly a mile from the stadium.
At first, Mr. Shebek hoped to rally support from former teammates. He reached out to fellow alumni to build a coalition around the next phase of the stadium project. But the momentum wasn’t easy to generate.
“I was making calls, trying to get guys interested,” he said. “But it’s hard— people are busy, some had moved on from baseball, and I just started to think, ‘If this is really important to me, I need to step up.’”
So he did.
Mr. Shebek offered a $5 million gift— the largest in program history—to fund construction of a state-of-the-art clubhouse facility that would finally give the team the home it deserved.
What gave him pause wasn’t the cost. It was the idea of putting his name on the stadium.
“He was torn about the recognition,” Kati Shebek recalled. “He didn’t want the spotlight. But I think he realized this was a way to do something that really mattered to him.”
Mr. Shebek ultimately came to see it not as a monument to himself, but as a symbol of legacy—for his family, for players to come, and for the university that shaped his life.
“This is about the program, about moving it forward,” he said.
‘He’s
In May, Ball State formally renamed its baseball diamond Shebek Stadium, celebrating a transformational commitment that will reshape the player experience for decades. The new clubhouse, now in development, will include locker rooms, meeting spaces, and a training room—all connected directly to the stadium.
Coach Maloney called the gift a turning point for the program’s future. But more than that, he saw it as a reflection of Mr. Shebek’s character.
“He’s a doer,” Coach Maloney said. “And he did something that’ll impact kids for generations.”
Want more? Visit magazine.bsu.edu for an extended story, photos, and more quotes.
The dedication event provided a long-overdue reunion. Dozens of former players returned to Muncie for the first time in years to mark the occasion.
Mr. Shebek expressed deep gratitude for Coach Maloney’s leadership since returning to Ball State in 2013. Under his guidance, the program has become a consistent Mid-American Conference power, with regular-season and tournament titles, a 2023 NCAA Regional appearance, and a pipeline of MLBcaliber talent.
Both men have left their mark—on the field, in the clubhouse, and in the lives of players who follow. For Mr. Shebek, this chapter is just the latest in a life defined by quiet adjustments and unshakable resolve. When one path didn’t unfold as planned, he found another. And now, his name and legacy will help guide the journeys of those who come next.
While Coach Maloney has no plans to slow down anytime soon, the two often talk about returning years from now, sitting in the stands together—two men who’ve given so much, still invested, still proud.
“Lord willing,” Coach Maloney said, “me and Mike will watch games with a smile on our face, knowing what we left Ball State.” —By Andrew Walker, ’14
A $5 million gift from Mike and Kati Shebek will fund a new clubhouse facility for the Ball State baseball team, which will have the following features:
• Connection directly to Shebek Stadium for seamless access between the field and player facilities
• Team locker room designed for daily use and pregame preparation
• Coaches’ locker room and offices to enhance team operations
• Training and medical area for athletic treatment and injury prevention
• Player lounge and meeting space for film review, team talks, and bonding
• Laundry and equipment rooms to support day-to-day program needs
• New entryway and signage to enhance the fan and player experience
After a legendary 53-year career, Bill Richards retired this Summer as the winningest men’s tennis coach in Ball State and Mid-American Conference history said. “Things were pretty crazy in those early years. I give my wife a lot of credit for giving me the flexibility to build a career.”
Few coaches in college athletics stay at one program for a decade—let alone more than five. But Bill Richards spent 53 consecutive seasons leading the Ball State men’s tennis team, a remarkable run that ended this Summer with his retirement as the winningest coach in Ball State and Mid-American Conference (MAC) history.
“Obviously, 53 years at one place, that’s a long story,” he said, reflecting on the span of his career.
Mr. Richards competed as a studentathlete at Western Michigan and served as a graduate assistant at Bowling Green before receiving a call from then–Ball State athletic director Ray Louthen. That call led to a head coaching offer—and the start of a storied career.
“My wife, Sue, and I were 24 years old, married, and had our first child,” he
The biggest thing I take away from all my years here is the relationships that I’ve built, not just with our players and players’ families, but with all the coaches and administrators and support staff that have come through Ball State.
— BILL RICHARDS
That victory launched a stretch of 12 consecutive MAC titles for the Cardinals through 1995.
Over the next five-plus decades, Mr. Richards led the Cardinals to 769 wins— finishing with a 769-482 (.614) overall record and a 243-88 (.734) mark in conference play. His teams won 38 MAC regular season and/or tournament titles, made eight NCAA Tournament appearances, and posted 17 undefeated dualmatch regular seasons in conference play.
Among his favorite moments: winning Ball State’s first MAC championship in 1984 at Western Michigan—his alma mater.
“Winning our first championship at Western Michigan on the very same courts where I played as a college player was pretty neat and memorable,” he said.
Along the way, Mr. Richards coached numerous standout student-athletes—including 13 who would later be inducted into the Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame. In 2023, Ball State recognized Mr. Richards’ impact by renaming its tennis facility the Foster Adams Family Tennis Complex and Bill Richards Tennis Courts. The name also honors Foster Adams, ’53, a former president of the Cardinal Varsity Club.
As Mr. Richards reflected on his career, he said the relationships he built with players, staff, and administrators will stay with him most.
One of his former players, Gene Orlando, ’87, was named his successor at Ball State. Mr. Orlando, who spent 31 seasons as head coach at Michigan State, praised his longtime mentor.
“He coached for 53 years, but he still brought it just like he used to,” Mr. Orlando said. “It was exhilarating just to be on the court with him and to see that he was still going strong. There was no coasting in for him. He ran through the finish line.” —By
Cody Voga
Ball State offensive lineman Luke Dalton is charting a course toward a career in aviation— continuing a family legacy while balancing football, flight school, and future ambitions
There are touchdowns and then there are “touchdowns.” Luke Dalton has plenty of experience with both.
As a talented offensive lineman on the Ball State football team, Mr. Dalton enjoys paving the way for his teammates to help them reach the end zone on any given Saturday afternoon in the Fall.
But what sets the 6-foot-5, 300-pound Crystal Lake, Ill., native apart is what he does off the field: training to become a professional pilot.
When he’s not traveling around the Mid-American Conference on a bus with his fellow Cardinals, Mr. Dalton often finds himself in the air high above the Delaware County Regional Airport in Muncie in his family’s small plane.
Aviation has been a fixture in the Dalton family for generations. Mr. Dalton’s grandfather flew in the Civil Air Patrol and served in the military; his father has been a pilot for more than 30 years. All three have flown the same aircraft—a 1967 Cessna 172H.
“This is the third generation,” Mr. Dalton said. “I’m actually flying in the same airplane.”
And while he would love to practice flying more advanced, higher-end aircraft, Mr. Dalton has perspective on these early stages of his aviation journey.
“When you start your driver’s ed classes, they don’t put you in a fancy sports car or a massive pickup truck—they put you in a compact car,” he said. “It’s not the most comfortable thing for a four-hour flight, but it’s a blessing to be able to fly that plane because of the convenience, as well as the emotion and history it carries.”
Mr. Dalton has spent just as much time in the air as he has in the classroom, where he’s working toward a degree in psychological science with a minor in business.
“I was really interested in psychological investigations, whether through criminal analysis or clinical work,” he said. “And then my dad’s always been a business guy and has started his own companies, so was fascinated to learn more about that.”
Mr. Dalton’s path to the cockpit began after a setback on the field during his freshman season at the University of Cincinnati. After suffering a devastating knee injury, he found himself “sidelined pretty hard with a long recovery.”
“The unique thing you find is when you invest so much of your life and time into football, and you face a setback like that, you can see the tangible goals that your teammates are obtaining. Football was just something that I had to put on pause,” he recalled. “I needed to find a passion I could invest in and chip away at to obtain the goals, and that became aviation.”
Not long after the injury, he took a flight with his dad to visit a high school friend in New York.
“My dad said I was going to fly,” he said. “So, I flew most of that flight up to New York, and I just fell in love with it.”
When they returned home, Mr. Dalton signed up for flying lessons near the Cincinnati campus. After transferring to Ball State—where his mother, Lisa, earned degrees in marketing and journalism in 1988—he continued training toward a commercial license.
“The end goal is to build a career and either go down the corporate pilot route, such as flying for charter companies, or hopefully one day jump into one of the major airlines like Delta, United, or American,” he said. Whether on the field or in the air, Mr. Dalton continues to chart his own course—steadily, confidently, and at full throttle. —By Cody Voga
Left: Standing at 6-foot-5, Luke Dalton takes a selfie in a “snug” cockpit during a training flight. Above: Luke Dalton and his father, Chris, pose with the family's plane—a 1967 Cessna 172H—that has been in the family for three generations. Opposite page, top: Luke Dalton takes the field for the Ball State football team in a game at Scheumann Stadium.
When you purchase officially licensed merchandise, you’re not just showing your school spirit—you’re directly supporting scholarships, campus initiatives, and more!
Ball State’s campaign history showcases decades of generosity from our alumni, friends, and fans through philanthropy and engagement. In the final two years of the Our Call to Beneficence campaign, everyone can play a critical role in the transformative power of philanthropy and higher education.
Our Call to Beneficence campaign began in 2017 with a goal of $300 million. In 2023, we increased the goal to $350 million. I’m proud that we finished FY25 having raised over $328 million towards our campaign goal. I know firsthand how deeply personal it is to provide philanthropic support. In this campaign, my husband and I have established a scholarship to support first-generation students, and we contribute to the Cardinal Excellence fund in Athletics.
It isn’t easy to fully measure the impact of philanthropy on higher education and the profound, often life-changing transformation that comes from earning a college degree. In short, when we invest in education, we invest in possibility.
As we often hear President Mearns say, higher education is more than just a classroom experience. It’s a catalyst. It empowers individuals to transform their circumstances, uplift their families, and make meaningful contributions to their communities. But for too many, access to this opportunity remains uncertain. That’s where philanthropy steps in—not as charity, but as an investment in human potential, a beacon of hope that can transform lives and communities.
I’ll share just one story with you.
Like many of our students today, my husband Dr. Todd Crosby, ’95 EdD ’25, pictured here with me at Summer Commencement) was the first in his family to attend college. He was fortunate to have been encouraged by family and to benefit from long-term mentorship from a high school coach, his middle school principal, a hometown banker, and faculty and staff at Ball State.
The Alumni Council is the voice of Ball State’s more than 220,000 living alumni. Learn more at bsu.edu/alumni/council
Todd is now a middle school principal, and he recently successfully defended his dissertation, graduating with his doctorate in July 2025. Ball State continues to transform Todd’s life and that of our family.
His story is not unique—it’s one of thousands that philanthropy and the kindness and generosity of others help write every year.
As we all know, on average, college graduates earn significantly more over their lifetimes than those without degrees. However, more than the financial return, it’s the extraordinary social impact: Graduates are more civically engaged, enjoy better health, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Education opens minds as much as it opens doors.
Philanthropy plays a pivotal role in this ecosystem. It funds scholarships, yes—but it also supports research, funds faculty who mentor future leaders, and builds infrastructure that ensures students thrive. Every gift—large or small—translates into opportunity.
We have ambitious goals over the next two years of this campaign—and beyond.
Let’s ensure that the doors of higher education remain open wide for those with the talent, drive, and ambition to walk through them. Ball State is counting on all of us, especially our alumni, who are a testament to the transformative power of education and play a crucial role in our philanthropic efforts.
Chirp! Chirp!
Jean Kramer Crosby, ’96 President of the Ball State University Foundation & Alumni Association, Vice President of University Advancement
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Natalie Vega O’Neil, ’98, draws on lessons from her Ball State experience to champion service and community empowerment
When Natalie Vega O’Neil, ’98, recently returned to Ball State University’s campus for the first time since her graduation, she was struck by how much had changed. But walking the grounds, she reflected on what had stayed with her—lessons that helped shape her career as a leader in the nonprofit sector.
Ms. Vega O’Neil serves as president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Washington, where she leads statewide efforts to educate young people about financial literacy, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurship. Under her leadership, the organization now reaches more than 570 schools across Washington, helping students develop critical life skills and imagine new possibilities for their futures.
Yet, her path to leadership wasn’t a straight line. After starting out in advertising sales, Ms. Vega O’Neil realized that her heart was in missiondriven work. That calling led her to roles with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Save the Children, the YWCA, and Thrive Washington—each deepening her commitment to service and equity.
Drawn to Junior Achievement’s focus on youth empowerment and economic opportunity, Ms. Vega O’Neil embraced the chance to “reimagine what inclusive opportunity could look like.” When she became the first woman and person of color to lead the Washington chapter in its 70-year history, she understood the potential and the challenges that come with breaking new ground.
“There have been moments of resistance, and I’ve had to navigate the unspoken expectations that often come with being ‘the first,’” she said. “But those challenges also created space for growth for me and the organization.”
Looking back, she credits her Ball State experience—particularly her time in the telecommunications program (now the Department of Media)—for giving
her a foundation in communication and leadership skills that drive her work today.
Producing news segments and leading class projects taught her how to translate complex ideas into clear, authentic narratives. That ability to craft intentional messages—to influence perception, build trust, and inspire action—has proven essential in her role as a nonprofit leader.
“I draw on those skills constantly, whether I am guiding my team through change, communicating with stakeholders, or advocating for systemic impact,” she said. “Leadership is storytelling with accountability. Clarity, empathy, and authenticity in communication are not just nice to have; they’re essential.”
Another pivotal influence was a Ball State study abroad trip to Mexico—a deeply personal experience that reshaped
her view of leadership. Immersing herself in a culture that felt both foreign and familiar, she reflected on the responsibilities that come with education and privilege.
“It wasn’t just about learning Spanish,” she said. “It was about bearing witness to people’s lived experiences, and it pushed me to think about what it really means to lead with humility and purpose. That experience shaped how I show up for others.”
For Ms. Vega O’Neil, leadership is no longer about directing from the front. It’s about walking alongside communities, focusing on respect and empowerment.
“It’s about listening deeply, honoring dignity, and amplifying voices—not overshadowing them,” she said.
—By Jennifer Criss, ’98 MA ’23
Jane (LaRowe) Hamilton-Merritt, ’58 MA ’62, Redding Ridge, Conn., is a journalist, photographer, war-correspondent, historian, human rights advocate, and expert on Southeast Asia. She was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize in 1998 and 2000 for her work on behalf of the Hmong people of Laos.
During the war in Vietnam, she witnessed the massacre of Hmong refugees trapped on a sandbar in the middle of the Mekong River. Feeling helpless to do anything except record what she saw, she committed to recording interviews, documenting everything with photos, and preserving what she learned from the survivors.
From that experience, she published Tragic Mountains: The Hmong, The Americans and the Secret Wars for Laos 1942-1992, which includes interviews with more than 1,000 people, including some 500 Hmong involved in this “secret war.”
Gerry R. Cox ’65 MA ’66 PhD ’75, La Crosse, Wis., retired from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, but still hosts the International Death, Grief, and Bereavement Conference there, now in its 46th year. He is an expert in end-of-life care, death, and bereavement. He actively participates in building Habitat for Humanity houses, facilitates bereavement groups, and writes books and articles. He says Ball State prepared him well for his long career. He dedicated his book Promoting Resilience: Responding to Adversity, Vulnerability, and Loss, 2020, to the late Dr. Whitney Gordon, who chaired the sociology department, and Dr. Cox’s master’s and doctoral committees.
Elizabeth (Pogue) Marshall, MA ’68, Muncie, released Two Traveling Cats, a children’s book that follows two cat pals in scenic Ireland. Mrs. Marshall is a retired educator. Her passion for children, animals, the environment, and community led her to establish the Muncie Children’s Museum in the 1970s, a place that still delights children today. She is still very much involved in the museum and is the honorary chair of its most recent capital campaign.
Theodore (Ted) A. Levin, ’70, Hartford, Vt., is a former Bronx Zoo zoologist and an award-winning nature writer. He recently published The Promise of Sunrise: Seeking Solace in a Broken World, published by Green Writers Press.
Eric A. Ether, ’72, University Place, Wash., retired at age 74 after 40 years with Morgan Stanley as first vice president and portfolio manager. Mr. Ether previously worked for almost 12 years on daily newspapers in Indiana, Colorado, Idaho, and Oregon.
▼ Rayford Crenshaw II, ’76, Westfield, Ind., retired in February 2025 after 40 years as CEO of his insurance company, CrenshawRinehart and Associates, to focus on his gospel singing groups at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church and The Club at Chatham Hills. He was also a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity for more than 50 years. Mr. Crenshaw passed away soon after his retirement in March 2025.
Steven T. Folgate, ’81, Yorktown, Ind., owns and operates two Allstate Insurance agencies. The Miller College of Business graduate recently published The Triangle Effect: Your Incredible Journey to Power, Balance, and Energy through Archway Publishing. The book is a blend of memoir and inspirational reading, sharing stories of lessons learned throughout his 40-year career.
Kevin E. Geise, ’81, Flower Mound, Texas, recently published No Boundaries, a historical fiction novel that became an Amazon bestseller. The book explores desegregation in Fort Wayne, Ind., during the 1970s.
Timothy Liddy, ’81, Westfield, Ind., an Indiana-based golf course architect who collaborated with the legendary Pete Dye for 28 years, recently led restoration projects at The Hideaway Golf Club and PGA WEST in La Quinta, Calif.—courses originally designed by Mr. Dye. Mr. Liddy approached the work with a deep personal connection and professional respect, aiming to revive Mr. Dye’s design legacy five years after his passing. Mr. Liddy founded Liddy Associates, a golf course design firm, in 1993.
Melinda L. (Davis) Lanham, ’83, Oconomowoc, Wis., who earned a marketing degree from Ball State, was named the regional chief development officer at the American Red Cross of Wisconsin.
Pamela A. (Pinner) Yetunde, ’84, Chicago, released a new book, Dearly Beloved: Prince, Spirituality & This Thing Called Life
Jefferson W. Hunt, ’85, Bluffton, Ind., published a collection of short stories titled Elsewhere and Beyond: Collected Short Stories. Mr. Hunt earned his degree in English and journalism.
Stephen B. Dickerson, ’86, Schoolcraft, Mich., was promoted to chief operating officer and vice president of healthcare for Diekema Hamann Architects, Inc. (DHA). Mr. Dickerson previously served as principal and senior healthcare planner. He joined DHA in 2013.
James H. McFaul, ’87, St. Anthony, Ind., was recently named District 6580 Rotarian of the Year. Mr. McFaul is a member of the Dubois County Rotary Club and serves as Assistant Governor, Area 3 for District 6580. The District, based in Southern Indiana, consists of 32 Rotary clubs and more than 1,500 Rotarians.
William J. Mabee, ’88, Winona Lake, Ind., was promoted to CTB vice president and general manager for PigTek. Mr. Mabee previously served as vice president of global
Leonard (Len ) Forkas Jr. ’82, Reston, Va., is a landscape architecture graduate who, in May 2025, became the fifth-oldest person to complete the Seven Summits, at age 65, by scaling Mt. Everest. He made the climb to raise funds and awareness for Hopecam, the nonprofit he founded to help children with cancer stay connected to school and friends while battling illness. The commercial real estate and wireless tower executive is the founder and president of Milestone Towers. Mr. Forkas is also a public speaker and endurance athlete.
Read more about Mr. Forkas’ story at blogs.bsu.edu
Tricia A. (Hockaday) Renner, ’91, Fairborn, Ohio, was named vice president of member relations for Common App. Common App is a non-profit membership organization representing more than 1,100 diverse institutions of higher education. It connects applicants and those who support them to a wide array of public and private colleges and universities across all 50 U.S. states and 18 countries.
Mark A. McCleese, ’92, Indianapolis, retired this year from the United States Probation Office after 20 years of service. During his career, Mr. McCleese was the lead safety instructor, a Top Gun award winner for being the highest marksman in the district, and a senior officer. Additionally, in 2005, he won the Thomas E. Gahl Goodwill Award. This award is given to officers who demonstrate positive traits and recognizes Thomas Gahl, the first federal probation officer killed in the line of duty in 1986
David W. Holt, ’93, Pittsboro, Ind., was named chief operating officer for Community Redevelopment Partners, based in South Bend, Ind., and also serves as a senior advisor for Krieg DeVault Law Firm in Indianapolis. He previously served as chief operating officer and chief of staff at the Indiana Destination Development Corporation, the State of Indiana’s tourism agency.
credit and risk management and has been with the company for 27 years. PigTek provides hog production solutions, including systems for sow health, pig growth, environmental control, electronic and sow feeding, biometrics, animal ID, air quality, and integrated data management.
Holly A. (Hubbard) Miller, ’89, Washington, D.C., accepted a new position as the federal liaison for the Office of STEM Engagement at NASA Headquarters. Dr. Miller has a degree in psychological science from Ball State.
Dean A. Orewiler, ’91, Fremont, Ind., is in his 15th year working as a staff photographer for the Department of Marketing and Communications at Trine University in Angola, Ind. Mr. Orewiler majored in journalism at Ball State. In 2012, he earned a Bronze Award for Photographer of the Year from the CASE Circle of Excellence Awards Program. Additionally, he received the President’s Award for Outstanding Service during his employment. He is also a vocalist in a local Angola group called The Crushing Daffodils Band.
Melinda S. (Smith) Kemper, ’93, Muncie, is co-founder of the Delaware County Special Needs Prom, a nonprofit that holds many events throughout the year for high school age to senior individuals with special needs—the largest being the Prom, which had more than 900 individuals at its 2025 event in May. Ms. Kemper is also co-owner of a local answering service in downtown Muncie with her husband, Thomas A. Kemper, ’94. The couple and their special needs twins are also very active in Special Olympics of Delaware County.
Kristina L. (King) Krone, ’93, Indianapolis, was elected to the Common Council of the City of Lawrence. Ms. Krone is also a tutor for AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), a college and career readiness program, at Lawrence North High School and has lived in the community for more than 20 years. She assumed a new role in 2024 as coordinator of outpatient and pulmonary rehabilitation for Community Hospital South in Indianapolis.
Rick K. Granlund, ’92, Indianapolis, is director of bands at North Central High School. In May, his school band went head-to-head with his son’s school band at the Indiana State School Music Association group finals at Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis. Connor R. Granlund, ’24, Indianapolis, was, at the time, band director at West Lafayette High School. In Fall 2025, the younger Mr. Granlund became associate band director at Carmel High School. Rick’s wife (Connor’s mother), Candi R. (Edson) Granlund, ’95, is a band director at Zionsville West Middle School, and Avery J. (Cox) Granlund, ’23, Connor’s wife, is an assistant band director at Tecumseh Jr. High in Lafayette.
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“Ball State doesn’t just educate—it ignites potential. The University empowers students to take bold risks, think differently, and lead with purpose before they even realize they’re ready. Ball State was where I found my voice. As an international student far from home, the University became the place where I grew confident in who was and what I wanted to build. My alma mater gave me the space to explore, lead, and dream beyond boundaries. It wasn’t just a University—it was a launchpad.”
Karthicka Krishnasamy, ’07, Vice President of OMNI Customer Growth, Experiences & Value Add on Services, Walmart
James A. Pierce, ’93, Chicago, a graduate of the Department of Journalism, coauthored The Uptown: Chicago’s Endangered Movie Palace with CityFiles Press. The book tells the story of the architectural icon at risk of demolition.
Kimberly M. (Vance) Kingham, AS ’95 BGS ’95, Indianapolis, has worked in the respiratory therapy field for almost 30 years.
Dana A. (Hunsinger) Benbow, ’97, Fortville, Ind., won the Indiana Sportswriter of the Year from the National Sports Media Association. Ms. Benbow is a sportswriter for The Indianapolis Star and USA TODAY
Lana D. (Krstich) Manikowski, ’97, Chicago, works as a life coach and hosts the podcast So Now What?, which focuses on the subject of infertility. She is an activist advocating for women worldwide who are childless not by choice and have undergone IVF treatments. At Ball State, Ms. Manikowski served as the general chair of the Homecoming Steering Committee, represented Ball State and Indiana as the Cherry Blossom Princess in Washington, D.C., and actively participated in the alumni association. In 2004, she received the G.O.L.D. Award for the Graduate of the Last Decade.
▼ Molly A. McGuire, AA ’00 ’02 MA ’20, Selma, Ind., was part of the American Heart Association’s 2025 Go Red for Women Class of Survivors. She was among 12 women chosen by the AHA for its 2025 campaign to represent the organization on both state and national levels. Its aim is to educate the public about maternal health and pregnancy complications associated with high blood pressure disorders, a situation Ms. McGuire faced during her pregnancy with her son, Michael. She and the other women shared their stories to raise awareness and inspire others.
Robin M. Schifano, MA ’02 PhD ’11, Houston, was promoted to director of counseling and wellness at Lone Star College-CyFair in Houston. Dr. Schifano earned her advanced degrees in school psychology at Ball State.
Joseph (J.T.) Marcum, ’04, Brambleton, Va., who majored in telecommunications, was promoted to executive vice president, corporate operations & supply chain at CORT Business Services, a Berkshire Hathaway company. CORT is the world’s leading furniture rental provider. In this new role, he oversees its global supply chain, product development, corporate real estate portfolio, housewares kitting operations, transportation, fleet management, and dispatch.
Amy L. (Hollingsworth) Benetti, ’05, Cincinnati, a graduate of the Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning, was promoted to vice president of operations at MSA Design, leading operational strategy to drive efficiency and collaboration.
Erica B. (Levine) Seabaugh, ’06, Fishers, Ind., was named chief operating officer at CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions in Indianapolis. CICOA, a nonprofit organization, provides a wide range of supportive services for older adults, individuals of any age with a disability, and their caregivers to promote safe and independent living. Ms. Seabaugh has dedicated nearly 17 years to CICOA, serving Central Indiana.
Catharine A. (Ahls) Klein, ’08, Burleson, Texas, is the head band director at Kerr Middle School in Burleson. Her middle school honors band was selected as a featured ensemble for the 79th Midwest Clinic: International Band and Orchestra Conference in Chicago, the largest international instrumental music education conference in the world, which will take place in December 2025.
Anindita R. Chaundry, ’09, Muncie, was the lead architect on three architectural projects and one interior design project focused on experimental design approaches and theoretical exploration. In addition to her professional work, she authored a comprehensive Hindi-English bilingual book for English speakers learning Hindi and is set to publish three more interactive books this year. She also earned seven gold medals in virtual cyclothons, including completing the CAC challenge— an 80-day, 1,491-kilometer ride.
Michael J. Suer, ’09, Oregon, Wis., was awarded one of the 2024 SpineLine top 20 spine providers under 40 by the North American Spine Society. Dr. Suer was also named the division chair of physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Wisconsin.
Seth E. Davis, ’11, Cordova, Tenn., won the 2025 CCCC Lavender Rhetorics Award for Excellence in Queer Scholarship’s Nontraditional Scholarly Text Award for the YouTube documentary, Unbuckling the Bible Belt: Black Queer Cruising in Memphis. This award is presented annually to four works—one book, one article or book chapter, one dissertation, and one nontraditional scholarly text—published within the past two years that best make queer interventions into the study of composition and rhetoric. The award was presented in a ceremony in Baltimore on April 11.
T.J. Harris,’11, Los Angeles, is an actor and the founder and CEO of InstinctiVision Films. He recently co-produced Cottage Grove, a short film that was acquired by AMC+. The film, written and directed by George Ellzey Jr., has been showcased at multiple festivals and explores themes of Black masculinity, fatherhood, and reconciliation. Mr. Harris is best known for his role as Gavin Murphy on the NBC show Chicago Fire
Chandler Schafer Deakin,’12, Louisville, Ky., is an executive assistant at Estes Public Relations, a boutique lifestyle agency headquartered in Louisville. The firm was recently honored with Public Relations Agency of the Year and Public Relations Team of the Year at the Icons of Whisky Awards.
Alisha S. Rocha,’12, Elkhart, Ind., was named Osolo Elementary School’s Teacher of the Year for 2024-25. She has spent her entire career with Elkhart Community Schools.
William (Bill) R. Bradford,’17, Brownsburg, Ind., accepted a position at Teacher Created Materials as the representative for Indiana. Teacher Created Materials is a 50-year-old publishing company based in California that produces supplemental materials for K–12. Mr. Bradford majored in secondary education with a concentration in English studies.
Nathan M. DeYoung ’18, Bentonville, Ark., After six years with The Weather Channel, Mr. DeYoung, a telecommunications major in the College of Communication, Information, and Media, accepted a position as chief of staff, global communications with Walmart. He reports directly to Walmart’s chief communications officer.
Evan Hoffmeyer, MA ’21, Indianapolis, who earned a master’s degree in journalism, has been promoted to vice president of communications of the Indiana Bankers Association. In this position, he is responsible for all the IBA’s print and digital communications, including serving as managing editor for the IBA’s bimonthly Hoosier Banker magazine and handling media relations.
Ms. Krishnasamy’s story and more on our blog.