By Ball State University Communications—
MUNCIE, IN — The Ball State University Foundation today revealed the recipients of the University’s newest “Top 100 Student Awards.”
This annual awards program honors 100 exceptional junior and senior undergraduates who embody the spirit of Beneficence—Ball State’s iconic statue representing the generosity of the five Ball brothers, whose land donation helped establish the University.
The full list of Ball State’s 2025 Top 100 Students is available on the Foundation’s website.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to recognize Ball State’s outstanding junior and senior students for a fourth year through the ‘Top 100 Student Awards’ program,” said Lola Mauer, associate vice president of engagement and strategy at the Ball State University Foundation. “Each year, this program highlights the dedication, leadership, and impact of our students—not just in their academic success, but in the meaningful contributions they make on campus and beyond. We also hope this recognition deepens their lifelong connection to Ball State, fostering a new generation of engaged alumni and leaders.”
Established in the 2021-22 academic year, the “Top 100 Student Awards” program honors juniors and seniors for their academic excellence, leadership, and community impact. Organized by the Ball State University Foundation, the program has become a cornerstone of student recognition at the University.
Students each year apply directly for the honor, submitting a letter of recommendation from a Ball State faculty or staff member, professional employee, or graduate student. A panel of alumni judges evaluate applications based on academic excellence, campus leadership, community contributions, and a personal statement. All Top 100 honorees will be celebrated at a recognition event on March 22, where the Top 50, 25, 10 and 2 students will also be revealed.
The “Top 100 Student Awards” program is designed to honor students for their exceptional achievements while ensuring the recognition remains meaningful and prestigious. Students may be named to the Top 100 list up to two times, typically once as a junior and once as a senior. However, those who are selected as part of the Top 25 are not eligible to receive the honor again, emphasizing the exclusivity of this distinction.
In addition to the recognition, Top 100 honorees receive several benefits to celebrate their achievements and enhance their professional development. This includes public recognition through media, social media, and the Foundation website; a professional headshot; verbiage for their resume to showcase the honor; and mentoring opportunities with alumni. Top 100 Students can also participate in University engagement activities, such as One Ball State Day, and receive a gold cord to wear at their Commencement ceremony, symbolizing their achievements.
To learn how to fund your favorite Ball State programs, contact the Ball State Foundation or visit bsu.edu/foundation.
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!
