The first graduating class of the College of Architecture and Planning (CAP) completed the first of multiple legacy projects born from the 50th Anniversary celebration earlier this year, the donation of a plaque celebrating the history of the first CAP Building.

At the 50th Anniversary celebration, many of the CAP ’71 graduates gathered to celebrate the occasion and to discuss what they have been doing since graduating five decades ago. They swaped stories from their days at CAP and shared career accomplishments and insights with students and faculty.

Andrea Swartz and Craig Mullins unveil the plaque.

Left, President Mearns, David Bailey, Craig Mullins, Marv Rosenman, and J. Bob Taylor.

One highlight of the occasion was the creation of legacy projects that will leave a lasting contribution from the pioneering class. Three are underway now:

  • A CAP Alumni Legacy Scholarship Fund has been established through the Ball State University Foundation. Fundraising is under way with more than $50,000 donated or pledged so far. It is hoped that all CAP alumni will contribute to the fund, and that multiple awards will be made to deserving students.
  • A second legacy project is the installation of a wall plaque in the lobby of the CAP building which celebrates and explains the history of the first CAP building. The plaque presents a representation of the original CAP building made of Quonset huts, and provides a short history. Craig Mullins, a member of the ’71 class, is the artist of the painting of the Quonset huts. The classmates of the Class of ’71 hopes this plaque proves to be a proud reminder of the great beginning and history of CAP, and a legacy of achievement to build upon.
    A ceremony to reveal the plaque was held on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, with Andrea Swartz, associate dean of the college, presiding over the dedication. Mullins and Ball State President Geoffrey Mearns gave brief remarks; others attending from CAP’s beginning were David Bailey ’71 along with emeritus faculty Marv Rosenman and J. Bob Taylor.
  • A third legacy project will be a plaque that will be integrated into the hands-on-steel structure “The Loop” designed and fabricated by the Hands-on-Steel class led by Professor Rod Underwood (also a CAP ’71 graduate). “The Loop” will be located at the intersection of McKinley Avenue and Petty Road. This Legacy Project is on-going, and the commemorative plaque has been designed for installation in the sculpture.
    Read more about the Loop project here.