At the end of the Spring 2024 semester, the College of Communication, Information, and Media hosted its annual Hall of Beneficence Awards ceremony.
Each year, these awards allow the college to recognize and express gratitude toward individuals and organizations that enact the mission of CCIM and display the endearing values of Beneficence: Excellence, Innovation, Courage, Integrity, Inclusiveness, Social Responsibility, and Gratitude.
At the ceremony, the college also recognized individuals on the Dean’s Executive Council who will be transitioning to Emeriti Status:
- Paul Porter
- Gene Policinski
- Quinn Shephard
- Joe Huber
- Courtney Simmons, Student Representative
- Michael Brouder
Alumni Achievement Award
The Alumni Achievement Award recognizes individuals who graduated from units associated with CCIM at least 5 years prior and have used their education to advance their area of professional or creative endeavor.
Zach Groth
Zach, a 2014 graduate of Ball State’s Public Relations program, has demonstrated a passion for learning and growth throughout his career in communications. He is an award-winning marketing communications strategist based in New York City who has worked with a variety of international trade consortiums from Spain, Chile, Greece, Italy, and more. Zach has worked on national and global campaigns for legacy brands such as Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Dom Pérignon, Sapporo Beer, Anheuser-Busch, and more. He’s been on teams that have helped guide celebrity brands including Jennifer Lopez (Delola), Ryan Reynolds (Aviation American Gin), Blake Lively (Betty Buzz), and Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley (Brother’s Bond Bourbon), to name a few. His efforts have amplified paid partnership deals with talent such as Lady Gaga and Alicia Keys as well as professional sports teams including the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, and more.
As the industry evolves, Zach’s work has leaned more into digital and influencer marketing. One of his most viral campaigns was the Kendall-Jackson Winery #WhiteWineEmoji campaign which proposed creating a white wine emoji to Unicode — to governing body that sets global coding standards. He is currently the Vice President of Food, Wine and Sprits at Curich|Weiss in New York City and is known for his charisma and genuine demeanor. Zach is a loyal steward of the organizations he’s involved with, showcasing his dedication to excellence cultivated through his public relations education at Ball State.
Deborah L. Webb
Debbie has been an Underwriting Consultant for Ball State Public Media since 2009, leveraging her expertise to serve the Madison County community. As the Executive Director of Junior Achievement, she has brought economic education to students county-wide, showcasing her commitment to education and community development. Her leadership roles in organizations like the Andersontown Powwow committee highlight her dedication to cultural enrichment and diversity.
Debbie’s involvement in each endeavor reflects her ability to apply her training and experience from Ball State to effectively serve diverse populations, particularly in city schools and cultural exchange programs. In her role, she serves as a bridge between different tribal entities, dispelling misconceptions and fostering harmony within the Native American community. Her willingness to use her communication skills to assist in her community and serve those around her proves that she is an excellent and deserving recipient of the alumni achievement award.
Ally (Davis) Guinane
Ally Guinane stands out as an exemplary candidate for the CCIM Alumni Achievement Award, boasting a distinguished career trajectory marked by impactful contributions to Fortune 500 companies and original tech firms. With a background in print journalism and a skillful transition into product design, Ally has demonstrated resilience and dedication in overcoming personal obstacles.
Her commitment to excellence extends beyond her professional endeavors, as evidenced by her advocacy and fundraising efforts for the MS Society and involvement in community initiatives such as local park cleanups and organizing annual block parties. Ally’s leadership and collaborative spirit shine through her roles, including co-leading the Culture Club at Morgan Stanley and spearheading comprehensive web redesign projects like she did with Cars.com. Her foundation in journalism from Ball State has laid the groundwork for her success, fostering a balance of creativity and work ethic that continues to drive her achievements.
Joseph Vella
Joe Vella is an example that our alumni can fly anywhere, and we are grateful when they choose to stay in Indiana. After completing both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the Department of Media, he chose to remain in Indiana and co-founded Bayonet Media alongside his classmate, Andrew Quinn.
Through Bayonet Media, Joe has not only become a leading figure in the industry, but has also fostered a culture of hiring Ball State graduates and elevating the quality of video production in Indianapolis. His commitment to excellence, community engagement, and mentorship reflects the values of Beneficence, as he continually strives to showcase the talent and positive impact of Ball State University and the Department of Media on both local and statewide levels. Joe’s dedication to his alma mater and the Indiana community is truly commendable.
Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award
Individuals who graduated from units associated with CCIM at least 15 years prior, have distinguished themselves, and demonstrated outstanding success in their professional or creative endeavors. These are individuals who have defined the future of the field of communication, information, or media.
Paul Porter
Dr. Paul Porter’s career and service mirror the mission and the values of Beneficence. Dr. Porter’s leadership is rooted in his advocacy. He is committed to creating an environment that fosters and celebrates diversity and multiculturalism at both the systematic and personal level.
At the system level, these values have been passed along through the countless diversity training workshops he has developed and facilitated throughout the years. Dr. Porter has supported diversity and student success at The University of Scranton, Indiana University School of Medicine, and University of Saint Francis. He now blends his background in communication studies with this commitment and serves as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. On a personal note, we are so grateful for Dr. Porter’s extended service as Chair of the DEAC during COVID. He has been a guide and mentor.
Gardi Wilks
Gardi embarked on her career in New York City in 1984 driven by an eagerness to work; she even left Muncie before officially graduating. She honed her skills at renowned firms like Ruder Finn & Rodman (now just Ruder Finn) and Cohn & Wolfe (now a part of Burson Cohn & Wolfe), eventually founding the Wilks Communication Group in 1995, which she now runs alongside her partner, Brad. Specializing in marketing and communications for diverse clientele, their firm stands out for its commitment to giving back, particularly through empowering organizations like World Vision. Gardi’s dedication to gender equity, inspired by the feminist movement and Gloria Steinem, is reflected in her firm’s balanced gender representation and advocacy efforts. As a faculty advisor, she leverages her expertise to nurture the next generation of communication professionals, fostering growth and empowerment among students. Through mentoring students and championing causes close to her heart, Gardi has proven herself a deserving recipient of this award, embodying the spirit of excellence and generosity that defines true leadership.
Jerry Walker
Jerry, the first in his family to pursue higher education, found invaluable opportunities at the Ball State University. Inspired by fellow alumnus Charles Martin, Ball State became his choice for its supportive environment. His BS and MS degrees opened doors both professionally and personally, allowing him to excel as an IT executive and provide incredible opportunities. Jerry’s career trajectory is remarkable, marked by courage and a commitment to inclusive excellence.
Despite historical challenges, he has courageously advocated for diversity and accountability within CICS and CCIM, creating pathways for underrepresented students and enhancing community diversity. As someone who is using his degree and knowledge to pass down best practices and outstanding values to our students, we are delighted to present Jerry with his Distinguished Alumni Achievements award.
Gary Graham
Gary is an alumnus of the School of Journalism and Strategic Communication. Gary became editor of The Daily News during his junior year in 1971. When he graduated, he was hired by his hometown newspaper, The News-Sentinel. He worked for the afternoon paper every summer through his college years. In 1983, he was on the staff that won the Pulitzer Prize for reporting coverage of devastating floods in Fort Wayne. In a limited time span in the industry, and in his hometown, no less, Gary earned the most coveted prize in journalism. Today, he supports the recognition of outstanding journalists by sponsoring the SJSC Awards luncheon and has been a supporter to the entire college through his service on the DEAC.
Rick Martinez
Rick Martinez is a versatile editor, writer, and communications expert with a rich career spanning newspapers, magazines, broadcast, and digital media across several states. He has led diverse initiatives, from reviving a historic newspaper to spearheading digital content strategies for radio stations. Beyond his professional endeavors, Martinez is deeply committed to his alma mater, Ball State University, serving on various alumni boards and mentoring students.
Actively engaged in his local community, he advocates for democracy and serves on nonprofit boards, including the CCIM Alumni Council, showcasing his dedication to both his profession and community. Martinez’s enduring commitment to Beneficence shines through his continuous engagement and contributions, making him a deserving recipient for the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award.
Stephen Hyvonen
Steve has served as the news director at WXIX for seven years, navigating the newsroom through challenging times including mass shootings, budget constraints, and the pandemic. Despite these hurdles, he has not only expanded the news staff, but also increased the total hours of news broadcasts, resulting in #1 ratings in prime demographics for the station.
Remarkably, Steve stands out as one of the only news directors in the market to significantly grow staff and news hours post-pandemic. His unwavering commitment to the greater good of the newsroom and its personnel has provided a steady and reassuring presence during times of uncertainty, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and political upheaval. Moreover, Steve actively supports talent from CCIM, constantly hiring Ball State interns and alumni for the newsroom, thus embodying the ideals of Beneficence as he nurtures our next generation of communication and storytelling professionals. By actively supporting and nurturing talent from CCIM, Steve is not just a news director; he is a mentor and advocate for the future of journalism. It is clear that his impact extends far beyond the newsroom, making him a truly deserving recipient of this award.
Brent Riegert
Brent, an alumnus of The Center for Information and Communication Sciences Program since 1995, has been deeply involved in giving back to the program. For 25 years, he has led the Accenture Challenge, which provides students with real-world business challenges to solve using technology. This initiative not only fosters professionalism, creativity, and critical thinking, but also prepares students for the workforce by enhancing their presentation skills and confidence. Brent’s dedication to the program extends to his role on the Alumni Council, where he collaborates with faculty and fellow alums to continually improve the learning experience. His passion for mentoring and sharing knowledge has made him invaluable to the program, ensuring its continued success in preparing students for their careers.
Inclusive Excellence Award
Individual or organization in the field of communication, information or media who has distinguished themselves in advancing inclusive excellence.
Ebony Chappel
Ebony Chappel is an accomplished multimedia journalist and community health worker, recognized for her impactful work by various prestigious organizations. She’s contributed significantly to media outlets like the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper and Indiana Minority Business Magazine, rising from volunteer to editor-in-chief. With expertise in outreach, she’s promoted organ donation awareness in disadvantaged communities, led storytelling initiatives at Leadership Indianapolis, and currently works at Free Press Indiana. Beyond her professional endeavors, Ebony is deeply committed to community service, serving on boards, volunteering for causes, and championing initiatives like the Belmont Beach Project. Her dedication to inclusivity and equity is evident in all facets of her community. Ebony’s unwavering commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and promoting ways to enrich communities is truly inspiring.
Steward Award
Individual or organization whose meaningful partnership has made a significant impact on the College of Communication, Information, and Media’s commitment to create challenging experiences that prepare students for careers as ethical practitioners and scholars.
Dwight Smith
Dwight has been a steadfast supporter of the college and the Department of Media, affectionately known as TCOMM, demonstrating his commitment through both financial contributions and active engagement. His endowed fund has provided vital support for faculty and students, while his efforts in facilitating student interactions with industry professionals have enriched their learning experiences. His involvement on the CCIM Dean’s Executive Advisory Board and University Alumni Council underscores his dedication to the university and its students, consistently striving to enhance their educational journey through unique opportunities and financial assistance. Dwight’s unwavering commitment to CCIM’s mission makes him an invaluable asset to student success and our university’s mission.
Excellence in Innovation and Courage Award
Individual or organization in the field of communication, information or media who demonstrated courageous innovation.
Accenture
We are honored today to celebrate the lasting partnership between the Center for Information and Communication Sciences (CICS) and Accenture, a leading global professional services company. For nearly four decades, our collaboration has flourished, rooted in shared values of innovation, excellence, and a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. From the beginning, Accenture has provided a core piece of the CICS experience with the annual hallmark event “The Challenge.” They have also hired many graduates over these 40 years. For those not familiar with Accenture, they provide a breadth of services spanning strategy, consulting, digital, technology, and operations. Their dedication to empowering clients across industries to enhance performance and create sustainable value mirrors CICS’s aspirations for the growth and impact of our students and alumni.
Accenture prioritizes diversity and inclusion by valuing the varied perspectives and talents of its employees. They foster a sense of belonging where everyone can excel and make meaningful contributions. This dedication is evident through the numerous Employee Resource Groups they support, offering opportunities for collaboration and personal development. This commitment closely aligns with the core principles of CICS, where diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental values guiding our actions and decisions.
Also notable is the recent recognition given to Julie Sweet, Accenture’s Chair & CEO, by the Anti-Defamation League, the Courage Against Hate Award. This highest ADL accolade underscores Accenture’s courageous commitment to combating discrimination and fostering a more just and equitable society. Together, as partners in progress, Ball State University, CCIM, and CICS stand with Accenture in our collective pursuit of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. Let us continue collaborating, inspiring, and driving positive change in the world.