By BSU Marketing & Communications—
MUNCIE, IN – One Ball State Day, Ball State University’s award-winning 24-hour fundraising event, returns for its fifth year Wednesday, April 5, with the goal of topping last year’s record-setting effort.
In 2022, thanks to the support of alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends worldwide, the University raised over $1 million on One Ball State Day (OBSD) for the first time. This year, Ball State hopes to achieve a fifth straight year of increased giving on OBSD, garnering even more support for the University’s students, faculty, programs, services, resources, and more.
“I am grateful to all of the members of our University community—our students and their families, our graduates, and our faculty and staff—who make One Ball State Day a success each year. Their contributions enable us to provide a transformational educational experience to our students, so that they can pursue fulfilling careers and meaningful lives,” Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns said. “I encourage everyone to participate and support our students and our outstanding programs.”
Ball State graduates, friends, and supporters can participate in the event by donating online at oneballstate.bsu.edu anytime from midnight-11:59 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, April 5. Supporters are also encouraged to post their Cardinal pride throughout the day on social media by sharing photos, videos, and stories to inspire friends and family to give by using the hashtag #OneBallState.
New on-campus events for this year’s One Ball State Day celebration include:
- Cardinal Dash and Splash: a series of races at Lewellen Pool between University employees on adult-sized inflatable ducks.
- Spirit Parade: a show of Ball State pride by students, employees, cheerleaders, Charlie Cardinal, and the University Singers that starts at LaFollette Field and ends at Emens Auditorium. Once at Emens, all participants are invited to take part in “Shakes and Shirts,” sponsored by Steak ‘n Shake. College deans and University administrators can also get into the action by participating in various fundraising challenges.
Returning OBSD events include:
- “I Spy: Charlie” treasure hunts
- Pizza with the President
- Grab-and-go activities across campus
- And much more
“We hope to build on last year’s success by once again raising over $1 million, and by increasing the number of individual donors,” said Lola Mauer, associate vice president of alumni engagement and strategy for the Ball State University Foundation. “Last year, more than 2,000 gifts were from Ball State employees, which is an amazing level of support that we’d love to see again.”
While Ball State celebrates all its donors year-round, One Ball State Day is a special day for giving and for highlighting the University’s impact on people and communities throughout the world. Since the event’s inaugural year in 2019, One Ball State Day has raised more than $2.9 million from more than 22,000 gifts to support students, faculty, and University programs that include scholarships, emergency aid, Cardinal Kitchen, Universities Libraries, Athletics, and more.
For more information about One Ball State Day 2023, including participating groups, event challenges, how to become an ambassador, frequently asked questions, and how to give, visit the OBSD website.
About Ball State
Founded in 1918 and located in Muncie, Ball State University is one of Indiana’s premier universities and an economic driver for the state. Ball State’s 20,000 students come from all over Indiana, the nation, and the world. The 790-acre campus is large enough to accommodate first-rate facilities and 19 NCAA Division I sports, but our welcoming and inclusive campus is small enough to ensure the friendliness, personal attention, and access that are the hallmarks of the University. Destination 2040: Our Flight Path establishes Ball State’s ambitious goals for our second century. We Fly!
