2000 W. University Ave. Muncie, IN 47306

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED AlumniSPRING/SUMMER 2018 Historic Steps Ball State University and Muncie Community Schools launch a new era. Together. PAGE 34

Ball State University elementary education major Nia Townsend is A Welcoming eager to assist Muncie children like Tavion Message and Karmen. This “We Fly” banner greets everyone at Indianapolis International Airport. Ball State’s bold, new brand has become a stylish backdrop for student and alumni social media selfies. We recently raised a new banner to mark the University’s 100th year. Read more about the Centennial Exciting plans to celebrate Ball State’s Centennial! PAGE 10 on pages 10-11. Photo by Domenic Centofanti Meeting Dave During Spring semester, students had two chances to collaborate with alumnus David Letterman, ’69. In May, the late-night TV legend visited campus to engage with faculty and students (shown below) on plans for an immersive learning experience using materials he gave to Ball State that span his broadcasting career. In February, seven students went to New York City to interview the host of Netflix’s “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction” for a documentary covering Ball State's 100-year history that premieres this Fall.

Photo by Samantha Blankenship 2017-18 Alumni Council Executive Committee Chair: Sam DeWeese, MS ’02 FROM THE PRESIDENT Vice Chair: Kelli Lawrence, ’01 AlumSPRING/SUMMERn 2018i Past Chair: Christy Swing Horn, ’81 MA ’10 Secretary: Mike Earley, ’78 Treasurer: Jeff Kingsbury, ’91 Dear Alumni and Friends: At-Large Representative: Laura Cain, ’86 MAE ’98 EdS ’13 EdD ’15 Geoffrey S. Mearns At-Large Representative: Larry Riley, ’71 This Fall, we will begin to celebrate our Centennial. We will honor the achievements and contributions President At-Large Representative: Larry Roan, ’77 of our students, our graduates, our faculty, and our staff. And we will recognize how our campus has Ball State University Board of Trustees Representative: Wayne Estopinal, ’79 grown and how Ball State University has served Muncie and the state of Indiana. Ball State University Board of Trustees Representative: Brian Gallagher, ’81 President’s Cabinet But there is another attribute to celebrate — a constant throughout Ball State’s history. Our University Ball State University Foundation Representative: Larry Metzing, ’71 Kay Bales, EdD ’00 proudly proclaims its commitment to certain enduring values: excellence, integrity, social responsibility, Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Services President and CEO: Jen Goins and Dean of Students Ex-Officio: Jeff Lang, EVP/Treasurer, Ball State University Foundation respect for all people, and gratitude. Ball State University Foundation Alumni Engagement liaison: Lori Corvino Sali Falling, MA ’88 Beneficence symbolizes these values, and she reminds us of our proud past and our bright future. Vice President and General Counsel At-Large Many factors have led to our success since our founding in 1918. Bright, ambitious students. Bernard Hannon Jay Brill, ’74 Talented, creative faculty. Dedicated staff. Good Vice President for Business Affairs and Treasurer K. Douglas Cook, ’79 leadership. Proud, loyal alumni. Loren Malm, ’86 Adam Drummond, ’02 MA ’05 EdS ’11 EdD ’14 Photo by Domenic Centofanti Interim Vice President for Information Technology Jim Fields, ’97 But after speaking to our resident historian, Susana Rivera-Mills Scott Franko, ’92 Professor Bruce Geelhoed, PhD ’76, and after Liz Hodges, ’87 Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs reading his “Interpretive History” of our University, Lana Manikowski, ’97 Sue Hodges Moore I believe that there is another determinative factor: Chief Strategy Officer Pamala Morris, ’69 MAE ’71 Beth Snyder, ’78 the sustained generosity of the people of Muncie. Cherí O’Neill, ’89 Nick Zuniga, ’04 President and CEO of Ball State University Foundation In the midst of the Great Depression, the Rebecca Polcz Alumni Chapters/Clubs citizens of Muncie donated $450,000 to construct Vice President for Government Relations Chicago Area: Blair Kramer, ’05 Beneficence. The Muncie Chamber of Commerce Indianapolis Area: Scott Wenclewicz, ’06 Beth Goetz commissioned her creation from Daniel Chester Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Michiana: Samantha Adamczewski, ’10 Northeastern Indiana: Jacqueline Downey, ’87 French, the man who sculpted the statue of Kathy Wolf Vice President for Marketing and Communications Professional Societies President Lincoln that resides at the Lincoln College of Architecture and Planning: MJ Meneley, ’96 Memorial in Washington, D.C. The people of Magazine Staff Miller College of Business: Ed Armantrout, ’01 Muncie chose to install the statue on our campus. Samantha Blankenship, ’15 Journalism: Deana Haworth, MA ’05 Multimedia Specialist Natural Resources and Environmental Management: Danesa Stolz, ’97 What a gift! Elizabeth Brooks, ’95 Nursing: Cheryl Riwitis, ’83 Beneficence reminds us of our moral obligation Creative Strategist Teachers College: Jennifer Conti, MA ’02 to support our neighbors. That support will take Domenic Centofanti Telecommunications: Todd Merickel, ’94 many forms. It includes sharing our expertise to improve quality of life and local education (page 34), Multimedia Specialist Theatre and Dance: Holly Stults Haas, ’89 inviting Muncie residents to campus to enjoy arts and sports (pages 16 and 24), and making our Jennifer Criss, ’98 Constituent Societies community a part of our creative and comprehensive Centennial celebration (page 10). Office Services Coordinator Alumni Ambassadors: Dwight Smith, ’87 Dan Forst, ’85 Black Alumni: Teresa Jeter, MURP ’95 Beneficence is a prominent, visual reminder that, in the future, some things won’t change. We will Account Strategist Football Player’s Association: Kyle West, ’76 retain our commitment to the enduring values she represents. And with Beneficence as our guide, we Tim Obermiller Young Alumni Council (YAC): Michele Musson, ’06 MBA ’07 will continue to transform lives and elevate our community. Senior Content Strategist and Magazine Editor In these pages, you will see we are doing just that. Students in immersive learning projects are helping Marc Ransford, ’83 MA ’07 Alumni Engagement Staff Senior Communications Strategist Lori Corvino students in Muncie Community Schools learn math and science (page 38) and teaching kids about Senior Director of Alumni Engagement, Special Events and Stewardship Kim Rendfeld dance (page 22). It is a privilege to serve as president of Ball State University. It’s a privilege because, for Senior Communications Strategist Allison DeWitt, ’09 100 years, our University has transformed the lives of thousands and thousands of women and men. Director of Alumni Engagement, Regional Markets Don Rogers, ’77 Your support has played a key role in that success, and I am grateful. Multimedia Specialist Michelle Harrell, AA ’87 Alumni Engagement Coordinator Jan Vermillion Senior Communications Director Michelle Johnson, ’01 MA ’07 Senior Director of Alumni Engagement, Homecoming, Athletics and Reunions Sincerely, Judy Wolf Communications Specialist Carol Kosisko, ’88 Director of Alumni Engagement, Collegiate Groups Lexi Rodebeck, ’12 EP Graphics, Berne, Indiana, prints Ball State University Alumni magazine. Paper is Chain of Custody-certified by Forest Stewardship Council. Printer uses ink with soy oil, Alumni Engagement Coordinator and all waste paper; solvents used in the printing process are recycled. Sue Taylor, ’71 Geoffrey S. Mearns Marketing and Communications, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana 47306, Director of Alumni Engagement, Collegiate and Affinity Groups President, Ball State University 765-285-1560. Contact the magazine editor at [email protected]. Kate Webber, ’98 MA ’99 • Alumni, please log in at bsu.edu/alumni to update your information. Senior Director of Alumni Engagement, Alumni Communities • All Ball State family and friends, please email [email protected] with and Volunteer Management address updates. Ball State University practices equal opportunity in education and employment and is Deanna Zimmer strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community. Executive Assistant to the Associate Vice President of Alumni Engagement and Alumni Council Coordinator

2 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Photo by Don Rogers Spring/Summer 2018 3 CONTENTS SPRING/SUMMER 2018

Cover photo by Don Rogers

34 A New Chapter for Ball State DEPARTMENTS and Muncie Community Schools Letter to Alumni . . 6 The University is taking an active role to improve educational outcomes for MCS students and secure an even brighter future for Ball State. News 7 Arts & Culture . . . 16 38 Inspiring Future Paths Through STEM Immersive learning courses open exciting new avenues of Athletics . . . . . 24 learning for both Muncie schoolkids and Ball State students. Empowered . . . 28 43 Come to the Table Alumni . . . . . 54 From area farms to Muncie food banks, student explorations across Class Notes . . . 55 east central Indiana demonstrate how storytelling creates understanding, empathy, and action. In Memoriam 62

Photo by Don Rogers 46 Roots of Change Professor Josh Gruver plants lessons from his past to grow a more sustainable food system in east central Indiana. IMPACT PLAYER Come Rain or Shine 48 In May, football coach Mike Neu and his players greeted a new teammate: 9-year-old Whether forecasting the week ahead, alerting viewers to perilous Dominick Landreth. A third-grader at Yorktown Elementary, Dom was born with conditions, or tracking the occasional tornado, these Ball State grads mitochondrial disease, for which he receives treatments each month. With family present, are prepared to handle whatever Indiana’s weather throws their way. he officially signed a letter of intent, put on a jersey with the number of his favorite Cardinal (No. 15, QB Riley Neal, also of Yorktown), and was shown his locker. Coach Neu predicted that with Dom’s “mental toughness and his fight,” he would make a positive impact on his players.

4 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 5 Reports / Projects / Discoveries

Alumni Community Stronger Than Ever

As I write this letter to alumni, we are days away from Commencement, when nearly 3,000 of the best and brightest officially join Ball State’s alumni ranks, and we become 193,000 strong. The 2017–18 school year has been full of incredible alumni experiences that have NEWS strengthened our community near and far. We have been fortunate to travel to over 20 alumni markets for Ball State, from New York City to Los Angeles. And by fiscal year’s end, we will have connected with over 25,000 alumni and friends in those markets and on campus. Visit magazine.bsu.edu to read Additionally, we hosted our inaugural Alumni Leader Conference in June. We have worked more about Erika Espinoza and her Photo by Grace Hollars achievements. very diligently and strategically to identify and empower alumni volunteer leaders. As a result, we have just over 300 alumni who have raised their hands and said yes to serving Ball State. These dedicated alumni leaders help us in a variety of engagement efforts and represent various ages, ethnicities, markets, and identity groups as well as different majors and organizations related to Ball State University. All of this shows how Ball State’s alumni community is stronger than ever. As the University continues to evolve and look ahead to its Centennial year and second century, we are building upon a strong foundation of alumni volunteer leaders who selflessly give of their time and talent. Their partnership, along with those across campus and within the Ball State University Foundation, are what makes this commitment to our entire alumni community possible. And speaking of community and the Centennial year, we are excited about many alumni experiences, some offered for the first time, that will celebrate this milestone: • Your Ball State: Proud & Loyal, a celebration of 100 years in 21 markets across the U.S. • Homecoming: The Celebration of the Century, with exciting new alumni programming offered October 19-20, 2018 (see page 63 to learn more) • Ball State Winter College, February 1, 2019, in Naples, Florida — a unique, lifelong learning opportunity led by esteemed Ball State faculty and alumni • Cardinals Care, a nationwide Ball State Day of Service, April 13, 2019. Jen Goins (left) is shown with James Lintzenich, ’75, We hope to see you at one or more of the special events offered during this once-in-a-lifetime a former top official with birthday celebration. Please go to bsu.edu/100 for a complete calendar. Sallie Mae and USA Group It is with mixed emotions as I conclude this article, for this is my last as your Alumni Association who was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award president. Although I am entering into a new chapter in my career, I will always have a special at the annual Accounting place in my heart for this University, my colleagues and the incredible alumni whose service and Awards Dinner. Several more dedication have truly inspired me. This passion will continue under new leadership and I look alumni were recognized for their achievements at this forward to seeing your beloved alma mater soar as we embark on our second century. With your and other Spring gatherings. generosity and support, the sky’s the limit! It’s been a pleasure and an honor to serve you.

For Ball State,

Pulit-Surprise Erika Espinoza, ’17, learned in April she had earned journalism’s top award. Part of a team that won the 2018 Visit bsu.edu/alumni to see how you can get involved, show your pride, explore Pulitzer Prize for Explanatory Reporting, she may be the first Ball our services, update your alumni information, and find alumni events in your area. State student to receive the honor while still in school. As an undergrad, she helped an Arizona Republic/USA Today team create a special report Photo by Samantha Blankenship examining the proposed border wall between the U.S. and Mexico.

6 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 7 NEWS NEWS New Strategic Planning 5 QUESTIONS FOR SUE HODGES MOORE In addition to assisting strategic plan development, new Chief Strategy Officer Sue Hodges Moore Priorities Will Help to Guide Ball State’s Future oversees the offices of Institutional Effectiveness, Community Engagement, and Institutional Diversity. Citing her experience in strategic planning at other universities, President Mearns described her as “a collaborative, authentic leader who is passionate about the transformative power of education.” hen describing the necessity for Ball State University’s Photos by Don Rogers Wstrategic plan, Chief Strategy Officer Sue Hodges Moore likes to use a paraphrase of Lewis Carroll: “If you don’t know You are Ball State’s first chief strategy officer. place in February at the joint meeting of Ball State where you’re going, any road will get you there.” What attracted you to the job? University’s Foundation Board of Directors and Alumni 1 Council. We also reached out to our alumni via surveys and “In these times, when the traditional business model for This position was an instant attraction for me crowdsourcing to gather insight. We plan to circle back in the higher education is being challenged and questioned by policy because strategic planning and institutional effectiveness Fall to gather feedback on the draft plan. We very much want leaders and the public, colleges and universities can’t afford to have been my career passion for 40 years. Then add to that to help our alums “find themselves” in the plan and identify drift,” she said. “Intentionality is not only the key to success; in the opportunity to take on a new challenge at an institution ways they can personally contribute their time and talent to many ways, it’s the key to survival.” with a 100-year track record and a desire to reach higher and its accomplishment. Led by President Geoffrey S. Mearns, the strategic planning do better in its second century. The cherry on top was the process, “Spreading Our Wings,” is well underway. It will opportunity to work with President Mearns again. He is What about you might surprise people who don’t produce a new mission statement, core values, 2019–23 inspirational, provocative, goal-oriented, and laser-focused know you well? strategic priorities, and a long-term vision for 2040 on action and results. In other words, a strategic planner’s 5 First, I’m an introvert at heart. No one believes me. and beyond. dream come true. “As we begin our yearlong Centennial celebration, we Second, I write song parodies for special work events or are also developing a bold, ambitious, new vision for our Why is a strategic plan important? milestones and then convince my colleagues to get up in front of a bunch of people and sing them with me. Hmm — University’s second century that requires the involvement I may be biased but I believe that formulating 2 maybe that’s why no one believes I’m an introvert. from all constituents of the Ball State community,” a strategic plan is one of the most important President Mearns said. endeavors an organization can undertake. Not only does it provide a sense of direction over a defined period of time Giving everyone a voice but, at a very basic level, it clarifies why the organization In January 2018, President Mearns convened the Strategic exists, whom it exists to serve, how it differentiates itself, and Planning Committee. Members representing the perspectives what values will guide the actions of the people that make it of students, faculty, staff, and community were charged with all happen. designing and leading the planning process while following a President Mearns led a series of open forums, each focused on a set of principles to guide their work. Those principles included different strategic theme. The first forum (above) invited student output. How has your strategic planning experience accountability, beneficence, collaborative effort, communication Student teams also brainstormed about big and bold accomplishments guided your approach? they would like to see in 2023. 3 and transparency, resource allocation and alignment, respect for Those experiences have taught me that a strategic prior work, and stakeholder involvement. plan may be the deliverable from the process, but it’s not the Throughout the Spring, the committee gathered information endgame. Execution is what it’s all about. And the key to and conducted research through an analysis of strengths, students formed teams to brainstorm about what big and bold execution is what I call passionate ownership, which is why weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Working groups accomplishments they’d like to see the University’s achieve. active engagement and participation in the process by the from different colleges, departments, and divisions also met A series of open forums were also held where participants faculty, staff, students, alumni, friends, and community to gather and analyze vital information about the external were invited to share their perspectives, ideas, hopes, and partners is so crucial. environment as well as institutional trends and the University’s dreams concerning Ball State’s vision and strategic priorities. A vision statement is nothing more than words on a distinctive attributes. “Many were surprised that when we promoted the forums piece of paper or a website. But when there’s passionate At the same time, the committee directly engaged faculty, as interactive, we meant it,” said Dr. Moore. “People expressed ownership, those words become a shared vision, and that’s staff, students, alumni, and community partners. This input, genuine gratitude for the opportunity to share their perspectives when sparks fly and really special things start to happen. said President Mearns, was “vital to our success.” Participation and ideas about their University’s future.” came via many formats, from online surveys to virtual After synthesizing information and developing a working Will Ball State alumni be involved in the planning crowdsourcing. In one strategic planning exercise, Ball State draft, the committee will meet with the Board of Trustees in July process? to receive its guidance. During the Fall semester, the committee 4 Yes, they will and, in fact, they already have. Our will release the draft and seek feedback from the entire Ball State first opportunity for the Strategic Planning Committee to Visit bsu.edu/strategicplan to learn more and community, including alumni. The goal is to have the Board of solicit feedback and ideas about the University’s future took Photo by Domenic Centofanti provide feedback about “Spreading Our Wings.” Trustees adopt the plan by December 2018.

8 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 9 NEWS NEWS

was compiled by E. Bruce Geelhoed, PhD ’76 — along with The Ball State story Centennial Plans Reflect the University’s Michael G. Szajewski and Brandon T. Pieczko — and follows is told in words and pictures in a new Professor Geelhoed’s 2001 “Ball State University: An book now on sale. Proud Past and Bright Future Interpretive History," written with Anthony O. Edmonds. A Centennial-themed Homecoming takes place October By Kim Rendfeld and Tim Obermiller 19–20 (see page 63). Your Ball State: Proud & Loyal events will also bring the celebration to alumni at 21 places across the elcome to a celebration 100 years in the making. “I am honored that I am able to serve as President during U.S. For more details on these and other planned events and On September 6, commemoration of Ball State such an exciting time in Ball State’s history.” (Read more from W experiences for alumni (including some offered for the first University’s Centennial officially begins with a public kickoff President Mearns in his message on page 3.) time), see page 6 and visit bsu.edu/alumni. event in Emens Auditorium. Events reflecting the Centennial The Emens kickoff will include live music and the premiere During the academic year, Ball State will take its Centennial theme, Beneficence: Proud Past and Bright Future, will of a documentary inspired by the Centennial. An immersive on the road to several Indiana communities. At the heart of continue through the 2018-19 academic year. learning class produced the film, covering the University’s first each “roadshow” stop will be a partnership with community “Our Centennial theme honors the accomplishments of our 100 years. It includes interviews with professors, students, organizations to perform a service project. Alumni in those faculty, staff, students, and alumni,” said Ball State President historians, Muncie locals, and alumni such as late-night TV communities will be encouraged to join in and show their Geoffrey S. Mearns. “It also recognizes the enduring values our legend David Letterman ’69. Ball State spirit. And yes, there will be plenty of giveaways. University is committed to — excellence, integrity, social Through words and pictures, the Centennial story is also To learn more about the dates and locations of these road responsibility, respect, and gratitude — as symbolized by our being told through a new book. Now on sale at the campus shows, and all things Centennial, visit bsu.edu/100. iconic Beneficence statue. bookstore and online through Amazon, “Ball State University”

Photo by Don Rogers

Clockwise from below: Alumni Photo by Samantha Blankenship Alumni Invited to Celebrate Centennial and Share Ball State’s Story interviewed by students for an historical film included David Letterman. This Fall, Ball State University will start a yearlong Centennial celebration. You, our alumni, played a key role in our proud past, and your insights, creative ideas, time, and support are crucial to our Early celebrations started Spring semester, including a student bright future. We invite you to help us share our story. competition to make the best Grounded in Beneficence: We were founded on the beneficence and tenacity of the Ball brothers, Centennial-themed cake. who gave back to the community that gave them so much. Those values — excellence, integrity, At Ball State Day at the Statehouse, the social responsibility, respect, and gratitude — guide us today and will endure as we enter a bright House passed a special resolution in honor of the Centennial. future. Living the Beneficence Pledge is the right thing to do, and it is intrinsic to our ultimate goal: to propel students to successful careers and meaningful lives. A History of Cardinal Success: We’re proud — proud of our past and the prospects for our future. The Ball family believed in the transformative power of education for students, the community, and beyond. They had a clear vision of a teachers college growing into something so much more. Today, we are a world-class University with highly respected programs in education, architecture, business, communications, fine arts, sciences and humanities, and the health professions. With faculty, staff, and students as partners, we learn, grow, and take flight. Empowered With Passion and Purpose: For 100 years, we’ve had an unwavering belief in an education rooted in creativity, values, and intellectual curiosity. We empower faculty, staff, and students because responsibility is assumed. Together, we are learning partners because the quest for knowledge is a shared experience. The Best Is Yet to Come: We graduate scholars who are leaders in their professions and community. They serve their neighbors, near and far. And we’ve dedicated our University to do the same as we charge into our next century with a new strategic plan, a new College of Health, and new philanthropic and academic endeavors. We are grounded in our values, lifted by our knowledge, and go confidently upward toward ever greater opportunities. Proud and Persistent: Propelled by an innovative, immersive approach to education and guided by clear and enduring values, Ball State University is a source of pride for our alumni, friends, community, and state. Their support helps us provide the excellent education our students deserve and will be critical in the years to come. At the beginning of our second century, we are all better together.

10 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 11 NEWS NEWS

Flexibility and open doors NEW FACES IN Highly Ranked Online Programs Jason Boring is a police officer in New Castle, Indiana, who plans to retire young — 45 sounds good — and pursue a BALL STATE LEADERSHIP Serve Students’ Varied Needs second career. That’s why he’s getting his bachelor’s (ranked n July 1, Susana Rivera-Mills will join Ball State By Judy Wolf 35th) in criminal justice and criminology. With a full-time job OUniversity as the new provost and executive vice and four kids, online’s flexibility was paramount. president for Academic Affairs. She will oversee all He got an associate degree in general studies when he was onathan Kirkwood said Ball State’s MBA classes are helping The one time he didn’t complete an assignment on time, academic colleges and units and play a crucial role in the uncertain of a career. “Now that I’m in law enforcement, I love him fly in a business endeavor. Ashley Africa noted that “I didn’t want to come out and tell the professor, ‘Hey, look. development and implementation of a new strategic plan J it and wanted to specialize in this area.” students love the graduate applied behavior analysis program I was saving a dude’s life.’” Instead, he redid the work. “That for the University. He’s already applied what he’s learned about criminal so much that they recruit others. For registered nurse Anne turned out to be exceptionally beneficial. It forced me to really “Susana is the recidivism and modern policing to his job. “I am impressed Mundrick, her family nurse practitioner degree will let her help understand all the intricacies of that particular market.” right person to fill our with the level of learning and difficulty of online classes.” more people. And police officer Jason Boring knows he'll have University’s role as chief No matter what unfolds, Boring said, “a bachelor’s degree a broader future when he gets his online bachelor’s. Learning to be better academic officer because from Ball State will strengthen my skill set and help open doors They are among roughly 5,000 students each semester As an ABA therapist in Virginia, Ashley Africa loves helping of her extensive in the future.” who pursue Ball State online degrees, and their choices children deal with various challenges of autism. experience in higher are among those that are top rated by U.S. News & World “We work with kids one-on-one at home, and we also work education and her Confidence boost Report in 2018. Each student balances classes with varied with the family. I work with some of my students in school, and passion for preparing An RN at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, Anne combinations of jobs and personal lives. And these four, who I work with them in the community. I love being able to help students to have Mundrick pursued a master’s with a family nurse practitioner share some of their online journeys below, are unanimous bring about positive and social changes in their lives.” successful careers and concentration “to provide care to a broader population.” that their efforts have been worthwhile. ABA creates such healthy shifts using research-based to lead meaningful lives,” To get in required clinical hours, she dropped to part-time methods and techniques. Africa enrolled in the Teachers said President Geoffrey work and made adjustments to manage her time and motivation. ‘An active participant’ College’s graduate education program (grad education is S. Mearns. “Susana is Mundrick got her grad nursing degree (ranked 23rd) in May A full-time doctor at St. Vincent Evansville and a busy dad of ranked 36th) to learn more, getting her ABA master’s in May. committed to creating a learning environment that enables after three years. three, Jonathan Kirkwood recently co-launched a biotechnology She loved that she could use what she was learning in her all students to reach their full potential, and she has a She praised her Ball State professors, who “created an investment fund that he jokes is “the largest in Indiana because job. “They set up each class to enable and ensure engagement proven track record for developing the types of programs environment that encouraged me to approach them, even we are the first and only one.” between classmates and created a very adaptable environment and building the necessary partnerships that will enable though I was not in Muncie.” In particular, she cited the He credits online business classes in his first two years to learn. our University to fulfill our aspirational mission.” approach of Kathryn Twibell, associate professor of nursing. with helping him make this entrepreneurial leap. “I wouldn’t be “Everything they taught us was everything we needed to Provost Rivera-Mills (shown above) joins Ball State from “She helped me gain the skills I would need to be successful traveling at the current velocity without the added acceleration know.” In fact, her certified supervisor borrowed one of her Oregon State University, where she has taught and served for the rest of my online education. from the education I’ve gained. textbooks. in various administrative roles, most recently as vice “I gained new experiences at every clinical site, expanded “I’ve been absolutely impressed with the professors that Her next goal is to become board certified, and she provost for academic programs and learning innovation. my education to provide primary care to all ages, and increased do live streaming, and it’s very interactive,” he said of the appreciates that she got all the required hours of direct client “My vision is to create a learning environment where all my confidence to be the best nurse practitioner I can be.” MBA program (ranked 16th by U.S. News). “It really is a work, charting clients’ progress and observations under that students have the opportunity to succeed and reach their full virtual classroom, and you are an active participant.” supervisor’s watchful eyes. All that’s left is to pass the test. potential,” she said. “We will implement this vision through collaboration from all campus units, building partnerships, focusing efforts to strengthen existing programs, identifying synergies, and establishing a clear road map.” The new provost will serve in the President’s Cabinet. Other new members are Chief Strategy Officer Sue Hodges Moore (see page 9) and Becca Polcz, who joined Ball State in January 2018 as vice president for Government Relations. In this role, she represents the University to government officials and develops legislative and policy strategies that align with the institution’s goals and interests. On July 15, Ball State will also welcome Paaige K. Turner as the new dean of the College of Communication, From left: Jonathan Kirkwood Information, and Media. She served at Webster University Ashley Africa in Webster Grove, Missouri, where she was associate dean Jason Boring of the School of Communications. Since earning her Anne Mundrick doctorate in 1998, she has held positions of increasing responsibility in higher education and is an accomplished scholar and administrator. — Kim Rendfeld

12 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 13 NEWS NEWS

Developing that identity is the challenge facing a partnership A New Kind of involving CAP and SmithGroupJJR that grew from the Emens Professorship. A team of students traveled to Chicago in February to get the ball rolling with professionals from the firm and Distinguished representatives of the Stockyards district. “The thing we like about the Chicago project is it works for Connection Ball State and us on multiple levels,” Thompson said. There are elements of urban design and planning, architecture, engineering, By Steve Kaelble construction management, historic preservation, interior design, landscape architecture, and more. Depending on the kinds of t’s always valuable and insightful to connect with intriguing projects that arise, there could even be opportunities for those I people from off campus, and programs such as John R. Emens outside of CAP, such as business students, to participate in fall Distinguished Professorship make those connections happen design studios focused on projects in the stockyards. regularly. The result is enriched class offerings, and often fascinating “We get to engage all of the disciplines in CAP,” said Thompson. lectures. “It really starts to frame the students’ thinking of integrated design.” The Emens Distinguished Professorship is awarded each academic year through one of Ball State’s colleges, on a rotating Longer-term relationships basis. It traditionally goes to a person. This year, in a twist to create The history of the stockyards has revolved around food, and its new opportunities for students outside of the classroom, the future could, too, said Ferguson. Already, the area is home to a professorship went to one of the nation’s largest architecture, sophisticated sustainable food operation known as Plant Chicago. engineering and planning firms: SmithGroupJJR. Its concept involves what’s known as a circular economy. “Waste The “firm-in-residence” concept has opened the door to some from one process becomes the resource for the next,” Ferguson exciting collaborations, giving Ball State students the chance to explains. make their mark on a historic area of Chicago. That kind of thinking inspires the CAP and SmithGroupJJR team “We said, ‘What if we took an entire design firm and appointed members. On location at the Chicago them to the Emens Distinguished Professorship, and used all of their Steve Himebrook, a master’s student in urban design, has been Stockyards and in meetings with resources in a variety of ways?’” recalled David Ferguson, associate thrilled by the opportunity. “One big emphasis was looking for SmithGroupJJR’s team, CAP students dean of the College of Architecture and Planning (CAP). economic sustainability and looking at urban agriculture as part began conceptualizing how the old The relationship is really a two-way street, said Troy Thompson, stockyards might be repurposed of a plan of attack,” and it happens that his undergraduate thesis ’90, managing partner at SmithGroupJJR and a member of the newly with a community focus. “We get to focused on urban agriculture as a way to build local economies. created CAP Executive Advisory Board. “It gives us a chance to engage all of the disciplines in CAP,” “This project had a lot of significance for me.” collaborate and learn from what’s going on in academia,” he explained. said Troy Thompson, ’90, managing Beyond the lectures and the joint project, Ferguson cites the What are the latest trends on the research agenda? What up-and- partner at SmithGroupJJR. “It really benefits of pursuing applied research together with the firm. “We’re coming software are students learning? What trends are on the starts to frame the students’ thinking going to pair up some of our faculty with some of their research folks.” minds of tomorrow’s architects? “We get a lot of fresh perspectives.” of integrated design.” The project will Thompson said the University and the firm have plenty to learn continue in the Fall as part of a longer- from each other. “In the past, universities had their agenda, and A new identity for Chicago Stockyards term relationship being developed business had its own agenda, and there hasn’t been a way to see SmithGroupJJR provided expertise to students through traditional between the firm and Ball State. how those agendas align and fit together.” The values today are lectures, with Thompson delivering the fall opener. The firm’s aligning more and more, he said, and this kind of relationship helps engineers delivered a spring lecture, bringing a design perspective facilitate that alignment. to the college that doesn’t exist in the normal curriculum. But what “Ultimately, it’s going to lead to a number of longer-term really has fired up imaginations is a joint project that the college and relationships, either through research projects or elective courses the firm are undertaking. we can teach and support we can give faculty in their current The focus is the Chicago Stockyards. For a century or so, it was courses,” Thompson predicted. And he said the relationship will be among the world’s most famous livestock-processing centers — a great for the CAP alumni who work in nearly all of SmithGroupJJR’s vast stretch of stock pens and packinghouses with rail connections multiple offices. to much of the country — until meat distribution moved to the “I hope it ultimately leads to a permanent relationship where interstate highway system. CAP and SmithGroupJJR are leaders in shaping the future of our “It was the beginning of the industrialization of food, on a scale that professions. And it builds a Ball State network within our firm was mind-blowing at the time,” Ferguson said. “Then it went away. that encourages alums to remain in touch with BSU.” Today it is a one-mile-square area of Chicago that is not operating at a high level and is looking for its next identity.”

14 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Photos provided by SmithGroupJJR and CAP Spring/Summer 2018 15 Creations / Occasions / Programs ARTS & CULTURE

World-Class Cultural Events Offered

all State continues to make an uplifting impact in Muncie Photo by Domenic Centofanti ARTS & CULTURE B and beyond, with the University hosting two prestigious exhibits and offering a host of cultural experiences, from ballet to a Broadway classic to an outdoor glass show. This Spring, visitors to the David Owsley Museum of Art (DOMA) witnessed how an acclaimed American artist evolved in his early years. DOMA was the sole Midwestern venue for “Richard Diebenkorn: Beginnings, 1942–1955.” The exhibit’s 100 paintings and drawings presented a full picture of the young artist’s evolution. Many works of art had never before been publicly exhibited. The Owsley was the perfect place for the exhibition, said Andrea Liguori, managing director of the Richard Diebenkorn Foundation, which organized the exhibit in conjunction with the Crocker Art Museum. “Diebenkorn was a committed teacher throughout his career ... and we want the exhibition to be seen by students and emerging artists.” DOMA — open year-round and always free — houses a world art collection with over 11,000 works from Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands, Europe, and the Americas. For more information go to bsu.edu/artmuseum.

Visit magazine.bsu.edu to read more about the DOMA and Remnant Trust exhibitions.

Another Spring exhibit attracted visitors from across the region to Ball State’s E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center. On display was a rare collection of original historical books and texts, some dating back to the Middle Ages, on loan from the Remnant Trust. With the premise that “the great ideas belong to everybody,” according to Remnant Trust founder Brian Bex, visitors were allowed to touch the volumes — including a 13th-century edition of the Vulgate (a Latin translation of the Bible) — with their bare hands. Other cultural events enjoyed by wide audiences included the Department of Theatre and Dance’s production of “A Chorus Line” and a ballet version of “Cinderella.” The latter was chosen because “the department felt would appeal to a broad audience and serve as a great model to introduce the Ball State community, as well as the Muncie community, to a full-length Photo by Samantha Blankenship ballet,” said Susan Koper, assistant professor, dance teacher, Sky’s the Limit From top: The Remnant Trust’s and choreographer. Brian Bex with one of the rare Prism Project, a performing arts program for students with special Ball State hosted its first Community Campus Experience in books displayed at the E.B. needs in east central Indiana, had its 10th annual show this Spring June, inviting the Muncie community to explore Ball State’s and Bertha C. Ball Center. at Pruis Hall. Ball State students who volunteer as Buddies or take a facilities and discover arts and cultural offerings available on At DOMA, a student examines related immersive class learn and use instructional and motivational works by a great artist. campus. The community was invited to several more events, strategies to work with the youngsters. Sculptures by Ball State glass Photo by Don Rogers such as the Outdoor Neon Light Show, featuring multicolored artists were featured in a Spring sculptures created by Ball State glass students. outdoor show. Photo by Don Rogers

16 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 17 ARTS & CULTURE ARTS & CULTURE

RFK Speech Inspires New Musical By Jennifer Criss, ’98

all State University English professors Angela Jackson- faced yet another tragic death of a national leader like Dr. King,” B Brown and Peter Davis combined their talents to said Jackson-Brown. dramatically portray a momentous day in American history. She hoped the play would also bring greater awareness to Jackson-Brown penned the book and lyrics and Davis RFK’s historic visit to Indiana. In her research, Jackson-Brown composed the music for “Dear Bobby: The Musical,” which learned that Kennedy began the day with a stop in Muncie, earned positive reviews and large audiences during six March where he spoke to a packed crowd in Ball State’s Men’s Gym. shows at IndyFringe, a celebration of independent artists in Kennedy learned about King’s death as he was preparing to Indianapolis. “Dear Bobby” was directed by Deborah Asante, leave by plane from the Muncie airport to Indianapolis. founder and artistic director of Asante Children’s Theatre of To commemorate the day’s 50th anniversary, the Indianapolis. The play was part of this year’s OnyxFest, a Indianapolis Kennedy King Memorial Initiative commissioned festival supporting works by African-American playwrights. Jackson-Brown to write the musical through an Indiana Historical The play’s events take place during Robert F. Kennedy’s Society Heritage Support Grant funded by Lilly Endowment. After presidential primary campaign stop in Indianapolis in the the grant was secured, Jackson-Brown approached her friend By Judy Wolf evening of April 4, 1968 — the same day Martin Luther King Jr. and colleague, Davis, to work with her on the project. was assassinated. In an impromptu speech, Kennedy urged the Cast members were invited to perform songs from the crowd to follow King’s example and come together in peace musical at a 50th anniversary commemoration event held April 4 and unity. The speech is credited for helping keep Indianapolis at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Indianapolis. Ball State calm while violence erupted in more than 100 U.S. cities. President Geoffrey S. Mearns attended the event, as did “Dear Bobby” centers on two teen girls — one black, one Governor Eric Holcomb and Kennedy’s youngest daughter, Jewish — anticipating Kennedy’s arrival in Indianapolis. As they Kerry. Also present was U.S. Rep. John Lewis. As one of RFK’s meet for the first time, both realize they have more in common campaign staffers, the civil rights icon had witnessed the than just a shared love of Kennedy and become friends. speech in Indianapolis 50 years earlier. “The play strives to illustrate how people from different backgrounds, and even beliefs, were able to unite together that Go to bit.ly/ballstateRFK to view Ball State’s digital night in their grief and their desire to stand strong, even as they Robert F. Kennedy Speech Collection.

Photos courtesy of Chandra Lynch, Ankh Productions Below: College of Sciences and Humanities faculty Angela Jackson-Brown and Peter Davis collaborated to create “Dear Bobby.” Left: Members of the cast and chorus.

Actor Doug Jones — whose face is often concealed for movie roles — opens up about how he learned mime, played Charlie Cardinal,

Photo by Bruce Smith and met the love of his life at Ball State.

18 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 19 ARTS & CULTURE ARTS & CULTURE

Photo by Adriana M. Barraza/ Photo courtesy of Doug Jones f all the parts in his prolific acting career, Doug Jones is “OK. We’ll see how this goes,” she thought. “And then it WENN.com Oproudest of his latest creation, Amphibian Man, in multiple turned out to be some of the best memories. … I had a shirt Oscar-winner “The Shape of Water.” made that said ‘Charlie’s Chick’ on the back of it.” The film’s story — a lonely janitor (Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins) falls in love with a humanoid fish god (Jones, ’82) held Finding his future on TV Doug Jones (far left) in a lab during the Cold War — and the movie’s heart touched The lanky 6-foot-3 Doug said he was often teased for being tall in the “big bird suit” he him. And he didn’t mind being the romantic lead for once. and skinny growing up. But he found a haven watching wacky wore proudly. Future wife As has been true for most of his roles, he brought his characters on TV, including Don Knotts as Deputy Barney Fife, Laurie Pontoni showed her support by wearing a character to life without the audience seeing his real face, and learned from them. “Seeing goofy people making a career “Charlie's Chick” t-shirt. using physical and acting skills he honed at Ball State. made me think it’s possible. That’s when the dream started.” (Left) The couple attend Campus is also where he began a lifelong romance with He forged his first Ball State connection at Indianapolis’ Bishop “The Shape of Water” then-freshman Laurie Pontoni, whom he met on Valentine’s Chatard High School, where his drama teacher helped cultivate premiere in Hollywood. Day his junior year. his talents. Nancy Wright, ’72, who said Doug and other theater Active in their church, Doug and Laurie are also known Laurie was performing in “Godspell” at Muncie’s College kids nicknamed her “Nanny,” became Nancy Montgomery after for helping new arrivals Avenue United Methodist Church. She noticed “a cute, tall marrying during winter vacation of his junior year. in Hollywood face life’s boy on the end of the second row who was staring at me “He had the physicality, he had the timing, he had the comedic challenges and struggles. the whole time.” ability to take it and roll with it,” she recalled. “And it was going “They were hosting a Valentine’s Day dance right after,” to be an interesting character. That’s what I loved about him.” Doug said. “And so I stayed around for the dance, and she did, Montgomery was thrilled when Jones decided to go to nonverbal dialogue with facial expressions, body movement, Montgomery admires that he’s remained so humble and open. too, and that’s when we started dancing the night away and Ball State, as she’d thrived with the one-on-one attention and creating things from the neck down that aren’t there,” he said. “I see it in the interviews, in the things that he says on talking in the hallway and ‘What’re you doing Monday?’” creativity that made the theater department special for her. “As Charlie Cardinal, there’s this big bird suit that I had to Facebook, and the people that he’s in contact with. He doesn’t Laurie remembers Doug telling her that he performed as At Ball State, Jones majored in radio and TV broadcasting, animate and make come to life and perform in front of a ever forget where he has come from.” Ball State’s mascot, Charlie Cardinal, for men’s basketball with a minor in theater (his parents never thought he’d find stadium full of people. It was absolutely great training ground Since graduating, Jones has remained in touch with his alma games. She hadn’t been to a game yet, so she asked: acting work). In addition to being Charlie, he was in the for the career I was about to have.” mater. In 2009, he starred in Ball State’s first commercial film, “What do you wear? A bird suit with yellow tights and stuff?” campus troupe Mime Over Matter. After Laurie Jones, ’84, got her visual communications “My Name is Jerry.” More than 50 students worked in making, “Yeah, actually. All those things,” he replied. “With mime training, you learn how to express and do degree, they moved to Los Angeles, where his first paid acting producing and promoting the film. It’s his favorite human role job was as a dancing mummy. That began a career under latex, and brought him a film festival best actor nomination; the foam, mechanics, glue, makeup, and/or scales while playing movie won festival awards. varied creatures. When he later met director Guillermo del Toro on the film Playing Charlie Cardinal “was absolutely set of “Mimic,” the two bonded like schoolboys over their love of monsters. Del Toro has since featured Jones in five other great training ground for the career I movies, including the fantasy horror “Pan’s Labyrinth,” where was about to have,” he said. Jones portrayed The Faun and the terrifying demon, The Pale Man, plus “The Shape of Water.” He and Mrs. Laurie (his term of endearment) also endowed Jones’ work includes more than 65 movie credits plus the Doug Jones Scholarship Fund. The four-year award goes to scores of TV roles. He’s now in Toronto, filming the second a talented theater student with financial need and has been a season of CBS All Access’ “Star Trek: Discovery,” where he huge help, said Bill Jenkins, chair of the Department of Theatre plays Commander Saru, a Starfleet officer attuned to danger and Dance. “I would say that no single graduate better because his species was bred as prey back home. epitomizes beneficence than Doug Jones.” Among other jobs, Laurie’s been a media buyer for an ad Laurie said of the scholarship, “Since we never had kids agency. She’s now a visual merchandiser for a local store where of our own, and Ball State has been so much a part of our they live. “I love it, because interiors was another of my interests.” beginning and our history, that was something we really wanted to do: Bless the school that blessed us so much.” A favorite human character, and a gift to Ball State In April, Doug and Laurie celebrated their 34th anniversary. Doug starts preparing for each role alone in a dance studio, They wed at the church where they met; parishioners and staff searching for the character’s physical center. The rest of his still remember them fondly. Actress Sally Hawkins role springs from there. To Laurie, Doug remains that cute boy she spotted staring has a close encounter with It’s one way his Midwestern work ethic has served him well. at her from the audience’s second row 37 years ago. Doug Jones’ humanoid amphibian in the “Shape of Water,” which won “Actors have a reputation for being selfish divas. And when you “He’s not changed,” she said. “And I am so proud to be on four Oscars, including Best Picture. Photo courtesy of Fox Searchlight show up to work on time and are willing to do what you said this journey with him at this part of his career and just get to ‘yes’ to, apparently that makes you exceptional.” see him get the recognition that I feel like he’s deserved.”

20 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 21 ARTS & CULTURE ARTS & CULTURE

utside, a chilly spring wind is blowing with Through the Office of Immersive Learning, Oenough force to rattle window panes. Inside and with financial support from the Hamer D. West View Elementary School in Muncie, about and Phyllis C. Schafer Foundation, elementary 20 students are warming up for their very first students also received program T-shirts and Leaps & dance class. ballet slippers to wear during class. At the front, Ball State freshman Erin Simons The elementary students got a chance to begins by reaching her hands toward the display their newfound talents in a performance gymnasium ceiling and then slowly bending down held at their elementary school. Parents, to touch her toes. The students follow her guardians, school administrators and program movements, with expressions ranging from giddy supporters from Ball State and the community Bounds smiles to fierce concentration. were in the audience, and with warm applause Erin was among nine Ball State students rewarding both the children and their instructors By Jillian Wilschke who are part of a new immersive learning course for their skills and hard work. called DANCE! Muncie After School. The program Muncie schoolchildren receive their first exposure to was offered for the first time this Spring semester, ‘An experience everyone should have’ the art of dance thanks to students enrolled providing elementary students in several Muncie By course’s end, those instructors gained in an immersive learning experience. Community Schools exposure to dance instruction hands-on experience in teaching, classroom they would not have otherwise had. management, and learning what it takes to run an With a glow of satisfaction, Erin later discussed after-school program. Swihart says students also the rewards of leading youngsters to discovering benefited from experiences that encouraged both dance. “The most exciting part of this project knowledge and empathy — valuable traits for any has been the look on the children’s faces and future teacher. excitement that exudes from them as they enter “The biggest lessons I have learned are the gymnasium for class. patience and the ability to adapt quickly,” said “They are so excited to spend one hour Ella Donovan, a sophomore dance major. “Every creating and having fun. You can’t help but enjoy day with the students was different, and I needed it because you know that this small sacrifice of to be able to alter my lesson plan on the spot to your time is making a difference.” maintain attention and focus,” Many, but not all, of the Ball State students From salsa to cha-cha were majors in the Department of Theatre and Led by Melanie Swihart of the University’s dance Dance. Erin, a health education major, felt drawn faculty, the immersive learning students first to the course because of fond memories of researched dance education standards and best learning dance as a young girl. “The world practices, then began creating the classes they sometimes overlooks the creative arts, but I think would teach. that children need the experience of something They later brainstormed classroom themes for creative like dance. … I believe that all children, each week and what styles of dance could best regardless of their income levels, should be able be utilized to support each theme. Dance forms to have this experience.” such as modern fundamentals, jazz, ballet, the Swihart agreed. “Muncie youth are the ones salsa and cha-cha, as well as creative movement who hold the power of growth, development, and explorations, were used in the classes. sustainability for our future, and I’m passionate One lasting result of this work is a curriculum about inspiring and challenging these children to handbook that guided the students’ teaching and develop their creative and inquisitive minds housed their research. Swihart hopes the pilot through dance. Watch “little course will continue; the handbook would be a “My hope for the student participants is that humans” learn guide for future classes. they’ve broadened their horizons and sparked the joy of dance During the remaining weeks of the course, ideas of what their future may look like. Whether thanks to a new Ball State team members traveled to their their picture includes dance is not my priority. immersive learning assigned schools each Thursday afternoon to “But simply offering dance as a creative outlet, experience at bring their lesson plans to life. All MCS students a means to make art, and take ownership of such bit.ly/dancemuncie Photo by Grace Hollars in grades one through five were invited to join beautiful success — that’s inspiring for anyone, the free after-school classes. no matter the age.”

22 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 23 News / Events / Profiles ATHLETICS

Ball State Greets New Athletics Director

eth Goetz begins leading Ball State's intercollegiate experience,” she said. “I am a product of public school education ATHLETICS Bathletics this Summer. When President Geoffrey S. Mearns and have spent the majority of my career at public research announced her appointment, he cited her dedication to the universities. The core values of academic excellence, integrity, holistic college environment for student-athletes. respect for diversity, and a classroom that extends beyond Selected after a national search, she formerly was the campus walls are my guiding principles. History Made chief operating officer the University of Connecticut athletics Ball State’s Tayler Persons celebrates with teammates after hoisting a department since 2016. Her extensive leadership experience buzzer-beating 3-pointer to defeat Notre Dame in South Bend December also includes key positions at Butler University and the 5. It was Ball State’s first win over a Top 25 opponent since 2001. If past is University of Minnesota. prologue, the good times should continue to roll for Cardinal basketball: “What I appreciate most about Beth is that she believes Both the men’s (19-13, 10-8 MAC) and women’s teams (25-7, 13-5 MAC) athletics is part of the overall educational experience for college posted winning records during the 2017-18 season. students,” President Mearns said. “Beth also embodies the same values that are intrinsic to Ball State University, including our Beneficence Pledge. “She will instill a culture of excellence in Ball State athletics that will infuse pride and passion in our students, our alumni, and our fans as we embark on our second century. Beth also has been successful generating revenues for other universities, including boosting attendance at athletic events and raising philanthropic support. “As a previous college athlete, coach, and administrator, Beth understands the importance of leading others and how that will play a major role in enhancing competitive success for all our sports programs.” Photo by Samantha Blankenship “I am thrilled to join Ball State, especially under the leadership of President Mearns,” Ms. Goetz said. “I look forward to joining “The challenge to compete as a Division I athlete here at a great team of student-athletes, coaches, and staff. I understand Ball State plays a crucial role in preparing student-athletes to and appreciate the University’s dedication to engaging with the be future leaders in the community and their chosen field. I am entire community. I can’t wait to be a part of Muncie and east proud to serve in supporting their dreams.” central Indiana.” Former Athletics Director Mark Sandy announced his “I believe in the impact of higher education and know a retirement this Spring. During his tenure, nine teams won MAC student’s participation in college athletics at this level can be league championships or division crowns. an integral component and enhancement to this transformative

Alumni Sportswriters Earn Hall of Fame Honors wo Ball State alumni were recently inducted into the Indiana Colts’ first eight years in Indianapolis and also covered seven T Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Hall of Fame at Super Bowls. He moved to the Indianapolis Star in 1994 to its annual awards ceremony in Indianapolis. cover Indiana University and became assistant sports editor, Hall of Fame inductee Steve Krah, ’86, worked for the then copy desk chief until retiring from The Star in 2008. He is Elkhart Truth for a quarter-century and is now correspondent for now a copy editor for the NCAA at its Indianapolis headquarters. several Indiana newspapers. His byline has been a fixture in At the same ceremony, Todd Golden, ’96, was honored with northern Indiana, but especially in high school baseball circles. the Corky Lamm Sportswriter of the Year Award. Since 2004, Krah has authored two books on Indiana high school baseball. he’s been sports editor, columnist, and Indiana State University Another new Hall of Famer is Tom Rietmann, ’73, who athletics beat writer for the Terre Haute Tribune-Star. His enjoyed a stellar newspaper career that spanned more than 37 well-read column, “Down in the Valley,” covers both the Photo by Justin Casterline years. At the Indianapolis News, he was the beat reporter for the Sycamores and the Missouri Valley Conference.

24 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 25 ATHLETICS ATHLETICS

“When we brought on defensive coordinator David Elson last year, his background was essentially with the 3-4 set,” Neu said. “But since we had four senior starters on the defensive line at the start of last year, we READY both felt it was in the best interests of the team to stay with the 4-3 one more season.” When the Cardinals broke Spring camp in April, some 85 players were on the initial roster, an increase from about 67 the year prior. TO ROLL “We had a lot of players graduate the year before, so our numbers were down a bit,” Neu explained. “But we have a lot of kids back this Many Factors Lead to Football year, and that makes for better competition at just about every position.” A highlight of the 2018 Ball State schedule will be an historic trip to Team’s Restored Confidence South Bend for a Saturday, September 8, game against Notre Dame. By Dan Forst, ’85 This will be the first time the two programs have met on the football field. “We try hard to not look ahead on our schedule, but yes, the trip to Notre Dame is something everyone is excited about,” Neu said. “We are hen you get knocked down, what do you do? If you’re Ball State planning to go up a day early and soak it all in. It’s a great opportunity for W football coach Mike Neu, ’94, and his players, the answer’s easy: our kids and our program, and, heck, we might have ‘Rudy’ playing on you get back up with a vengeance. the bus for the drive up.” “There’s not one person associated with our football team that isn’t chomping at the bit to get back on the field,” he said. “We can’t start the 2018 season soon enough.” In 2017, Coach Neu’s Cardinals started off 2-1 and then lost the next nine games, a turn of events that eventually made a huge dent in the 2018 BALL STATE team’s self-confidence. “We don’t make excuses,” he said. “That’s not the way life is. But at FOOTBALL SCHEDULE the same time, it’s also fair to say that I don’t know if I’ve ever seen so many injuries to a football team than we had last year.” How bad was it? On the offensive side of the ball, eight of the 11 starters in the opener missed at least one game. And after starting 8/30 Central Connecticut State, Time TBD quarterback Riley Neal sustained a season-ending leg injury in the 9/8 at Notre Dame, 3:30 p.m. Cardinals’ third game of the year, a 28-13 win over Tennessee Tech, no 9/15 at Indiana, Time TBD fewer than three other quarterbacks saw playing time due to injuries over the remainder of the season. 9/22 Western Kentucky, Time TBD “We ended up having to play a lot of younger guys who, quite honestly, (Family Weekend) might not have been ready,” Neu said. “But they gained experience, so 9/29 Kent State, Time TBD there’s always a silver lining in just about anything.” The good news for 2018 is that the Cardinals have healed and 10/6 Northern Illinois, Time TBD emerged from Spring practice in good shape. Both starting quarterback 10/13 at Central Michigan, Time TBD Riley Neal and stellar running back James Gilbert received medical 10/20 Eastern Michigan, Time TBD redshirts last season and retain two more years of eligibility. (Homecoming) Ball State will return nine starters on offense and seven on defense, with both sides of the ball seeing some big changes. 10/25 at Ohio, Time TBD On offense, Neu will now call the plays himself, a duty formally handled 10/31 at Toledo, Time TBD by offensive coordinator Joey Lynch, ’07. 11/13 Western Michigan, Time TBD “This change isn’t a reflection on Joey,” Neu said. “I have always Quarterback Riley Neal led a intended to eventually call the plays since I’d done that prior to coming resurgent offense in Ball State 11/20 at Miami, Time TBD here, but I wanted to get things settled-in first. football's annual Spring Game. “After two years, I’m ready to assume that role and our fans will see a more wide-open attack with more no-huddle and an emphasis on keeping 888-BSU-TICKET the opposing defense on its heels.” Speaking of defense, the Cardinals will switch from a 4-3 alignment to ballstatesports.com a 3-4 in 2018.

26 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Photo by Don Rogers Spring/Summer 2018 27 Profiles / Engagement / Learning EMPOWERED

At-Risk Youths Advance Through Reading EMPOWERED By Kim Rendfeld ince 2016, Ball State professors and students have helped project in 2016 to get experience in research and work with S at-risk youths improve reading skills, with the hope for children in a residential setting. “Honestly, I don’t think I could success beyond the classroom. The knowledge the faculty have gained this great of an overall experience anywhere else,” New Ways to mentors, Ruth Jefferson, ’73 MAE ’78 EdD ’81, and Janay she said. “I learned that the students at the YOC are, for the Sander, are gleaning might help other communities. most part, really great kids who have just had some tough Eat Veggies Through an immersive learning experience, Ball State students things happen to them or have made some poor choices. work with residents of the Youth Opportunity Center (YOC), a These students’ effort, respect, and genuine willingness to try For a Spring immersive learning project, Muncie residential treatment center for children involved in the to improve their reading skills impressed me and changed my Ball State dietetics students worked to court system, including cases of child abuse and neglect as view of this population.” encourage students at three Muncie well as juvenile justice. Called TEAM 2, the Ball State group is She also learned these students “simply have not had the Community Schools elementaries to make contributing to a larger study, funded by the National Institute academic opportunity to work on their reading. Often they have and eat healthier meals. District Executive Chef Chris Polo, who collaborated on of Justice (NIJ), on psychological, environmental, and cultural switched schools several times and as a result are behind in the idea, shows South View Elementary factors that impair reading. several academic areas.” youngsters kale chips, kohlrabi slices, “Reading is a huge challenge and barrier to life success The NIJ grant funded reading groups through Spring 2018. broccomole, and a shaker (chopped) salad. for many youth in the court systems,” said Sander, associate However, the program will continue through the Fall, thanks to The kids then got to sample everything. professor of educational psychology. “The research question is an arrangement with Muncie Community Schools. “Continuing tied to that — if we catch them up in skills, will this help them there is a good thing for everyone,” said Jefferson, associate Visit magazine.bsu.edu for more about be successful after they return home to their communities and professor of special education. the immersive learning class Nutrition schools? We are working on gathering that data.” “Our students benefit from the hands-on nature of the work Grows on You! for an entire semester. They really see YOC residents blossom. A blossoming love for books Anytime the University collaborates like this, it’s a lovely thing.” YOC students participate voluntarily. TEAM 2 students from a variety of majors use established, evidence-based techniques “These students’ effort, respect, and to improve reading, and YOC youth have made remarkable progress in the four months they worked together, Sander and genuine willingness to try to improve Jefferson said. YOC staff tell the professors the youths have their reading skills impressed me.” become more confident and their behavior improves. “The unique aspects of this particular project include — GRADUATE ASSISTANT ABBY REIFF the close, supervised, and highly collaborative relationship our students build with the at-risk youth,” Sander said. “They are still just teens, no Photo by Samantha Blankenship matter their challenges, and mostly just want to connect, be around young adults who are a positive and supportive role model — and in that role, our students really shine. “Generally, the youth in the project express amazement at having completed a book from cover to cover, perhaps for the first time in their life. Some of them smile like they just got a new car when we hand them a book they want to read.” Abby Reiff, ’17, who is the program’s graduate assistant, is pursuing her master’s to become a school psychologist. She got involved in the

Photo by Samantha Blankenship Ball State psychology student Sarah Hapner Bolinger collaborates with YOC staff.

28 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 29 EMPOWERED EMPOWERED

Photos by Domenic Centofanti Focused on the Greater Good A former U.S. Marine, Greg Lane is using his Ball State education Greg Lane guided the to move toward his goals, which launch of a mentorship program to help veterans include helping other veterans succeed as Ball State get the health care they need. students. Greg (near left) practices in the School of By Jennifer Criss, ’98 Nursing’s Simulation and Information Technology Center. His career goals include improving veterans’ health care.

erving as a U.S. Marine for seven years in global hot spots That commitment, along with military and later law When Jennifer Metzler heard those plans, the assistant launched outreach efforts that brought the membership to 28. Slike Somalia and Iraq gave Ball State student Greg Lane enforcement service plus volunteer work on campus, made professor of biology advised Greg to consider adding a He also guided the launch of a mentorship program for the a much bigger perspective on the things that really matter, he Greg one of fewer than 200 national finalists for a Truman pre-med and chemistry minor. She said she knew it was a lot veterans’ group. Now, a committee assesses every veteran said. “While I served our country, my chief purpose was to help Scholarship this year. to ask of the already-busy father of two, but “I think he really who enrolls at Ball State for his or her major, military those in need, to protect those who weren’t able to protect Considered among the nation’s most prestigious and thrives under pressure and truly enjoys the challenge he has background, and level of interest in the group and getting themselves.” competitive scholarships, the scholarship named for President given himself, which is the personality you need to succeed assistance. Mentors give advice about class schedules, Lately, the third-year nursing major is focused closer to Harry S. Truman targets juniors who intend to pursue public in medical school and beyond.” workloads, and common mistakes to avoid. home. While intending to pursue a career in medicine, he also service and pledge to be “change agents” in their careers. Greg’s decision to enroll in Ball State’s nursing program was Former veterans affairs benefit coordinator Kurt Noel wants to address what he sees as a pressing need among his Students also must have an extensive leadership record. prompted by overhearing his 5-year-old son tell a friend: “My recalled expressing concern that Greg’s commitment to the community of other military veterans. As a Marine, Greg received medical care quickly and dad shoots bad guys.” After the Marines, he worked for two mentorship program might conflict with his already busy school Greg believes that the 9 million-plus veterans enrolled in the always had access to a primary care physician. When he was years for the Madison County, Indiana, Sheriff’s Department, and family commitments. Greg assured him that he would find Veterans Health Administration’s health care program should medically discharged from service due to knee injuries, he helping put away dealers who were distributing illegal drugs in the time. receive that care more efficiently and effectively. “Whether it be waited almost 11 months to be assigned a doctor. After that the community. It was important work, but his son’s remark — “Nearly everything Greg does focuses toward the greater the lack of medical staff, inexcusably long wait lists, or distance initial visit, it was an additional three months for an X-ray, a and his struggles as a veteran receiving health care — inspired good — improving student life, the local community, or society away from a VA health facility, access to medical and mental month for those results, and three more months to finally get him to consider other options. as a whole,” Noel said in a Truman Scholarship recommendation health care is a major problem for veterans.” his first MRI. He’d taken combat lifesaver courses in the Marines and felt letter, part of a five-month application process. “I knew I wasn’t the only person suffering from care like like he’d excelled in them. When he learned about Ball State’s Though not previously acquainted with Greg, Barb Stedman, this,” Greg said, “but it wasn’t until I looked into the VA health nursing major, it sounded like the perfect fit. He liked the idea director of national and international scholarships, felt he was SUPPORT FOR VETERANS Ball State, named a military care system that I found out some veterans were dying while of a rigorous program that would challenge him, just as his an ideal candidate, and after meeting him knew instantly her friendly institution, has an Office of Veterans Affairs that waiting to see a primary care doctor for medications to treat military training had done instincts had been correct. “Greg, being a former Marine, has helps veterans, reservists, guardsmen, and family chronic conditions.” a very impressive presence. He’s confident, articulate, and members. The office provides certification each semester Greg has set a course he hopes will put him in a position An impressive presence committed in everything he does.” for about 400 student-veterans and family members to help solve those problems. “I intend to pursue a career in At first, Greg said he found it difficult to get acclimated as a Greg credits Stedman with helping him be so well-prepared who receive education entitlements. It also offers advice, medicine, specializing in orthopedic surgery, while advocating veteran and an older student and wondered if other veterans for the scholarship finalist interviews in Chicago a few months advocacy, guidance, and outreach services. Learn more for a better health insurance system for veterans struggling felt the same. Through Ball State’s Office of Veterans Affairs, ago. “Getting this scholarship would’ve meant a lot to me and at bit.ly/ballstatevets. to receive proper health care.” he learned of the Student Veterans Organization, which at the opened a lot of doors,” he said, “but I will continue to help time had few members. After being elected president, Greg veterans.”

30 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 31 EMPOWERED EMPOWERED

y father always told me that if I tried, I could be anything “My passion for photography was Mwhen I grew up. When I would talk about my dreams, they felt so vivid I thought they were reality. And my dad — a man something I could never hide, but now whose very bone marrow flows with creativity — always fed that spark burns brighter than ever.” Becoming my imagination with drawings, sculptures, and art. But it was a photo he showed me that lit the spark. A haunting National — GRACE HOLLARS Geographic portrait of an Afghan girl ignited a curiosity in me that grew into a flame after Dad first placed a camera in my hands. I explored the excitement of Rio de Janeiro with newly the Fire I also discovered that taking photos was hard work. While opened eyes. attending Delta High School in Muncie, I’d sit in the snow on I became addicted to the rush — a photography high. sidelines shooting football games and sweat in the hot sun I knew I had to return to another Olympics someday … but Photography student Grace Hollars during tennis matches. I toiled long hours during internships, never dreamed that opportunity would come again, less than writes about her big year, which and along the way made more mistakes than I can count. But two years later, when I joined BSU at the Games at the 2018 included covering the 2018 Winter no matter how many times I missed a photo or misspelled a Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Olympics and being named Indiana name, I kept coming back. Whatever battles, pictures, or friends Luggage stuffed with ski pants, hand-warmers, and heavy I’ve lost during this journey, my eyes have kept that spark. camera equipment, I arrived at Seoul’s Incheon International College Photographer of the Year. In 2016, I found myself on a plane bound to Rio de Janeiro. Airport as though prepared for battle. The fight ahead would be As part of the immersive learning experience BSU at the not just for myself but for my peers and those back at Ball State By Grace Hollars Games, I would be photographing the 2016 Summer Olympics. and around the world who might see and feel inspired by my Feeling like that little girl who touched a camera for the first photographs. time, I raced through streets, up hills, and into stadiums as I wore the title “Grace Hollars from BSU at the Games” proudly as part of a student team of amazing individuals. We were determined to earn the media credentials we’d be granted, providing daily coverage of the games, and producing stories, photos, video, and graphics featured in national news outlets. We worked side-by-side with weathered professionals, covering one of the great sporting events on the planet. Returning home, my daily life as a college student resumed and my Olympics memories began to fade. But there are moments I will always keep close to my heart. One such moment happened at Canon’s Field Office at the Pyeongchang Media Press Center. It was after midnight as I raced down the dimly-lit hallways and discovered a print of the photo I’d taken of snowboarder Shaun White as he roared with triumph after winning his third Olympic gold medal. I felt disbelief as I saw it had been put up alongside prints by some of the world’s best photographers. Sinking to the floor, I felt a warm rush of happiness fill my body as my eyes filled with tears. I was looking at my dream, hanging on the wall, right in front of me. Writing this, I am remembering the first time I walked through the doors of the Art and Journalism Building and realized I had come to Ball State University in search of something. I couldn’t tell you exactly what it was, but I promised myself I would find it here. My passion for photography was something I could never hide, but now that spark burns brighter than ever. After capturing images of so many remarkable people and places, near and far, I’ve realized the possibility that one day I will find Whether documenting the skills and emotion of gold medalist Shaun what I began as a little girl’s search through the viewfinder of To further explore Grace's work and read her thoughts White at the 2018 Winter Olympics, snapping breathtaking scenes in her father’s camera. on photojournalism, visit gracehollars.photography. Brazil, or capturing Cardinal athletics in action, Grace Hollars (shown After all, I was told I could be anything when I was growing above) says her Ball State experiences gave her confidence to succeed. up. Instead of fearing the fire, I decided to become it.

32 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 33 A NEW CHAPTER Sadie Matchett, an elementary education major and Muncie native, motivates students at Longfellow Elementary School. Inspired by the immersive learning FOR BALL STATE experience Schools Within the Context of Community, Sadie and many other Ball State students work with community partners to help MCS kids succeed. & MUNCIE Read more at magazine.bsu.edu. COMMUNITY SCHOOLS By Kim Rendfeld

uncie Community Schools and Ball State University are M making history. Together. On July 1, 2018, a school board appointed by Ball State became responsible for Muncie Community Schools (“MCS”). Ball State is the first public university to embrace such a challenge and opportunity with a public school system. This past year, a state-appointed emergency manager oversaw the finances, then all facets, of MCS. Legislation passed in May creates an innovative, unique solution for the community and changes the trajectory for Muncie Community Schools, said Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns. “Rather than a temporary fix to a long-term problem, our elected officials empowered our great University to establish a comprehensive, community-based partnership that will provide exceptional educational experiences for all of Muncie’s children for many years to come,” he said. This partnership is providing stability for MCS students, parents, faculty and staff, and the Muncie community, and it has already yielded impressive results. Muncie businesses and nonprofits have made generous financial commitments to MCS. Teachers and staff will be the first to benefit. Ball State is directing $50,000 in philanthropic support to fund supplies for MCS educators to use in their classrooms. The new MCS board will have two years to develop a long-term plan. The first year will be devoted to listening to the community. “This will allow for a great deal of collaboration with students, families, teachers, administrators, local leaders, and others to help us develop the best possible plan,” President Mearns said. “While we must initially focus on MCS’ finances, we won’t settle only for financial solvency. Our goal is for MCS to thrive, not merely survive. We are committed to the long-term success of MCS and Muncie.” Photo by Don Rogers

34 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 35 There is a deep yearning at Ball State to be more engaged What is the role for MCS teachers and staff? Photo by Samantha Blankenship with the Muncie community, and we have the opportunity to MCS teachers and staff are at the center of this partnership. mobilize our faculty, staff, and students in new and innovative They are the heart and soul of MCS. I value and respect their ways. For many years, our faculty, staff, and students have professional and personal dedication to educating our children. been deeply engaged in MCS programs — programs that Before the end of MCS’ academic year, we met with teachers are producing excellent results. We are now able to expand and staff in their schools to listen and learn. In the months and existing programs and develop new ones with MCS. years ahead, we will consistently be engaged with them to understand the positive things happening within MCS and the Will Ball State benefit financially? challenges they face, and together, we will develop solutions. No. Ball State will not receive any compensation for assuming this new responsibility. At our request, any funds that would have Why does Ball State think it can succeed? been allocated to the emergency manager will be provided Our University is uniquely qualified to assume this important directly to Muncie Community Schools. responsibility. We were founded 100 years ago as a Teachers In fact, Ball State is encouraging philanthropic support from College. Ball State already runs the K-12 Burris Laboratory individuals and organizations to support MCS and enhance the School and, while it’s not identical to Muncie Community economic and civic vitality of our region. We are grateful to the Schools, the experience is comparable and we will bring local institutions that have already made generous financial that experience to bear. commitments to MCS. How can alumni get involved? How did Ball State choose MCS board members? Ball State and MCS need your support, your creative ideas, We have a diverse and complementary team that reflects and your active participation. To keep people informed, we the diverse perspectives of the community. MCS school created bsu.edu/mcs. Chirp! Chirp! Geoff and Jennifer Mearns, along with the United Way’s Jenni Marsh, ’94, board members have passion for public education and and Trustee Brian Gallagher, ’81, visit South View Elementary School as part of the Muncie Community Schools, a record of civic engagement and What is the ideal outcome in the long term? United Way Day of Action, one of the Better Together events. community participation, experience in fiscal management or Our only goal is to provide the best education for the children oversight, experience in operational management or oversight, of Muncie. The children of MCS are our children. And like every ‘An Extraordinary Opportunity’ experience in team effectiveness, and demonstrated leadership. child, they deserve a great education. Ever since Geoffrey S. Mearns started as Ball State president in May 2017, he has emphasized the importance of the University’s relationship with Muncie. The theme of his installation as Ball State and MCS by the Numbers president and the community forums that followed was Better Together. Nothing fits better with that theme than Ball State taking an active role in the future of Muncie Community Schools. President Mearns sat down with Ball State Alumni magazine to discuss aspects of this new role.

Why is Ball State assuming responsibility for appointing This responsibility is an exceptional opportunity for us to a new board to govern Muncie Community Schools? demonstrate once again that, at Ball State, we transform lives Ball State student volunteers through education and service. I am confident that we can area schools joined hours per year Ball State In addition to being consistent with our core mission as a at agencies serving MCS succeed, but I appreciate that this opportunity is a significant with Ball State in book- teaching candidates spent public university, this new responsibility is consistent with our students in 2016-17 institutional interest. The future of Muncie is dependent on the challenge, and it requires a long-term commitment. This reading challenge assisting MCS students quality of our public schools, and our University’s future is endeavor is an honorable one. It is our duty to assume affected by the vitality and vibrancy of Muncie. Our fortunes are this responsibility. linked: as we improve educational outcomes for MCS students, Does this mean MCS and Ball State will merge? we will secure an even brighter future for our University. As we prepare to celebrate our Centennial this year, we The wisdom of the legislation is that Ball State and MCS must also recognize that we are indebted to the generous will remain financially and legally independent. We will not use 3,000 people of Muncie who founded this institution. Our neighbors our students’ tuition and the state funding that we receive to volunteer hours from MCS schoolchildren who visited the have nurtured and fostered our growth and ascendancy over support MCS. We can devote other resources, including the Ball State students Charles W. Brown Planetarium* at Ball State the past 100 years. Now we are being presented with an expertise of our faculty and staff. I am grateful to my University extraordinary opportunity to demonstrate our profound colleagues and to the many community partners who want to collaborate with us to help MCS thrive. gratitude in a transformative way. Ball State students who have participated in Schools Within the Context of Community 36 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 37 Photo by Samantha Blankenship

That is exactly what the professors, Sheryl Stump, Sheron “Math is supposed to be meaningful,” she said. “Math Fraser-Burgess, and Lynette Varner, want their teacher is not telling how to do stuff. It’s a social endeavor. Students candidates to understand — that their students’ culture affects are engaged daily in math: exploring, solving problems, how they learn. explaining reasoning, using tools.” “Teaching should reflect the culture and continue to be “That’s the goal,” added Fraser-Burgess, associate professor tailored to the school and the students’ needs,” said Varner, ’80 of social foundations of education and multicultural education. MA ’84, instructor of elementary education. “This is the ultimate Teachers must also work with kids’ attitudes toward math way to do that. You don’t get in there and just teach reading. and their children’s self-perceptions. A classroom of third- You have to teach to a specific group of students and figure out graders might all hate math. Or low-achieving first-graders how they learn best. might perform better when they don’t know they’re supposed “It’s amazing how our teacher candidates connect with the to be low achievers. students that quickly. Ball State students do quite a bit of Direct instruction — “Here is how we add fractions” — is the teaching. They go way beyond the minimum.” default form of teaching. The professors wanted their immersive Rees said both teacher candidates and EWA schoolchildren learning students to aim higher. INSPIRING FUTURE PATHS THROUGH benefit. The Ball State students’ presence helped schoolchildren Teachers also need to see and help remove barriers to see college as a possibility for their future. Family Math Night students’ learning, Fraser-Burgess said, and they should be was only possible with the Ball State students. EWA teachers advocates for their students, which is why the program volunteered for the evening event, and Rees was serving pizza. included a trip to the Statehouse while the General Assembly “Parents loved it,” he said. “Parents said things like, ‘This was in session. This past Spring, Ball State students saw shows math is not a bad thing.’” Stump testify in favor of House Bill 1399. Stump helped write part of the bill, allowing elementary school teachers to earn a Math that’s meaningful special license in math. In the classrooms, Ball State students and EWA teachers Teaching is political, Fraser-Burgess observed. She added, used up-to-date best practices, said Rees. For example, “We’re not advocating a particular ideological view. But we schoolchildren learned math by playing a game inspired by want to foster critical reflection and social awareness. The goal “The Price Is Right.” The kids counted with play money, drew is creating the emerging teacher–citizen.” — Kim Rendfeld pictures, and wrote about how they solved the problems. Immersive learning courses open exciting new avenues of Teaching math is more than imparting rules on how to use learning for both Muncie schoolkids and Ball State students. numbers, said Stump, interim associate dean of Teachers LIFE SKILLS AND College and professor of mathematical sciences. ‘HUMAN ROBOTS’ Photo by Don Rogers ith the help of 11 Ball State computer science majors, professors, the immersive learning program guided aspiring scores of Northside Middle School students ADD MATH SKILLS, educators in teaching methods, understanding their students’ W programmed two “human robots” while learning some of the culture, and advocating for schoolchildren. SUBTRACT BARRIERS skills that computer programmers need to solve problems. Each week, Ball State students spent two full days at That was just one goal of lecturer Dave Largent’s class, ole in hand, a little boy caught a paper red fish labeled with EWA, partnering with mentor teachers and creating their Computer Science for Middle Schoolers, which got a 2017 P the number 8, then landed a blue fish with a 12. Next he own lesson plans. Provost Immersive Learning Grant to work with Northside’s got a purple fish. In March, the Muncie school placed 12th in the state among administration and teachers to bring more computer science “We’re going to have to give this one a number,” said Emily some 575 teams in this year’s annual M.A.T.H. Bowl. EWA has and computational thinking into the school. Alig, a Ball State University student majoring in elementary and about 490 students, with three of every four receiving free or More than 100 youngsters at the middle school also learned special education. reduced-price lunch, said Principal Jason Rees. The students about a field and careers they may have heard of but didn’t With a plus sign between the red and blue fishes and an have varied abilities, ranging from five classrooms for children know much about. “The class was helpful because it gave us equal sign leading to the purple fish, Emily counted with the with special needs to nine for high-ability students. life skills with the computer,” said Dayonna Hanyard, 14, an boy on her fingers, then wrote 20. Josie Valentine, an elementary and special education major, eighth-grader. At another table, Logan Inman had children laying down play said it is one thing to be told how teachers need to think on As a starting point, Principal Eric Grim and the seven money for toys. A little girl pointed at a Slinky. “Can you show their feet and make dozens of decisions a day. It’s quite computer science teachers, whose expertise ranges from math me $2.53?” asked Logan, an elementary education major with another to experience it firsthand, and this method of learning and science to art, gave the Ball State contingent background a concentration in mathematics. is more of an intellectual challenge. about what was being taught and what they hoped their Welcome to Family Math Night at Muncie’s East Washington “It is far more and better than I imagined when I signed up students would learn. Academy (EWA), with stations created by Ball State students to for the class,” she said. “The things my students struggle with Largent’s students went to work, translating Indiana’s most teach math and involve parents. It was one of many components are not the things I struggled with growing up. I need to adapt Logan Inman works the table at Family Math Night. (Opposite recent computer science standards for grades 6-8 into plain of Mathematics in Cultural Contexts. Taught by three Ball State to my students’ needs.” page) Brooke Miller teaches about habitats at We Can Do Science. English, creating new ways to teach the content, and finding

38 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 39 resources to use. They then compiled a new curriculum guide Starting July 1, 2021, all public schools must offer an Photo by Samantha Blankenship for the school, which Largent, MS ’10, delivered earlier this year. optional one-semester computer science course under a state They also worked with students to program humans, using law passed this year. The biggest challenge is doing that for pencils and paper. students in grades K-8, Indiana Superintendent of Public Largent’s students put painter’s tape on the floor, creating Schools Jennifer McCormick, MA ’99, has said. areas in two Northside rooms with a barricade in the middle. Northside’s computer science courses for seventh- and “We had two ‘human robots’ who needed instructions to eighth-graders, plus the day of coding humans, go beyond start in one corner, pick up objects in the middle, and then go that law. And having every student take such a class is vital, to the other corner to drop them off,” Largent said. “We split Largent contends. the class into two groups and had them write out the Middle school and high school students learn about the instructions of how to get the robots to do that.” physical sciences, from biology to chemistry to physics, he One key lesson: If you forgot to specify any step, such as noted, which can spark an interest in a field. “Turn 90 degrees,” your human ended up in the wrong place. “But computer science really has not been taught in the lower grades and seldom in high school. So students end up Critical thinking and logic at college and don’t know they might be interested in computer This kind of exercise is called computer science unplugged. science. They haven’t had that exposure. That was part of the The hands-on experience aligns with state standards and was reason I put the immersive learning class together.” a more engaging activity for youngsters than usual, Northside Ball State plans to offer a computer science education degree teachers told the Ball State crew. starting in Fall 2019. It’s in response to Gov. Eric Holcomb’s call The human programming also highlighted computational for all students to learn about computer science so they can thinking. At heart, it’s a way to identify a problem and write its meet the needs of this century’s economy. — Judy Wolf solution — sometimes with pencil and paper, sometimes with code — so a human or machine can carry it out. Largent easily names skills that computational thinking SCIENCE? CAN DO! teaches: • critical thinking and logic bout 150 Muncie children are busy learning science after • information abstraction (looking at a situation, seeing what A a full day of school. data exists that people can work with, analyzing the In one lively room at the Roy C. Buley Community Center, problem, and creating solutions) Ball State students Brooke Miller and Katie Kane teach Courtney Byrer helps a child learn about density at We Can Do Science • problem-solving first-graders about habitats, as the children point to pictures in a book and describe animals in different climates. At another in the Buley Center. table, Courtney Byrer, Rachel Moore, and Jenna Parsons instruct second-graders about mass and density. The trio have Meghan Duffy, ’17, talks specifics of coding a ‘human robot.' The Photo by Don Rogers children pour various liquids into a beaker to see how lamp oil, exercise helped Northside Middle rubbing alcohol, vegetable oil, water, dish soap, corn syrup, from theirs, both in terms of ethnicity and socioeconomics, becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy. We Can Do Science helps School students learn skills that and honey form layers. Hill said. aspiring teachers overcome that obstacle. computational thinking teaches. “All children can learn,” said Rona Robinson-Hill, assistant Ball State students said they learned that there is more to “The first day, they are petrified,” she said. After Ball State professor of science education in the Department of Biology. teaching science than imparting knowledge. Elyssa DeAngulo students complete the experience, “the fear is gone. They are Hill, who likes to emphasize “can” in We Can Do Science, and Katie Irving, elementary education majors who worked empowered. They have confidence. They do not give up.” mentors Ball State students for the immersive learning with third-graders, said the experience taught them flexibility Growing up in St. Louis, Hill herself did not have a science experience. Aspiring teachers created and implemented lesson and understanding the need to adjust if a lesson does not go class until she was a sophomore in high school. So how did plans for K-5 students in after-school programs at the Buley as planned. she get into science? “I think it was God,” she said. “It was Center and at YMCA’s Apple Tree Child Development Center. “It keeps us on our toes,” Katie said. always in me to like it.” The agencies serve children enrolled in Muncie Community She earned her bachelor’s in biology before earning her Schools, where almost 40 percent of students are an ethnic ‘Getting to know Muncie’ master’s and doctoral degrees in science education. Her minority and almost 80 percent receive free or reduced-price “It definitely helps,” Elyssa said. “At first, I was nervous. I was research interests focus on providing science instruction to the lunch. Through We Can Do Science, they receive science not sure what I was getting myself into. But I’ve enjoyed it. I underrepresented students in grades K-5, and she is education they might not have otherwise. Pre- and post-tests enjoy the dynamic with the kids and getting to know Muncie.” committed to We Can Do Science continuing for the long term. show promising results: Kindergartens who scored 25 percent “There is more to Muncie than it gets credit for,” Katie added. Educating students is a calling, she said. “I heard a voice that on the pretest before We Can Do Science scored 92 percent Hill, who had a long career in research and secondary said, ‘I need you training my people.’ It had to be the Holy Spirit.” afterward. A sixth-grader who got no answers right scored education before coming to Ball State in 2014, said it’s Elyssa DeAngulo summed up the benefits of this kind of training: 62 percent afterward. important for education students to interact with children from “It’s a great experience for anyone who goes into education. It For aspiring teachers, the experience helped them overcome different backgrounds while they are still in school. If teachers teaches you how to teach science.” — Kim Rendfeld fear about educating students whose backgrounds are different are afraid or believe they can’t teach low-income children, it

40 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 41 From area farms to Muncie food banks, student explorations across east central Indiana demonstrate how storytelling creates understanding, empathy, and action. COME By Kate H. Elliott, Lecturer of Journalism torytelling is a frustrating business. It’s Beyond first impressions arrogant to think your words will cut English major Will Aiken met and wrote about through life’s clutter to impact others, let Muncie native Jim O’Neill, who came from a long alone embolden them to act, but you write line of factory stock until a 2000 accident left him anyway because truth deserves a voice. It’s unable to work. “There were several winter months intimidating to insert yourself into someone’s I thought I might starve or freeze, depending on life, but you dig in anyway because how I spent my money,” O’Neill said. “Usually, I’d compelling stories demand it. Then you stare go hungry before going to a food pantry or asking at a blank screen, write, slurp coffee, rewrite, eat for assistance. There’s a lot of hungry kids in the Twizzlers and rewrite until you’ve transformed county, and I don’t like taking food from a hungry complex situations and people into logical, relevant child’s mouth. I can go hungry, but a child can’t.” TO narratives that — you hope — inspire empathy, When volunteers from Muncie’s Holistic Rehab understanding, and action. Program updated O’Neill’s home, he was able to My latest project started as most stories do: with cut his heating costs; he now uses that money to curiosity. I was curious why east central Indiana is buy food. In appreciation, he gave the volunteers flush with fields and farms, yet 64 percent of some produce from his garden. O’Neill told Aiken Muncie residents live in food deserts, defined as an that people look at him and others who are food area with limited access to affordable and nutritious insecure and think, “They can walk, so they can food. I was curious how small family farms not far work. But it’s just not the case. People’s lives and from where I live manage hundreds of acres, while I obstacles are more complex than first impressions.” can barely pack my kids’ lunch. And I was curious Using her talents as a photojournalism major, about the diverse culinary traditions and cherished Rachel Ellis captured the faces of those trying to recipes that bring family, friends, and a community break the cycle of generational poverty, some THE together. waiting in line for six hours at a food collection site. Eager to involve students in tackling these and In November 2017, our team met with 250 families other questions, I proposed an immersive learning at Muncie’s Head Start, a federal preschool course to challenge students to leave their Cardinal program, where we invited children to draw and nests in search of stories that speak to the region’s color their favorite food or meal while parents needs, diversity, and heritage. Since Fall semester shared stories about meaningful family traditions 2017, I’ve collaborated with more than 40 students (and interpreted their kids’ artistry). Building on that — a blend of communications studies, journalism, success, the Spring semester’s graphic designers and dietetics majors — to research and narrate the produced an education-packed coloring book that complexities of the region’s food system. the class passed out to hundreds of kids in Muncie. They engaged in poverty simulations, dissected Magazine media major Emily Cox shared a Fall reports, talked with residents, schlepped through sunset with Pam and Mark Kirklin at their family pig pens, volunteered at food pantries and more farm west of Muncie, where the couple has battled TABLE to experience community-focused journalism that, everything from cancer to creek floods. Chickens in the words of journalism graphics major Kendall rode the backs of sheep, Feynman and Bernoulli Genier, “focused on what brings us together more (named after famous physicists), as Pam insisted Photo by Ana Batres than what keeps us apart.” that some of life’s best lessons are covered in dirt.

42 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 43 “The Bible says there is a time for every season, and having her first interview. But when it was over, she called her mom to a family farm encourages us to eat with the seasons, truly tell her, “Nights like tonight remind me of why I want to be a appreciating the cycle of life and beauty of each season,” journalist.” said Pam, who only goes to the grocery store for some dairy “Journalism is hard. It’s time-consuming. It’s stressful,” she products and grains. “Sometimes things work out, sometimes continued. “But when I get the opportunity to tell stories like they don’t. The joy comes in seeing what will work and I did through our class, I understand why it’s worth it.” persevering.” When I hear these and other tangible outcomes, I consider Photojournalism major Carlee Ellison took close-ups of how our project is only one of dozens of courses each the oh-so-Midwestern Miracle Whip Cake that Muncie native semester that reflect Ball State’s commitment to beneficence Carol Bradshaw learned to make from her deaf Grandma through meaningful, hands-on learning. It’s an honor to create Carrie. And journalism graphics major Kaylie McKee designed space for transformational growth, and it’s a gift to watch a “how-to” infographic based on local compost enthusiast students emerge with the confidence, expertise, and Dan Wright’s overview of vermiculture (using worms to connections to achieve. All this, along with the heart to produce decompose organic matter). works that add value to our world. As the project came to a close, it ended much as it began: An invitation to share with hope and curiosity. We hope the region’s residents read On our website, harvestinghopemuncie.com, we capture these these narratives and are moved to consider each other, the and many other personal profiles, pairing them with photo food system, and their own stories with a sense of empathy essays, infographics, videos, and audio. The site also features and collaboration. We’re curious how many neighbors will try information about pantries, farmers markets, and farms as well a new recipe, start a food-related family tradition, or advocate as a sampling of the hundreds of cards — one side for recipes, for those without. We wonder about the longevity of the project the other for memories associated with those dishes — we and hope this storytelling movement doesn’t disappear into a collected from residents. We kept some cards, but distributed digital wasteland or on a dusty shelf. most throughout Muncie’s Little Free Libraries to encourage I remain curious and hopeful for my students. They felt community connections and more meaningful mealtimes. struggle because this kind of writing isn’t easy. They felt The project’s culmination is “Come to the Table,” a book frustrated when stories fell through, and they felt overwhelmed that presents many of the stories and recipes based on the by the interconnected webs of poverty, ignorance, and access seasons, which is “fresher, tastier, more nutritious and often that their work exposed. Will these agitations ignite a gritty cheaper because it’s at the peak of its supply,” according to determination to continue to tell stories that matter? our resident dietetics major, Jonathan Isbill. Team members will I hope they see every story as within walking distance, as be giving out copies of the book at farmers markets and other long as they put in the time and put on the right shoes. Photo by Kaiti Sullivan events throughout the summer. Students embraced their own narratives as well. Tele- ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kate Elliott is a lecturer of journalism at communications and journalism major Demarcus Brookins’ Ball State and a freelance writer and strategist. Previously, the Missouri native served as editor of two university alumni magazines, story about growing up on sloppy joes and tater tots ended worked in higher education marketing, and was a feature writer, in a homily about his single mother’s perseverance. Journalism columnist, and reporter. Kate works with community organizations, graphics major Ana Batres shared the Spanish phrase “panza including ecoREHAB, Farmished, and Open Door Health Services. llena corazón contento” (“a full belly and a happy heart”) to describe how her grandma, Meche, spends days in the kitchen to provide food and love for her family. Photo by Will Aiken Students also shared insights about what they had Clockwise from top: Ana Batres spends time in Photo by Rachel Ellis experienced and learned. Emily Sabens, whose stories from the kitchen with her grandmother. The journalism the class helped her land an internship with Indianapolis graphics major is among 40 Ball State students who spent the past year narrating food traditions Monthly’s dining section, confided feeling “shaky” prior to in the community Families gather for weekly meals and workshops sponsored by Forward STEPS, which empowers residents eager to gain economic stability. Among those interviewed was Jim O’Neill. An accident left him disabled and unable to work. Thanks to a local home rehab program, he uses money saved on heating bills to buy food. Kyle and Emily Becker own Becker Farms in To read more, go to Moreland, Indiana, where they juggle four kids, a harvestinghopemuncie.com. veterinary business, pigs, turkeys, and about 600 chickens. Here, 3-year-old son Griffin helps corral turkeys on the family’s 98-acre operation.

44 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 45 osh Gruver lives at the intersection of boundless Jadventure and practical pursuits.

“Listen, it hurts a little, having grown up in such a physical, With a team of volunteers, students, and colleagues, Gruver close-to-the-earth environment. We built our house in the has developed Muncie Food Hub Partnership, a multi-faceted mountains, cut wood for heat, and grew our own food. That operation that combines a central facility for producers to store way of life is part of me, but it is no more, and I feel it,” said and sell crops with mobile food trucks to deliver fresh, local Gruver, who since 2010 has taught courses in natural resources produce. The approach, which ensures more stability for Professor Josh Gruver plants and environmental management as an associate professor producers and more reliable access for consumers, is ambitious. lessons from his past to grow at Ball State University. But, Gruver said, the community is “hungry for better.” His life and work reflect that inner tension between gritty, “People want to feed their families with quality, affordable a more sustainable food system against-the-grain work and sensible living. His college and produce and goods, and producers are eager to better connect in east central Indiana. graduate work — which concluded at Penn State University, with the community. We just need to work on education and where he earned his Ph.D. — challenged him, but not always By Kate H. Elliott, Lecturer of Journalism in ways he anticipated. Windowless biochemistry labs drove him to the Peace Corp for two years. In a remote village of Papua New Guinea, he taught math and science and discovered a way to blend his passionate and practical natures. “Papua New Guinea changed everything,” Gruver said. In stacks of notebooks and in lengthy letters to his future wife, he wrote about “sociocultural, economic and biophysical dimensions that inform the human-natural resources dynamic. There, I found my next path, to pursue academia as a way to dig into real-world projects yet make a living and grow a family.”

Research that inspires action At Ball State, Gruver adapts the types of local, sustainable management practices he observed in the Pacific into Photo by Robbie Mehling meaningful work in east central Indiana. His most recent endeavor: a three-year, grant-funded project to assess the The Muncie Food Hub Partnership and mobile markets are based at Ball State’s Juanita Hults Environmental Education Center. The student- region’s food-scape, develop a strategy to increase economic run farm and regional farms will supply the mobile units with produce. development among producers, and enhance residents’ awareness of and access to local, affordable food. “This is critical work, as we strive to support area farmers access to shift the culture from how it’s been done to how it while combating food insecurity and increasing the overall could be,” said Gruver, who is collaborating across campus to health of our community,” he said. In Delaware County, one launch mobile produce markets this summer. “It will happen, in four people is food insecure. Between 2007–12, the county and it will happen because our community is coming together lost 49 small-scale farms, which Gruver said are integral to to support this vital legacy of farming in Indiana.” a resilient, productive local food system. Even though he’s digging in and planting change, Gruver Despite such disadvantages, the Indiana State Department occasionally feels the tug to flee the everyday, but life, similar of Agriculture identified Muncie as an “emerging region” to our food culture, is in constant tension for balance. capable of supporting a food hub, defined as a centrally “I’ll probably always have a small part of me that wants to located facility with a business management structure that break away and go live in a remote village on 50 cents a day,” brings together storage, processing, and distribution of he added. “But I have found purpose in Muncie.” regionally produced food products. Meaningful change won’t happen overnight, he added, but the “East central Indiana gets about 40 inches of precipitation father of two remains hopeful and patient that progress will come every year, we have good soils, plenty of sun, and a long for his adopted home. And who knows, maybe he’ll get those tradition of farming,” said Gruver, who also received grants to hands dirty again after all. assess soil quality of area farms and promote land conservation. “So why not take advantage of this rich environment rather To learn more about the Muncie Food Hub than sourcing from places like California’s Central Valley, Partnership, go to munciefoodhub.org where they struggle with drought, among other things?” or find it on Facebook.

46 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Photo by Don Rogers Spring/Summer 2018 47 Photo by Domenic Centofanti

Come Rain or Shine Whether forecasting the week ahead, alerting viewers to perilous conditions, or tracking the occasional tornado, these Ball State grads are prepared to handle whatever Indiana’s weather throws their way.

By Judy Wolf

t was clear when each was young. One was compelled to Ichat with folks nearby about weather. Another calculated how atmospheric conditions affected a dragster. One youngster’s journals are full of tornado and lightning drawings (Mom still has them). The fourth gazed, transfixed, at The Weather Channel for hours. By intention or chance, all prepared for their future careers at Ball State. Now they’re TV meteorologists in Indianapolis, and while they may not agree on a forecast’s precise details, they do agree on a lot. They loved their time on campus and how it readied them for their callings, heaping particular praise on the Summer storm chasing class and NewsLink Indiana. Each enjoys the job’s challenges and rewards. And all love central Indiana’s dynamic weather for its professional challenges. What’s most important is helping to protect the community. From giving viewers enough warning to prepare for severe storms or urging drivers and pedestrians to be wary of slippery roads and sidewalks, they’re serious about that responsibility. Each also enjoys community outreach, especially talking with schoolkids. The weather experts teach the science of weather, talk about creating home safety plans for severe storms, and offer winter safety tips, such as keeping a faucet dripping so pipes don’t freeze. The four native Hoosiers grew up watching Indy stations and have worked to get there professionally. Sometimes, they can’t believe they’ve made it. Here are their stories.

Editor’s note: A fifth Cardinal alum, Amber Hardwick, ’13, flew Indy TV meteorologists and Ball State alumni (from left) John back to Indianapolis but too late for the magazine’s deadline. Dissauer, Lindsey Monroe, Brad Maushart, and Marcus Bailey. The Fox 59 meteorologist is a native of Speedway, Indiana.

48 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 49 Come Rain or Shine

John Dissauer, ’99 campus, found a downtown business that let us use its electricity. The faculty trusted us enough to do these kinds of CBS 4 (WTTV) and Fox 59 (WXIN) things. They allowed us to try something, even if we failed.” Even as a kid in Columbus, Indiana, Dissauer had to talk about Through an extended internship with Fox 59 chief the weather. meteorologist and now-colleague Brian Wilkes, he learned “I remember watching Bob McLain at Channel 6, who would the finer points of weathercasting. That led to jobs in Cape say there’s a storm watch from 75 miles on either side of a line Girardeau, Missouri, and Colorado Springs, Colorado, before from Terre Haute to Muncie. I hopped on my bike and went to returning to Indiana in 2014. tell the neighbors.” His keen interest in technology continues as he helps He now does that on a larger scale for CBS 4 and sometimes his stations build a multicamera weather network in central on Fox 59 (the same company owns both). “It’s like an IndyCar Indiana. There are 16 cameras now with plans for more, team. We have a few cars working under one garage.” including one at Ball State. He planned to study meteorology at the University of North Dakota, starting classes at Ball State to save money , ’11 and staying for the hands-on experiences. Lindsey Monroe Dissauer did weather for WCRH, the student-run TV station Channel 13 (WTHR) now called Cardinal Vision. He wasn’t satisfied with the 1990s If it hadn’t been for drag racing, Monroe might not be a weather map, which was a camera shot of USA Today’s map. meteorologist. So in the early days of the public internet, he went all over No, she wasn’t a pint-sized Shirley Muldowney. But she campus to find weather maps online, save them to a disk, learned about weather’s effects when her dad, Mike Moistner, and get them on air. The station used his method until it got raced at Muncie Dragway, just up the road from campus. professional software. “He had the old three-panel barometer, thermometer, and Dr. David “Doc” Arnold, then an associate geography hygrometer (air pressure, temperature, and humidity). He would professor, launched the meteorology program after Dissauer program all of those things into an algorithm, and it would tell graduated. They overlapped just a year but helped each other a you if your car was going to run faster or slower. lot. Arnold found feedback from Dissauer, who had taken many “I was doing all of these weather calculations as a kid, just telecommunications (TCOM) classes, invaluable. And Arnold thinking it was part of racing, not even realizing I was learning guided Dissauer’s senior year meteorological studies. (Learn about the atmosphere and the environment and the weather.” more about Arnold in a Q&A with him at magazine.bsu.edu.) That led to watching weather patterns, which was easy in Dissauer said he helped Arnold create the Summer storm Cambridge City, about 25 miles from Ohio’s border. Then, as chasing class, which involves classroom learning followed by a high school sophomore, she saw a report by Sean Ash (now practicing forecasting in the Great Plains. During 1999’s a colleague). He captured 11 tornadoes in 90 minutes while Summer, Dissauer witnessed six tornadoes in three weeks. following the 2004 storm chasing class. “I saw that Ball State He also was among the student pioneers bringing live TV to offered that, and I knew exactly where I was going to college.” Ball State. For live coverage of the Homecoming parade from With her early weather start, “I thought it would be a piece City Hall, “we rounded up lots of equipment from around of cake. And it’s not. Calculus 1 and 2 are prerequisites just to get into the upper-level meteorology courses.” COOPERATION EQUALS SUCCESS Her four years on the extracurricular Storm Chase Team was another highlight. Members drove up to three hours when they Meteorology began in 2002 as an option for geography spotted bad weather, took tours, and brought in speakers so majors in the College of Sciences and Humanities. It students could see there are meteorology jobs outside of TV, became a major last Fall, with about 80 sophomores such as working for insurance companies or the National through seniors enrolled. Many freshmen change majors Weather Service. after seeing the math and science involved. In addition to forecasting, she learned life skills in the storm The help that telecommunications offers is invaluable, chasing class, from budgeting money on a trip to making hotel said Dr. Dave Call, associate professor of geography and reservations. And through NewsLink Indiana, “I got real, a former broadcast meteorologist. “They let us use the on-camera experience before my internships.” NewsLink studio at no charge, even though it’s inconvenient Her busy undergrad life also prepared her for work’s time for them. A lot of students do internships, but I think the Photos by Domenic Centofanti NewsLink training and telecommunications’ generosity demands. “You’re balancing school, going to the tutor, doing really help our students flourish.” an internship, NewsLink Indiana once a day, storm chase meetings — and still trying to have a social life ’cause you’re Dressed for the seasons are (clockwise, from top left): Fall’s John Dissauer, Spring’s Lindsey Monroe, Winter’s Marcus Bailey, and Summer’s Brad Maushart.

50 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 51 Come Rain or Shine

Maushart, Bailey, Monroe, and Dissauer are ecstatic to work in • Are there any damage reports? as you can. I think Ball State is the perfect size. You can get in the field they love. • Remember to name landmarks (schools, big intersections) there, get a ton of airtime and come out of school with that to help those unfamiliar with the area. experience. It’s a huge deal.” Severe weather coverage has brought weather teams he’s Something else special about the program remains true. been on some tasty thank-you’s: pizzas delivered to the station “We all were passionate. Competitive, but not in a toxic way. courtesy of grateful viewers. That is the same kind of vibe going on now. Lindsey and John are competitors, but they’re Ball State people. I want them to succeed, and I hope they want Brad or me to succeed.” Marcus Bailey, ’05 He and Maushart teamed up on a severe weather special in Channel 8 (WISH) February, using some of WISH’s Summer 2004 footage about the storm chase class Bailey was in. The weather on that Ball State’s “met” program was young when this Wes-Del High monthlong trip was epic, he recalled. School senior from Gaston, Indiana, was looking. But founder “The very first week, it was storm after storm. We ended up “Doc” Arnold was nationally respected, so Bailey emailed him. getting about 17 tornadoes in one day. It was un-real. Unreal.” “He sent this packet of all the stuff the program does, where For Bailey, the rewards of his job are very real. At schools, he wants the program to go,” Bailey said. “A big selling point for he loves “showing pictures of tornadoes, or talking about how me was an actual storm chasing trip for juniors and seniors.” hail is made. Their eyes light up, and that’s the coolest thing. That, Doc, and TCOM’s strength made the choice easy. I was that kid.” He appreciates it when viewers thank him for Bailey recalled his first NewsLink forecast. “Going in there, scattering science and weather tidbits into his forecasts. wearing a suit jacket that probably didn’t fit me and a dress The biggest professional challenge he sees for broadcasters shirt that I needed to iron. My mom could pick NewsLink up is adapting to technology changes to serve viewers. over the air, and the minute I was done, she called. ‘You were He was delighted to return to Indiana after jobs in Lima, Ohio, Photo by Domenic Centofanti great!’ After all that hard work, that was a really cool moment.” and Peoria, Illinois. “There still are days I have to pinch myself During a return visit to campus this year, he urged students and say, ‘Wow.’ And I know that John and Lindsey and Brad to take advantage of the state-of-the-art studio. “This is like a in college, after all. And then when you actually get to apply So he and a pal started offering storm-chasing tours and feel that way. This is where we want to be, and we made it. sport or theater or playing music. The more you do it, the better that to the real world, you realize you can totally handle it sold storm footage to Midwest TV stations, which paid their “The journey was fun, but it’s good to be home.” because of what you had been through in college,” she gas money for storm chases that ranged to South Dakota. you’re going to get. So get in that studio and get as many reps said, laughing. Flash forward to May graduation. One morning, he sent “I get to do weather every day still, but I don’t have to come out about 30 job applications, including reels of his NewsLink home and do a bunch of math problems. And I actually get forecasts. One went to an Alaska station. He knew nothing CARDINAL WEATHER SERVICE PREPARES NEXT GENERATION OF METEOROLOGISTS paid to do this. I feel very fortunate.” about Alaska, “outside of you see it on the map every now Two days after graduation, she started at a station in Terre and then, down in the corner, with Hawaii.” hen aspiring meteorologists Lauren Elston or Ethan Rosuck Visit magazine.bsu.edu to learn more Haute, Indiana. When she moved to Memphis, Tennessee, The one call he got? The Anchorage news director. “Having W (shown right) look up to the skies and check their forecasts, about Cardinal Weather Service. “I was pretty much the go-to winter expert.” She returned a highlight reel of live forecasts is the only reason I got my foot the pair never forget that Indiana weather can change in an instant. to Indiana in January. in the door.” The two are members of the recently created Cardinal Weather He did forecasts in a state twice the size of Texas and Service (CWS), a student-driven forecasting service whose clients include Ball State Athletics and the Cardinal Greenway. cherished his time there. “Living in Alaska was phenomenal. With 62 paved miles running from Sweetser through Marion and Brad Maushart, ’12 Loved the people, loved getting outside, loved the mountains.” Muncie to Losantville and Richmond in east central Indiana, Cardinal Channel 8 (WISH) Yet, he missed covering severe weather, so he went from Greenway has the toughest weather to predict, said Lauren. “Those are one extreme to the other: Jackson, Mississippi, just hours from Maushart jokes that he’s lucked into a lot of good things in life, locations that can have different types of weather at the same time. It including Ball State. He did little research before applying to the Gulf of Mexico. “I got back to tornadoes and hurricanes can be snowing in Marion, raining in Muncie, and sunny in Richmond.” three universities. Ball State was the most welcoming, and he and all kinds of stuff.” CWS recently became a regular course offering in the Department loved it. During three years, he learned from another meteorologist of Geography’s meteorology and climatology degree program. Maushart (mouse-heart) had great fun, from volleyball at and really enjoyed his colleagues. Then he returned to the Petra Zimmermann, a geography professor who works with CWS, Elliott Hall to being Charlie Cardinal to playing intramural Midwest, did a brief fill-in stint in Cincinnati and eventually said students "are not only augmenting their classroom knowledge. sports. “I was kind of busy in school,” he said, laughing. landed back where he was born, the Circle City, in 2017. They are learning the so-called soft skills, including communication He got permission to take the Summer storm chasing class The Midwest’s biggest challenge is being on-air during proficiencies and learning to work in a team, that are prized by employers.” after his freshman year. While they saw no tornadoes, he severe weather, he said, listing just a few of the things Few programs offer the chance to earn college credits for forecasting for applied class lessons to read the radar and make forecasts. broadcasters must stay aware of with, say, just one tornado: external clients, she added. CWS posts its forecasts and engages with the community via “You’re living it, breathing it, smelling it, feeling it. The immersive • Where are the warnings and where are they headed? cardinalwxservice.com and social media. — Marc Ransford experience of doing it firsthand is completely different.” • Do you have anybody who’s seen the tornado? Photo by Don Rogers

52 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 53 Legacy / Commitment / Traditions ALUMNI ALUMNI CLASS NOTES 1960s at the University of South Florida and Sally (Merrick) Aiken, ’79, Greenwood, co-directs the Florida Statewide Problem- Indiana, retired after 42 years as a music Shirley Willard, MA ’66, Rochester, Indiana, Solving/Response to Intervention Project educator. received the Indiana Historical Society’s for the Florida Department of Education. Show and Tell 2017 Eli Lilly Lifetime Achievement Award for Jeff Childs, ’79, Barrington, Illinois, gave her contributions to the field of history. She Gary Scharnhorst, MA ’73, Albuquerque, the Miller College of Business’ Executive in A serene image of two students is one of helped establish the Fulton County Historical New Mexico published “The Life of Mark Residence lecture in April. He is chief human many photos shared in a new Centennial- Society in 1963, serving as its first secretary, Twain: The Early Years, 1835-1871.” It begins resource officer for Ulta Beauty, the largest themed book now on sale (read more on then as its president. She spearheaded the the first multi-volume biography of the writer beauty retailer in the U.S., operating 1,074 in over a century. A veteran Twain scholar, retail stores. Prior to joining Ulta Beauty, he page 10). Our next magazine is also building of a new museum and the placing of over 80 historical markers on the 1838 Scharnhorst is a distinguished professor was executive vice president and chief dedicated to the University’s Centennial, Potawatomi Trail of Death from Indiana to emeritus of English at the University of human resource officer at U.S. Cellular. and we want to hear from you. Tell us Kansas. In addition to founding the Trail of New Mexico and has authored 50 books. Stephen W. Hines, ’79, Nashville, about beloved professors, cherished Courage Living History Festival, she is the Ricke Stucker, MAE ’74, Kokomo, Indiana, Tennessee, published “A Prairie Girl’s Faith: friends, favorite hangouts, unforgettable author of four books and a weekly history was recently inducted into the Indiana The Spiritual Legacy of Laura Ingalls Wilder,” events, or anything else you’d like to column for the Rochester Sentinel. (This Association of Track and Cross-Country focusing on Wilder’s Christian upbringing corrects incorrect information that ran in share (including scans of vintage Coaches Hall of Fame. He has been head and its influence on her works He has our previous issue’s Class Notes.) photos). Email your memories to boys cross country coach for more than four published 10 popular books about Wilder [email protected]. Laurie Lindberg, ’69 MA ’79 PhD ’84, decades at Kokomo High School, where he and 20 books overall. Muncie, retired after completing 21 years also coaches girls cross country and track. of service at Ball State, most recently as Katherine Briccetti, ’75, San Francisco, a faculty member in the Honors College. 1980s retired after 32 years as a school A recipient of the Vander Hill Award for Michael LaFerney, MA ’80, Haverhill, psychologist. She is the author of “Blood Distinguished Teaching in Honors Education, Massachusetts, is the author of “Point of Strangers: A Memoir” and recently launched she directed numerous senior Honors Care: What Motivates You as a Nurse?” a photography business. College theses and creative projects, directed the University’s London Centre in 2011, and served on the Kentucky Photo by Don Rogers Humanities Council’s Board of Directors.

1970s Stephen Powell, ’71 MA ’75, Greenwood, Indiana, retired from AT&T Indiana after 41 years of service. He is a Beneficence Society member.

Peter Joffre Nye, ’72, Kirksville, Missouri, won the International Regional Magazine Association’s Historic Nonfiction Feature award for “Airplane Wars: Finger Lakes Aviation Pioneer Glenn Curtiss Battled the Wright Brothers for Supremacy of the Skies,” published in Mountain Home Magazine. He also authored the biography, “The Fast Times of Albert Champion: From Record- Setting Racer to Dashing Tycoon, An Untold Story of Speed, Success, and Betrayal.” Robert G. “Bob” Hunt, ’69, meets with President Geoffrey S. Mearns prior to Spring George Batsche, MA ’73 EdD ’78, Tampa, Commencement on May 5. During the ceremony, the University bestowed upon the Florida, received a Lifetime Achievement entrepreneur and philanthropist an honorary doctorate of laws for his many contributions to Award from the National Association of Ball State as well as his efforts as a business executive and as a compassionate humanitarian. School Psychologists during its 2018 Annual “Be inspired, be inspiring to others, and do it all with humility and a large amount of gratitude,” Convention in Chicago. He is professor and he told the 3,300 graduates. co-director of the Institute for School Reform

54 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 55 ALUMNI ALUMNI

The article appeared in Reflections on The board of directors of the Community where he worked as a student in the Student plant site. She will use her experience Nursing Leadership magazine, published by Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, Indiana, Affairs Administration in Higher Education as former director of engagement and Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society named Brad Little, ’86, as its president and master’s program. Co-author of two books, operations for Midtown Indy to oversee of Nursing. He is a psychiatric clinical nurse chief executive officer. His career experience his research interests include examining community relations and marketing efforts specialist at Arbor SeniorCare. includes private foundations, community K-12 school finance, teacher preparation, for the 103-acre site with hopes to reimagine foundations, and corporate environments. student health and learning. downtown’s western edge. Jeffrey Slinker, ’81, Greenfield, Indiana, recently started traveling around to Indiana Ehren Bingaman, ’99, Kennesaw, Georgia, Kathryn (Stevens) Jessup, MAE ’05 LGR schools speaking about beating cancer and 1990s was named Ball State Department of Urban ’08 EdS ’13 EdD ’17, Brownsburg, Indiana, the hazards of smoking. He works as a Planning’s Distinguished Alumnus of the has received her doctoral degree in substitute teacher and graduation coach Chris Gregory, ’93, Jacksonville, Florida, Year. In February, he delivered a lecture educational leadership from Ball State. She at Greenfield-Central High School. was featured in the article, “Top 33 Tips from about the work city planners do to improve is the superintendent for the Brownsburg the Pros on Inbound Marketing Strategy” on communities. He is director of the Community School Corporation. Jeff Campbell, ’82 MA ’83, Indianapolis has FitSmallBusiness.com. He is a founder and Transportation Planning Department for Dodd Kattman Andrew Wall Wendy Robinson Shanna Wiechel retired from a 28-year career as a medical managing partner at Dagmar Marketing. HNTB Corporation in Atlanta with experience Mike Reynolds, ’07 MA ’09, Indianapolis, social worker for Wishard and Eskenazi in community and economic development, spoke in March on “Distributive Justice and hospitals. In 2016, he married Sarah Troxel Karen (Beer) Kruger, ’95 MA ’97, Kingwood, Lyganex Bio, Inc., a biotech company pieces. Hutchinson wrote, “While we are strategic and master planning, policy the Embrace of Equality in the Workplace” as in St. Pete Beach, Florida. Texas, received the High School Counselor focused on tissue regeneration, while a smaller company, we feel that we get to development, and executive leadership. part of the philosophy and religious studies of the Year award from the Texas School department’s career development program. pursuing his MBA from Ohio State University. touch thousands of family’s lives each year,” Dennis E. Hensley, PhD ’82, Fort Wayne, Counselor Association. She is a high school Adam Holderman, ’99, is now advisor- He is a salesforce administrator for RCI He was among the alumni speakers featured and have even created memorials for several Indiana, recently contributed to “Christian counselor at Kingwood High School. diabetes medical affairs launch COO at Eli Vacation Exchange and active in many this spring in the Entrepreneurial Experience families in the Muncie area. Publishing 101: The Comprehensive Guide Lilly and Company in Indianapolis. He has community organizations. Lecture Series, where students learn directly to Writing Well and Publishing Successfully.” In March, Annette Craycraft, ’96, Muncie, Kayzie (Priebe) Weedman, ’15, South Bend, 18 years of experience with Lilly, including from and network with those leading their Other contributors include the author of was part of Ball State’s Women’s Week Panel Indiana, was chosen as Mrs. South Bend assignments in global medical affairs, Six Erin Bangel, ’08 MA ’12, is a teacher at own businesses. the “Left Behind” series. The professor Discussion: A Conversation with Indiana 2018 and in April won the title of Mrs. Sigma, clinical project management, sales MSD of Decatur Township Schools in of communication at Taylor University has Women of Achievement. The former director Christopher Dobbs, ’11 MFA ’17, Indiana. She works at Press Ganey in South and marketing, and medical IT. Much of that Indianapolis and does volunteer work for authored many books, including “Finding of the Indiana Commission for Women Indianapolis, currently teaches animation at Bend as internal communications manager time has been spent on diabetes teams. the Preeclampsia Foundation, organizing the Success with Your Dream Writing Projects.” created the Torchbearer Awards to recognize annual Indianapolis Promise Walk and 5 K Ball State. His short animated film about a and is a local director for the Miss America women of Indiana who have stepped forward Jared Sizemore, ’99, Sarasota, Florida, Fun Run in June. Preeclampsia is a life- duo of detectives set in an underwater world Organization. She and her husband, Andrew, Richard (Rick) Martinez, ’84, Jenison, as leaders by breaking down barriers and published his first novel, “The Chrysolite threatening disorder that occurs only during won Best Animated Film at the Midwest ’16, met at Ball State. He is a sales Michigan, was named communications overcoming obstacles. She is executive Mission: The Lights of Zoain Book One.” He pregnancy and the postpartum period and Action Festival in Logansport, Indiana. It has representative for Stryker Orthopedics. officer for the nonprofit TrueNorth Community director of East Central Indiana CASA Inc., describes it as a science fiction and fantasy affects both the mother and the unborn also appeared in several other film festivals Services, overseeing communications, Emily Ambriz, ’17, Indianapolis, was a nonprofit agency serving children who adventure with echoes of J.R.R. Tolkien baby. Learn more at promisewalk.org. across the nation and will be screened at the advertising, marketing, and digital media recently promoted to marketing coordinator are abused or neglected. mixed with “Star Wars.” Indy Film Fest in Indianapolis this summer. for the organization. Warren Watson, MA ’08, of Winthrop- within Music for All, a nonprofit educational Kara Monroe, ’96, Indianapolis, became Augusta, Maine, has been a reporter and Matthew Heck, ’11, Tampa, Florida, organization that combines regional and Brian Kidd, ’85, Chicago, is a 30-plus-year provost/senior vice president for Ivy Tech 2000s editor for 44 years. His debut book, “Claire accepted a position at Nexstar Media as a national music education programming and veteran and partner at Chicago-based Community College in July. She has held Jennifer Courtney, ’00 MS ’01, Chicago, and Charlie: An Unlikely Wartime Love marketing account executive. He manages advocacy efforts through its Music for All, architectural firm Pappageorge Haymes various positions at Ivy Tech since 1998, just completed her 20th marathon, this one Story,” retells the unlikely meeting of his a list of accounts for WFLA-TV, the NBC Bands of America, Orchestra America and Partners. Among the firm’s most tenured most recently as vice president for academic in Paris, France. Since her first marathon in parents, GI Charlie Watson, a New York affiliate in Tampa. He worked at WTHR-TV choir programs. Her responsibilities include professionals, his specialized experience in innovation and support. She is also 2009, running has taken her all over the wisecrack, and New Hampshire farm girl in Indianapolis previously. email and social media campaigns; web, residential and mixed-use high-rise centers statewide chair for Circle of Ivy Women’s world. She is vice president of Burwood Claire St. Cyr. Their attraction grew through digital, and print design; and marketing includes his work as design architect for Philanthropy Circle and chair for the Zach Hartley, ’13, Nashville, Tennessee, was Group, an IT consulting and integration firm. love letters before they even met back in the projects. the technically innovative residential tower promoted to an agent at Paradigm Talent Richmond Circle. The women’s group closing days of World War II. At Ball State, 465 North Park. Located between Chicago’s Agency, a full-service talent agency based in creates resources and raises funds for Ivy Irene Martz, AS ’02, Springport, Indiana, Watson served as director of J-Ideas for the Navy Pier and the iconic Tribune Tower, it is Beverly Hills that works with Alessia Cara, Tech students. launched Carouselbags.com, a subscription First Amendment Institute. expected to reach completion this summer. service that gives customers access to Steve Miller Band, Johnnyswim, and Walk Wendy Robinson, EdD ’96, Fort Wayne, handbags from the world’s top independent the Moon. He will continue to operate out of KEEP IN TOUCH Juli Metzger, ’85 MS ’88, Muncie, was Indiana, was runner-up for the 2018 National designers. the agency’s Nashville office. elected to the Indiana Youth Institute’s board Superintendent of the year award announced 2010s Submit Class Notes and of director and fills a seat designated for the by the AASA, The School Superintendents Shanna Wiechel, ’02, St. Louis, was You may have seen Jessie Rabideau, ’10, This spring, Kayla Kennedy, ’13, Wheeling, In Memoriam entries by Community Foundation of Muncie and Association. Robinson has served Fort promoted to managing principal, operations, on TV in a widely aired GE commercial Indiana, performed in the ensemble of filling out the online form Delaware County. A Muncie native and Wayne Community Schools for over 40 for Christner Inc., overseeing recruitment and celebrating girls in STEM fields. She played Porchlight Music Theatre’s production of at bsu.edu/forms/alumni/ longtime journalist who teaches journalism at years, beginning as a teacher, and has talent development, creating a collaborative the grown-up Molly, who is shown at various “Memphis” at the Ruth Page Center for the submitclassnote. Ball State, she also serves on the board for been superintendent since 2013. work environment, and ensuring exceptional ages making inventions to streamline her Arts on Chicago’s Gold Coast. Alumni, please visit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie and is client service. The collaborative design firm chores and schoolwork. The former Andrew Wall, MA ’96, Loma Linda, Daniel Hutchinson, ’15, Kayla Wiles, ’14, board vice president for Project Leadership. serves healthcare, science and technology, architecture major headed to Los Angeles bsu.edu/alumni and click California, is the Robert A. & Mildred Peronia and Justin Kern, ’14, all work for Seattle- education, and corporate markets. for graduate school. After appearing on a “ALUMNI DIRECTORY” in upper Dodd Kattman, ’86, Roanoke, Indiana, of Naslund Endowed Dean’s Chair and whim on “America’s Next Top Model: College based Artful Ashes. The company creates right to update your information. MKM architecture + design is involved in a professor of the School of Education at the Indianapolis-based commercial real estate Edition,” she began acting and has written memorial glass art pieces infused with a All Ball State family and friends, renovation project for Fort Wayne Pediatrics, University of Redlands in Redland, California. company Ambrose Property Group named and directed her own projects. small portion of loved ones’ ashes. creating a welcoming environment for He was honored in January with the 2017 Mali Simone Jeffers, ’04, as director of Hutchinson and Wiles give customer support please email [email protected] families and making check-in and checkout, Teachers College Outstanding Alumni Award marketing and community initiatives for the Kyle Bushey, ’11, Carmel, Indiana, Miller and organize memorial creations, while Kern with address updates. as simple and direct as possible. at a reception held in Botsford/Swinford, redevelopment of the former GM stamping College of Business graduate, co-founded works with a team of glass artists to create

56 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 57 ALUMNI BENEFICENCE IS THE DIFFERENCE Alumna Achieves Rank of U.S. General

lmost 30 years ago, an Army battalion commander told a earning an English degree on a full scholarship, suggested A young second lieutenant from Darlington, South Carolina, she check out ROTC. Determined she would have a job upon This year marks Ball State University’s FUNDS he would make sure she would never be promoted to first graduation so she wouldn’t have to move back home with her lieutenant because women had no place in the Army. parents, she signed up for ROTC at South Carolina State 100th birthday! As we celebrate our YOU Twanda (Williamson) Young, MA ’92, said that negative University as a cross-enrollment student from Claflin. proud past, we hope you’ll join us in comment, so early in her career, only deepened her “I didn’t initially plan on (the military) being a career, I was building the bright future ahead for determination to succeed. “I said, ‘Sir I’ll be here when you just happy to have a job to go to after college,” Young said. students like Kathy Berryhill. LOVE retire.’ And lo and behold, I was there shaking his hand and “I loved it, so I just stayed with it.” Most commonly saying thank you for your service, when he retired.” She went on to earn her master’s degree in adult education and executive development for public service from Ball State. selected funds by “It aided in providing a good foundation to teach, coach, and Ball State donors. mentor others,” she said. Over the past three decades, she’s held leadership 1 Ball State Fund assignments at the battalion, brigade, joint task force, and 2 Cardinal Varsity strategic command levels. She commanded the Continental Club/Athletics U.S. Replacement Center Battalion at Fort Benning, Georgia, and the Army Reserve Theater Support Group in Fort Shafter, 3 Scholarships Hawaii. She deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and more recently was responsible for military 4 Miller College personnel management, personnel policy development, personnel of Business strength accounting, and readiness of the U.S. Army Reserve. Throughout her career, she said, her goal was to continually Teachers 5 work to increase and enhance the effectiveness of the Army’s College Dean’s Photo by Spc. Noel Williams, U.S. Army Reserve human resources programs and be approachable to staff, Fund for regardless of her rank. Twanda Young has her shoulder boards pinned on by daughters Lea and Kathy Berryhill, ’19 Excellence In her current position, she is deputy commanding general Tyra while husband Tracy looks on. During a December ceremony, she Indianapolis for U.S. Army Human Resources Command in Fort Knox, 2018 Student Leader of the Year became one of just a few female African-American generals in the Army. Kentucky. She will assist the commanding general in executing the full spectrum of human resources programs that develop After decades of climbing the ranks, Young was promoted leaders, build Army readiness, and promote and sustain the “Attending Ball State wouldn’t have been to brigadier general during a ceremony at Fort Bragg, North well-being of soldiers, veterans, and their families. possible for me without the scholarships Carolina, in December 2018, becoming one of only a few Young said she believes the keys to her success have been I received. My three years at Ball State female African-American Army generals. the good home foundation provided by her parents, faith, and have given me the opportunity to grow Young said she had never thought about joining the Army integrity to stay true to her word and never waver in doing the until a college friend at Claflin University, where she was right thing. in unexpected ways. I’ve held leadership positions in the Residence Hall Association, Student Government Association, and University Senate, presented at From Cardinals to Tigers: Four Music Alumni Are Clemson Professors conferences, and was surprised and bsu.edu/give all State has a robust connection to Clemson University humbled to have been named 2017 Ball Band its Department of Performing Arts, where four music State Homecoming Queen. You and alumni are professors. Shown in the photo at right are (from left): Mark Spede, MM ’88 (director of bands); Paul L. Buyer, countless other donors have made my Text BSU2018 to 41444 to make your gift from your mobile device. ’92 (director of music and percussion); Bruce Whisler, ’82 experience one I’ll never forget. Thank you MM ’92 DA ’02 (director of audio technology); and Andrew from the bottom of my heart.” Levin, DA ’93 (director of orchestral activities). Ball State University Foundation Read more about the four and their journey from Ball State @BSUFoundation to Clemson at magazine.bsu.edu. @BSUFoundation Photo courtesy of Clemson University Spring/Summer 2018 59 ALUMNI ALUMNI

Community engagement has long been a priority for “One of the leading factors to decline is a lack of empathy CONVERSATION Jamison. After receiving a master’s degree in higher education and understanding of those who are perceived as different,” administration from Ball State, he worked for two years in he said. “Simply put: People are no longer listening to, or the University’s Office of Leadership and Service Learning, trying to understand each other or how to work together overseeing community engagement initiatives for students. In despite differences. We felt the model and the tools we STARTER 2005, he joined Indiana Campus Compact (ICC), a consortium developed for The Facing Project could help better connect of 40-plus colleges and universities throughout the state people and create understanding across difference throughout The Facing Project engages committed to fulfilling the civic purposes of higher education. the country.” the power of stories to As its executive director, Jamison leads ICC’s support of Together Timmerman and Jamison created a toolkit with administrators, faculty, staff, and students as they pursue resources to make it easy for campuses, schools, and even create community change. community-based teaching, scholarship, and action in the businesses to use and create their own Facing Projects. They service of public good. started slowly, testing in five different communities to work out By Jennifer Criss, ’98 a model that was adaptable to any size community and any Broadening perspectives type of school or organization. Now, there are Facing Projects .R. Jamison, ’01 MA ’03, has long known In 2012, Jamison was recruited by Timmerman — the New in more than 75 communities and 40 campuses across the Jthe value of telling a compelling story. As York Times-bestselling author of “Where Am I Wearing? A country, with 7,500 volunteers so far participating and 1,500- a Ball State undergraduate, he combined his Global Tour to the Countries, Factories, and People That Make plus stories shared. geography major with a minor in creative writing, Our Clothes” — to be a writer on a project called “Facing Headquartered in Muncie, The Facing Project maintains a intending to one day become a travel writer. Now, Poverty.” Both men are Muncie natives, and Timmerman strong Ball State connection. Among faculty who have used he is collaborating with bestselling author Kelsey had recently moved back to the community. the model in their courses and participated in projects is Beth Timmerman on The Facing Project, using As a freelance writer doing work with local nonprofits, Messner, MA, associate professor of communication studies. storytelling to help communities start Timmerman said he started thinking about poverty in Muncie “Perhaps the most exciting part of the project is engaging conversations and address difficult topics. and misperceptions surrounding it. He brainstormed ways with people who I would likely have not met otherwise,” said Since the two founded The Facing Project he could bring people together around difficult topics like this Messner, who was involved in the very first project, Facing in Muncie in 2012, the nonprofit has grown. In one and help the community understand one another and Poverty, and continues to collaborate with the nonprofit. 2017 alone, 40 new Facing Projects were started the problems they all face — bringing them to light. His work “Discussing their life experiences, learning through their covering 18 U.S. states and a range of issues. would become the model for The Facing Project. memories, struggles, and joys, allows me to glimpse dimensions “We want people to connect across of our community that I often know little about. In turn, it differences and bring people together around broadens and enriches my own perspective and informs the stories,” said Jamison. “We think The Facing way I interact with others in our community.” Project can change minds and hearts around In 2017, storytellers, writers, actors, and organizers donated tough subjects.” over 38,000 hours to The Facing Project, which recently The project’s unique model connects writers moved to a new location in Muncie, began its first with residents of communities who share stories corporate project with Principal Financial Global, about their life challenges — issues such as and launched its first fundraising campaign. Also addiction, homelessness, racism, and mental last year, the project model was adapted for use health. Writers work with the storytellers one-on- in high school classrooms. one to develop these stories into first-person “None of this would have been possible accounts, culminating with a book that’s shared without all of the brave individuals who throughout the community as a resource and have stepped forward to say they acted out by local actors through community believe in the power of theater and monologues. storytelling to create As communities collectively hear and read the community change,” Jamison stories, they can begin to find an understanding recently wrote on a blog for and common ground. The Facing Project website. “Stories from each project have inspired us to continue the work of “We want people to connect across differences and bring people connecting people across differences together around stories,” said J.R. Jamison (shown left). As co-founder of The Facing Project, his goal is to “change minds with the belief that it takes a thousand and hearts around tough subjects.” voices to tell a single story.”

Photos by Domenic Centofanti

60 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 61 ALUMNI

Robert J. Branyan, ’62 MA ’67, Bluffton, Indiana, January 28, 2018. Donald J. Bruick, MA ’62, Fort Wayne, Indiana, March 22, IN MEMORIAM 2018. Dean F. Hahn, ’62, Knightstown, Indiana, March 12, 2018. Charles E. Smitley, MA ’62, Fort Wayne, Indiana, February For a complete listing, please visit Lois C. (Wolfe) Craig, ’50, Linton, Indiana, Wallace S. Gartee, ’56 MA ’61, South Bend, 20, 2018. January 28, 2018. Indiana, March 21, 2018. magazine.bsu.edu/alumni Beulah H. (Flory) Heavenridge, ’63 MAE ’71, Hartford City, Constance A. (Fread) Douthitt, ’50 MAE ’62, James R. McIntosh, ’56, Sun City Center, Indiana, February 1, 2018. Decatur, Georgia, March 14, 2018. Florida, January 23, 2018. 1930s Sandra M. (King) Linville, ’63 MA ’66, Morristown, Indiana, Mary B. (Swynehardt) Thistlethwaite, ’38 MAE Cecil W. Ewing, ’50, Gary, Indiana, February 25, Barbara A. (LaRue) King, ’57, Muncie, March 19, February 3, 2018. ’47, DeKalb, Illinois, November 30, 2017. 2018. 2018. Jack M. Ade, MA ’64, Fort Wayne, Indiana, April 3, 2018. Edith (Johnson) Guthrie, ’39, Muncie, February Patricia J. (Hulse) Helm, ’50 MA ’58, Carmel, Randall L. Mauck, ’57 EDD ’74, Logansport, Sandra S. (Finch) Fowler, ’64, Indianapolis, February 4, 6, 2018. Indiana, November 27, 2017. Indiana, October 29, 2017. 2018. Joseph M. Rapp Jr., ’50, Denver, February 19, John J. Moran, ’57, South Milwaukee, Donna J. (Zelt) Green, ’64, Churubusco, Indiana, February 2018. Wisconsin, January 22, 2018. 1940s 1, 2018. Lois L. (Campbell) Galliher, ’42, Fort Wayne, Henry Rosa, AB ’50 MA ’56, Redlands, Vida E. Stair, MA ’57, Bluffton, Indiana, January Roland L. Robbins, ’64, Snellville, Georgia, February 10, 2018. Indiana, March 21, 2018. California, January 18, 2018. 22, 2018. Sue M. (Casebeer) Summers, ’64 MA ’67, Scottsdale, Lavon A. (Anderson) Logsdon, ’43, Milroy, Lenore L. (Knoebler) Bouras, ’51, Vista, Francis R. Saxman, ’58 MA ’63, EdD ’71, Arizona, January 23, 2018. Indiana, March 23, 2018. California, February 21, 2018. Plainfield, Indiana, February 10, 2018. Paul F. Hooker Jr., MA ’65, Saint Augustine, Florida, Jeanne (Ingles) Howell, ’44 MA ’61, Anderson, Ruth C. (Wolter) Frische, ’51 MA ’55, Seymour, Orvis G. Burdsall, ’59, Alexandria, Indiana, January 28, 2018. Indiana, March 16, 2018. Indiana, February 23, 2018. February 12, 2018. Frieda Klopfenstein, ’65, Katy, Texas, February 24, 2018. Joyce J. (Unger) Kellam, ’44, Carmel, Indiana, Joseph T. Naumcheff, ’51 MA ’59, Greenwood, Jerry D. Elmore, ’59, Tavares, Florida, March 5, January 6, 2018. Indiana, December 9, 2017. 2018. Karen L. (Moore) Richards, ’65, Nineveh, Indiana, February 16, 2018. Ann W. (Nassau) Peugh, ’44, Milwaukee, March 1, Barbra M. (McKee) Shields, ’52, Hebron, Robert D. Gowin, ’59 MAE ’62, Ocala, Florida, 2018. Indiana, March 23, 2018. January 19, 2018. Linda H. (Heath) Bond, ’66, Patriot, Indiana, January 21, 2018. Ruth E. (Schneider) McKinnis, ’46, Richmond, Nelson D. Vance, ’52, Anderson, Indiana, D. Yvonne (Rutherford) Kreeger, ’59 MA ’71, James L. Garvin, ’66, New Castle, Indiana, January 25, 2018. Indiana, February7/2018. January 19, 2018. Bluffton, Indiana, March 24, 2018. Willodene L. (Rich) Powers, ’66 MAE ’78, South Lyon, Phyllis J. (Zehr) Stogdill, ’46, Mishawaka, Alice F. (Fritts) Harrell, ’53 MAE ’78, Muncie, John H. Martin, ’59, Ada, Michigan, March 27, Michigan, February 1, 2018. Indiana, January 10, 2018. February 21, 2018. 2018. Anita M. (Martin) Price, ’66 MA ’87, Zionsville, Indiana, James A. Taylor, ’46, Muncie, January 16, 2018. Dona G. (Parish) Henricks, ’53, Mongo, Indiana, Betty R. (Poer) Milliner, ’59 MAE ’69, New February 2, 2018. February 22, 2018. Castle, Indiana, January 15, 2018. Hazel L. (Punter) Harris, ’47, Bigfork, Minnesota, Vernon F. Ball, ’67 MA ’67 PhD ’76, Chattanooga, January 28, 2018. Clyde K. Hunter, MA ’53, Union City, Indiana, Halden C. Platt, ’59, Leo, Indiana, March 9, 2018. Tennessee, December 7, 2017. March 3, 2018. Thelma J. (Plasterer) King, ’47, Monticello, Max C. Steffey, ’59, MA ’71, Fort Myers, Florida, Frank J. Bienas, ’67 MA ’67, Carmel, Indiana, March 22, 2018. Indiana, January 3, 2018. Marilyn M. (Temme) Moore, ’53, Greenwood, March 7, 2018. Phillip E. Byrd, ’67, Granger, Indiana, February 11, 2018. Charlotte Miller, ’47 MA ’56, New Castle, Indiana, January 21, 2018. Indiana, February 1, 2018. Robert W. Smith, ’53, La Porte, Indiana, 1960s Donald L. Harris, MA ’67, Leesburg, Indiana, February 1, 2018. Edward W. Shreve, ’48 MA ’55, Cincinnati, February 8, 2018. Carl W. Anderson, MA ’60, Fort Wayne, Indiana, June A. (Scott) Rogers, ’67 MA ’68, New Castle, Indiana, January 20, 2018. Rosemary L. (Wandell) Chuey, ’54, Plymouth, January 5, 2018. January 18, 2018. Roy W. Caughran, MA ’49, Greenville, Ohio, Michigan, March 25, 2018. Alex J. Gacsala, ’60, Saint John, Indiana, March Kathleen A. (Pierce) Beauchamp, ’68, Litchfield Park, December 5, 2017. Reta J. (Dawson) Hill, ’54, Elkhart, Indiana, 23, 2018. Arizona, January 28, 2018. Lowell E. Cline, ’49 MA ’55, Muncie, February February 5, 2018. Janice F. (Maple) Gray, ’60, Somerset, Kentucky, Phillip L. Briggs, ’68, Muncie, March 16, 2018. December 12, 2017. 16, 2018. Benton L. Bowles Jr., ’55 MA ’59, Fort Wayne, Rodney W. Conrad Jr., ’68 MAE ’71, Lockport, New York, Evelyn M. (Sherpetosky) Gray, ’49, Valparaiso, Indiana, February 18, 2018. Carol S. (Loudenback) Sommers, ’60, Columbia, March 13, 2017. South Carolina, February 16, 2018. Indiana, January 23, 2018. Robert G. Forrest, ’55, Hagerstown, Indiana, Alberta (Curtis) Lee, ’68 MA ’71, Albany, Indiana, January Oren B. Huffer, ’49 MA ’51, Fort Wayne, Indiana, March 21, 2018. Jean F. (Shuler) Wisehart, MA ’60, Fishers, 13, 2018. Indiana, April 1, 2018. January 27, 2018. Beverly L. (Hoover) Johnson, ’55 MA ’58, Robert L. Sample, MA ’68, Anderson, Indiana, January 6, Janet L. (Smith) Markley, ’49, New Haven, Atlantic Beach, Florida, January 26, 2018. Ronald A. Hachet, ’61, Hendersonville, North 2018. Carolina, February 4, 2018. Indiana, March 22, 2018. Albert L. Ratcliff, MA ’55, Hoffman Estates, James E. Springer, MA ’68, Indianapolis, February 19, 2018. Illinois, March 7, 2018. Carol L. (Riess) Jefferson, ’61 MA ’67, Muncie, Lois E. (Gray) Rarick, ’49 MA ’64 MA ’82, Dixie S. (Lancaster) Brooks, ’69, Coral Springs, Florida, February 28, 2018. Indianapolis, January 2, 2018. Myrna E. (Watson) Tappan, ’55, Kokomo, February 2, 2018. Indiana, February 12, 2018. Virginia R. (Goodman) Roesler, ’61, Fort Wayne, Joseph M. Scherrer, ’49 MA ’60, Muncie, March Phillip B. Carey, MA ’69, Muncie, October 29, 2017. 16, 2018. John T. Wilson, ’55 MA ’64, Anderson, Indiana, Indiana, January27, 2018. Michael H. Frageman, ’69, Plano, Texas, March 6, 2018. Donnabelle F. (Roop) Sprunger, ’49, Decatur, March 26, 2018. Gerald J. Summers, ’61 MAE ’71, New Castle, Indiana, January 4, 2018. Lu A. (Settlemyre) Beaman, ’56, El Paso, Texas, Indiana, February 17, 2018. Dianne (Diggins) Jones, ’69 MA ’76, Lafayette, Indiana, March 1, 2018. January 15, 2018. Jim A. Warren, MA ’61, Granger, Indiana, 1950s Joseph M. Chandler, ’56 MA ’62, Indianapolis, January 28, 2018. Anna M. Laing, ’69 MAE ’72 EdD ’80, Racine, Wisconsin, January 16, 2018. Roger R. Childress, ’50, Lowell, Indiana, August February 18, 2018. Judith L. (Proctor) Zentner, MA ’61, Hickory, 16, 2017. North Carolina, March 4, 2018. Josephine M. (Moster) Metcalf, ’69 MAE ’72, Phoenix, Arizona, January 28, 2018.

62 Ball State University Alumni Magazine ALUMNI ALUMNI

Patricia A. Morgan, MA ’69, Dayton, Ohio, March Naomi L. (Cochran) Blaising, MAE ’74, Julia K. Logston, MA ’87, Columbus, Indiana, 9, 2018. Indianapolis, April 2, 2018. March 15, 2018. James A. Nicholas, ’69, Leesburg, Indiana, April Marie R. (Ferree) Johnson, MLS ’74, Marion, George L. MacBain, ’87, Indianapolis, February 4, 2018. Iowa, February 27, 2018. 3, 2018. Timothy L. Vores, ’69, Anderson, Indiana, March Deborah S. (Rogge) Gibson, ’75, Fort Wayne, Tiffin M. Adkins, ’88 MAE ’89, Richmond, 18, 2018. Indiana, March 11, 2018. Indiana, December 16, 2017. Rose M. (Plummer) Westfall, MAE ’69, Van Kathleen E. (Frick) Jellison, MLS ’75, Naples, Karen A. (Lemmons) Harman, ’88, Columbus, Buren, Indiana, March 7, 2018. Florida, March 18, 2018. Indiana, February 16, 2018. Barry S. Thornburg, ’75, Parker, Colorado, Janet E. (Minton) Estes, ’89, Anderson, Indiana, 1970s February 15, 2018. February 24, 2018. Richard A. Bryan, MA ’70, Greentown, Indiana, Paul S. Whybrew, ’75, Fortville, Indiana, March Angela M. (May) Fouch, ’89, Portland, Indiana, February 26, 2018. 19, 2018. January28, 2018. James M. Carr, MA ’70, Kansas City, Missouri, Patricia A. Chase, ’76, Brownstown, Indiana, Christopher Kimmel, ’89, Vincennes, Indiana, February 22, 2018. February 18, 2018. February 3, 2018. William G. Dominiak Jr., ’70, Ponte Vedra Beach, Susan E. Lehman, ’76, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Marcia J. (Moore) Nguyen, MAE ’89, Florida, March 1, 2018. January 22, 2018. Bloomington, Indiana, February 4, 2018. Jeffery J. Hauflaire, ’70, Pheonix, Arizona, Laurie A. (O’Connor) Russell, ’76, Grand Rapids, January 19, 2018. Michigan, January 31, 2018. 1990s Trois J. (Williams) Hays, MAE ’70, Noblesville, Alma J. (Cobbs) Stephens, MA ’76, Columbia, Barbara A. Bunch, MA ’92, Bloomington, Indiana, April 5, 2018. Maryland, February 3, 2018. Indiana, March 15, 2018. Linda S. (Krauskopf) Kelder, ’70, Angola, Suzanne K. Surber, MAE ’76, Fort Wayne, Carolyn L. (Dick) Maasberg, MBA ’92, Indiana, March 15, 2018. Indiana, January 22, 2018. Evansville, Indiana, January 14, 2018. Dennis G. Cleaver, ’71 MAE ’76, Frankfort, David L. Voelker, MA ’76, Indianapolis, March 25, Robert L. Willis, ’93, Memphis, Tennassee, Indiana, February 23, 2018. 2018. January 17, 2018. Susan E. (Alvey) Dietz, ’71, Harrisburg, Sharon D. (Eley) Fraze, ’77 MAE ’82, Winchester, Eric J. Saple, ’94, Oxford, Michigan, January 16, Pennsylvania, March 2, 2018. Indiana, November 19, 2017. 2017. Teresa J. (Littlefield) Garrison, ’71, Riverside, Wilma J. (Gray) Friedline, AA ’77, Fort Myers, Eric W. Cole, AS ’96, Selma, Indiana, February Missouri, January 25, 2018. Florida, March 15, 2018. 23, 2018. Jane A. (Hilligoss) Patch, ’71 MAE ’78, Richard L. Neel, ’77 MA ’79 EdD ’89, Muncie, Melanie J. (Prather) Brissenden, ’97, Anderson, Lafayette, Indiana, March 2, 2018. March 24, 2018. Indiana, October 15, 2017. Jon S. Theobald, MA ’71, Indianapolis, February Michael C. Sharits, ’77 MA ’84, Richmond, 5, 2018. Indiana, February 26, 2018. 2000s Elizabeth M. Tinder, MA ’01, Muncie, February 5, Franklin D. Weyl, MA ’71, Muncie, February 7, John E. Taylor, ’77, Indianapolis, January 11, 2018. 2018. 2018. Steven Dowd, ’78, Noblesville, Indiana, March 5, James E. Weaver Jr., MBA ’01, Fishers, Indiana, Thomas E. Fountain, ’72, La Porte, Indiana, 2018. March 11, 2018. January 29, 2018. Muriel A. (Peterson) Kishel, ’72 MA ’78, Muncie, 1980s Troy C. Chamberlain, ’03, Peru, Indiana, October 27, 2017. February 14, 2018. Marjorie J. Teuscher-Miller, MAE ’81, Goshen, Ted E. Murphy, MA ’72, Bloomington, Minnesota, Indiana, February 26, 2018. Brittany L. (Bohnke) Bohnke, ’04, Fort Wayne, February 11, 2018. Indiana, January 31, 2018. Joseph L. Beard, ’82, Florence, Kentucky, April 1, Lois M. (DeRuyscher) Nelson, ’72 MA ’74, 2018. Janice K. (Brown) Northam, ’04 MA ’13, Zionsville, Indiana, February 8, 2018. Rushville, Indiana, March 22, 2018. Judith L. (Henrich) Cummins, MAE ’82, Elkhart, June I. Rainey, MA ’72, Vancouver, Washington, Indiana, February 4, 2018. Paul E. Spors, ’05, Tecumseh, Nebraska, March February 27, 2018. 23, 2018. Martha E. (Clark) Cunningham, ’82, Anderson, JerryLee L. Anthony, MA ’73, San Antonio, Indiana, March 11, 2018. Bradley L. Pryor, AA’07 BGS ’09, Michigan City, Texas, February 8, 2018. Indiana, March 3, 2018. Dorian A. (Whiteman) Elam, ’82, Indianapolis, Kerry J. Brown, ’73, Indianapolis, April 1, 2018. March 22, 2018. Bradford R. Huffman, ’09, Newport News, Virginia, January 27, 2018. Rebecca L. (Bartlett) Hudson, ’73, Muncie, Stephen M. Beison, EdD ’83, Jackson, Michigan, As a parting gift, recent graduates of Ball State’s cabaret program sing March 13, 2018. February 16, 2018. 2010s “We Fly” during Spring Commencement. Since the anthem’s debut in Visit magazine.bsu.edu Kevin W. Kestner, ’73, Indianapolis, February 24, Jill D. Chambers, ’83, Anderson, Indiana, March Chauncey K. Becker, ’10, Antwerp, Ohio, April November, the University community has quickly embraced it. The 2018. 22, 2018. 18, 2017. to learn about how Ball State empowered students sang the anthem in Indianapolis, New York City, and several Sandra L. (Alexander) Murray, ’73 MAE ’77, David A. Sanders, ’83, Fort Wayne, Indiana, April Kirk J. Straub, ’11, Muncie, January 31, 2018. Daleville, Indiana, March 14, 2018. 4, 2018. three students to write University events. “I get chills when I hear the anthem,” said President Stephanie L. Worthman, ’12, Tipton, Indiana, Geoffrey S. Mearns. “It beautifully captures the mission, aspirations, and Harriet B. (Talmadge) Schamber, ’73, Salem, Jane E. (Bloom) Brooks, ’84 MA ’86, Noblesville, December 6, 2017. the lyrics for the Indiana, January 19, 2018. Indiana, January 22, 2018. University’s third values of the Ball State community — our faculty, staff, students, and Travis D. VanMatre, ’13, Atlanta, Indiana, Scott E. Turner, ’73, Westfield, Indiana, January Julia B. Pfaffenberge, ’85, Indianapolis, March February 8, 2018. official song. alumni. I am proud of the students who created and perform this anthem. 27, 2018. 23, 2018.

Chelsea M. Wheeler, ’13, Riviera Beach, Florida, Photo by Samantha Blankenship It moves me, and I’ve seen it move our alumni.” Anna M. (Rigdon) Beal, ’74 MAE ’77, Anderson, Dirk E. Baer, EdD ’87, Chesterton, Indiana, March 7, 2018. Indiana, April 2, 2018. December 24, 2017.

64 Ball State University Alumni Magazine Spring/Summer 2018 65