Witness the numbers and passion of One Ball State Day as told by some of our star Ball State alumni volunteers

Volunteers form the backbone of our charitable efforts during One Ball State Day (OBSD). Through their energy and power, we have consistently met our annual goals to provide fun and charitable events that help fund scholarships and keep Ball State a leader in affordable education, and helping to set a new one-day record of $778,850.

To illustrate the impact of giving by our alumni, volunteers, staff, and partners, check out this awesome infographic.

Some of our volunteers take the extra step and choose to become social media ambassadors. These exceptional alumni, employees, and campus partners contribute significantly to OBSD’s success. More than half of our top twenty fundraising ambassadors were alumni or alumni volunteers. We are eternally grateful to our volunteers and recognize the impact of peer-to-peer outreach and their dedication to advance Ball State. Their reach is far and wide, as exhibited by the more than eight million social media reaches throughout the day.

Moving forward, you can help by signing up as social media ambassadors, spreading the word amongst your peers, and attending OBSD events—both virtually and in-person.

Funds raised by Social Media Ambassadors by year:

  • 2019: $3,000+ with 72 ambassadors
  • 2020: $43,000+ with 216 ambassadors
  • 2021: $120,000+ with 233 ambassadors

We asked some of this year’s volunteers to tell us about their experiences and motivations behind their decision to give their time in service of OBSD. Here is what they said:

Kyle WilliamsKyle Williams – Black Alumni Constituent Society

“The Black Alumni Constituent Society’s mission this year was to support our endowed scholarship. Increasing overall support for the black student body of today and tomorrow is one of our core goals. We loved to see the alumni support this year and plan to keep this support consistent. We are already planning to make OBSD memorable in 2022.”

Shawn MeierShawn Meier – Ball State University Indianapolis Alumni Chapter

“I never made a college visit; I decided to attend based on earning the Presidential Scholarship that paid for half my tuition. That scholarship pushed me in the direction of Muncie, where I made my most incredible friendships, became a proud member of The Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI), and earned a top-notch education – inside and outside of the classroom.

OBSD has become an award-winning model that has shattered the previous year’s results each year. This year, we raised more than $4,000 for our scholarship, which may allow us to increase the amount we award a student or award more than one scholarship.

I love this University and what it afforded me. That’s why I serve and give back. But that’s not everyone’s path, which is fine. But you definitely won’t regret connecting with your local alumni chapter. So reach out to us. Chirp, Chirp!”

Sheri NiekampSheri Niekamp – Young Alumni Council

“So often, mainly as a young alum, it is hard to feel like you have much to give back as you start your career. But there’s so much more that we can do to support Ball State besides writing a large check. Time, talent, and treasure all come together to provide excellent and life-transforming experiences for generations of future Cardinals. I give back because of what was given to me.”

Mike EarleyMike Earley – Alumni Council Challenge

“Participating in One Ball State Day is an opportunity to be a part of an effort to raise money for scholarships and increase participation from alumni from across the world. We have more than 200,000 living alumni. A goal of the Alumni Association is to continue to get more of those individuals engaged in what the University is doing.”