We Fly

By BSU Marketing & Communications— Muncie, IN – During its final Board of Trustees meeting of 2020, Ball State University announced an additional $2.8 million gift from Charles W. Brown that will fund an outdoor performance and gathering space named the Brown Family Amphitheater.   The Board approved a resolution to name the grand lawn amphitheater in honor of Brown, a 1971 graduate of Ball State and a longtime donor to the University.  “The beauty of our campus is one of the many reasons students choose Ball State University,” President Geoffrey S. Mearns said. “The Brown Family…

By BSU Marketing & Communications— Muncie, IN– While concerns about COVID-19 and other issues might have people feeling stressed this holiday season, a dose of gratitude could be the boost families need to lift spirits, according to a Ball State University professor. “Gratitude is a sincere expression of thankfulness and appreciation,” said Jill Walls, a professor of early childhood youth and family studies in Teachers College. “When we step into a grateful mindset, it increases our positive perceptions of our lives.”…

By BSU Marketing and Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana – If communities follow new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for Halloween, families should consider creating new traditions that do not involve trick-or-treating, parties, and get-togethers, said Jill Walls, an associate professor of Early Childhood, Youth, and Family Studies at Ball State University. On Monday, the CDC posted guidance for the holidays, including Halloween. The federal agency warns people to avoid higher risk activities, including door-to-door trick-or-treating; attending crowded,…

By BSU Marketing and Communications— Muncie, IN – Jennifer Palilonis, a journalism professor at Ball State University, is being recognized by the Mid-American Conference for her work in shepherding the next generation of communication professionals. Palilonis, the George and Frances Ball Distinguished Professor of Multimedia Journalism, is the recipient of the 2019-20 Mid-American Conference Outstanding Faculty Award for Student Success. The MAC announced the award Friday morning, October 23, 2020. The award celebrates the commitment of MAC universities to provide…

By Sam Mumbower — Muncie, IN— There are many opportunities to celebrate the arts at Ball State University from September 24-29, including an exhibition of 20th-century women artists, a showcase of musical talent, a dance concert, and an orchestra concert. Ball State has many precautions in place to ensure the safety of the campus community members and visitors who attend these events in person. Masks are required in all campus buildings, and available seats will be marked to ensure physical…

MUNCIE, Indiana – Students in Ball State University’s Urban Planning program have set up shop in the Muncie Mall to help community leaders develop a Comprehensive Plan for Delaware County. A former storefront now serves as a community design center where students can host meetings, conduct research and interact with residents as they help build a framework for the community’s future. Financial support for leasing the 8,900 square-foot space came from the City of Muncie, the Delaware-Muncie Metropolitan Plan Commission,…

By: Ball State Marketing & Communications— Muncie, IN —The Charles W. Brown Planetarium at Ball State University is joining the fight against COVID-19 as its computers are being used as part of a global supercomputer to help researchers better understand the coronavirus. Typically, planetarium staff would be presenting programs to thousands of visiting school kids and members of the public, but with the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the dome is empty and the computers are idle. “This is an important use…

By: Ball State Marketing & Communications— Muncie, IN—There are dozens of actions individuals can do daily to show people how they care about others — while safely social distancing — as every community deals with COVID-19, says a Ball State University professor. Lawrence H. Gerstein, director of the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies at Ball State, and the organization’s advisory board generated a list of peaceful ways of expression as individuals seek to help others in this time of extraordinary…