Meet Ruthie Grigoletti, a Ball State alumna and current graduate student who serves as the Account Strategist in the Division of Marketing and Communications at Ball State University. Ruthie facilitates Ball State’s branding, strategic alignment, and messaging while ensuring that its positioning is reflected in the creative execution of all marketing materials. She also partners with assigned colleges/units to identify and execute communication strategies targeted to external audiences, including prospective students, donors, alumni, and influencers. Ruthie’s work in creative creation and marketing strategies keeps her passionate and fulfills her purpose of giving back to the Ball State community.

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What kind of student were you at Ball State?

As a student, I was very focused on success. After overcoming the transition from high school to college my freshman year, I was on the dean’s list every year. I declared my major as public relations the first semester of my freshman year and later added my art history minor. Incorporating that into my study area was very important to me because I have always had a passion for the arts. I am also passionate about building relationships, and that is essentially what public relations is, building mutually beneficial relationships.

Ruthie with Dean’s Leans certificate, surrounded by family.

As a public relations major, I learned to connect groups to the public with messages created to drive awareness and engagement. I focused on planning, executing, and evaluating public relations campaigns using various systems. And through immersive learning classes, I was able to gain work experience in engaging audiences using strategic communication. As an art history minor, I had the opportunity to gain a comprehensive overview of the world of art. I honestly believe knowledge of art history serves as a crucial foundation for a vast range of career paths.

Was there any professor that stood out to you?

I feel that many of Ball State’s professors are exemplary in the way they work with students. One professor that comes to mind is Dr. Kimberly Lauffer. Dr. Lauffer genuinely cared about the rest of her students and me. You could tell that you were more than just a number. The class was a journalism class that taught students how to utilize programs in Adobe Creative Cloud and website design programs like Weebly and Wix. I learned a lot in this class, and I still keep in touch with Dr. Lauffer to this day. She is a great mentor to me.

Was there a certain class that had an impact on you?

Ruthie with her ART 491 class in Italy.

As an undergrad at Ball State University, several classes I took had a lasting impression on me. One significant aspect of Ball State is that students are required to take courses outside of their particular area of study. For example, in my sophomore year, I took ART 290 to fulfill one of the required electives within my major. Because of this class, I rekindled my passion for art and decided to add a minor in art history to my study.

Through my minor in art history, I was able to take several art history courses and some foundational art courses. I also studied abroad in Italy, where I took ART 491: Art of Italy. This course was also very impactful because I spent two weeks in a country I had never been to before with people I had only met maybe once or twice beforehand. I had the opportunity to examine the history, purpose, and application of illusionistic deception in Italian art and design through numerous visits to museums, churches, galleries, and historic sites. I will forever be grateful for my experiences on this trip.

If you could talk to your freshman self, what advice would you give?

I would tell freshman me so many different things. First, I would say to her that she is enough. She needs to stop doubting herself, be the best version of herself that she can be, and that she is capable of more than she thinks. I would tell her to enjoy college and take it all in because it’ll be over before she knows it. I would also ask her to get involved in more organizations and apply for more internships. Honestly, I’d tell her to start exploring those options during her freshman year instead of waiting until sophomore and junior year to start the process. And lastly, I would tell her that she will find her purpose and everything will be okay.

CCIM Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Event. David Letterman with Ruthie Grigoletti.

What has been the proudest moment in your career so far?

I’m proud to work at my alma mater. Ball State provided me with an outstanding education and so many beautiful memories. Working for Ball State makes me feel like I have the opportunity to give back to my community. While working at Ball State, I have had the opportunity to participate in several important initiatives and projects. It’s hard to choose which of these would make me most proud.
One thing that makes me very proud is that the VP of my division nominated me to participate in the Leadership Excellence and Development (LEAD) Academy. This program was a comprehensive Leadership development program designed to introduce aspiring and current leaders to four aspects of leadership: knowing yourself, knowing how to lead, knowing Ball State University, and knowing how to manage. It was a semester-long program that concluded in December 2021.

What was your best memory of Ball State University?

I truly loved being a student at Ball State. So much so that I now work at Ball State, and I am currently a graduate student in the Emerging Media Design and Development program. I have so many fond memories here, but my best memories would be the people. From the friends I made to the staff/faculty I worked with during my on-campus jobs to the faculty who taught me all of the various tools I still use today in my current role.

Do you have a favorite place on campus?

I definitely would have to say the Arts and Journalism Building because I spent a lot of time there for my classes, meetings, and mingling with friends. Throughout my college career, I took PR classes and art classes so I spent a lot of time there. I also commonly had lunch in the atrium. It was the main building I was in throughout my entire college career.

Ruthie’s graduation in 2018.

What advice would you give to current students about life after graduation?

Very similar to my advice to myself as a freshman. I would say you are enough and stop doubting yourself. As freshly graduated college students, we often doubt ourselves and don’t see the potential we have. And we experience a lot of imposter syndrome. You are capable of so much more than you think, and you’ll learn so much more about the field you want to be a part of once you start working after college.

I learned so much in my first job right after college, and I still reflect on those learning experiences today in my current position. Honestly, I learn something new every day and I am still progressing as a professional. Ball State gives you the tools you need as an undergrad, but it is essential to remember that learning does not stop after you get your diploma.

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