For Rob and Julie Tyler, their connection to Ball State University runs deeper than just a diploma. Rather, their connection has been a rich source of providence, lifelong friendships, and foundational career moments—ultimately shaping their shared commitment to giving back.  

Rob’s story began with a pragmatic pursuit of accounting, a path quickly rerouted by an early exposure to Accounting 201. “After two weeks, I knew I didn’t want to be an accountant,” he recalled with a laugh. This early discovery set him on a path toward finance, a field where he would ultimately build a thriving career. 

Living in the iconic LaFollette residence hall, which now exists only in memory and spirit, Rob fondly remembers participating in intramural sports—basketball, football, volleyball, softball, golf—and $3.99 Papa John’s pizzas and euchre games. Ball State is the place where he forged friendships that would stand the test of time. “There’s five of us that for the last several years, somebody’s child has graduated high school. So, we get together every summer at a high school graduation party and take a picture. We stand together in the same order that we stood in a picture taken in college. They’re just lifelong friends. It’s been great,” he said. 

Professionally, a Ball State education proved equally meaningful for Rob. From his interactions and connections with classmates, faculty, and staff to his involvement with business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi, Rob thrived as a Ball State student, surrounded by opportunity and a supportive network. One of those opportunities would eventually launch Rob’s career in wealth management. “One of our speakers was offering an internship, so I applied and got it. Being a part of Delta Sigma Pi helped me get the internship, which then enable me to continue there in a full-time position—on the Monday after graduation. I was with that company for seven years.” Rob then ventured out to start his own wealth management firm, which is now in its 24th year and operates offices in Indiana and Ohio. The influence of Ball State extends even to his client base: “There are several clients I have in my firm that were people I knew at Ball State who were faculty or professors, or referred by them. Their observation of me during those four years of college was positive enough that they trust me with their money today and tell others about us.”  

Julie’s path to Ball State unfolded one year after Rob’s. Initially a commuting student coming from a small high school, her transition to college was challenging yet was transformed when she moved into the dorms during her second semester. “Moving onto campus made all the difference, to be able to get involved at Ball State,” she explained. Julie built strong friendships after moving on campus, allowing her to network and eventually to secure a job at a local mental health facility, which aligned with her studies as a psychology major. 

Though Julie and Rob did not know each other as students, their shared connection to Ball State helped bring them together. “We never knew each other at Ball State, but I met her after I graduated, while she was a senior. Now we’ve been married for 29 years. That’s because we went to the same college, so Ball State has had a huge impact, even personally in our lives.” After marrying in 1996, Rob and Julie settled in the Muncie area. Julie was employed as a case manager at Comprehensive Mental Health Services (now known as Meridian Health Services), and after working nine years in the mental health profession, Julie pivoted to focus on raising their two children. Rob continued building his career in finance and wealth management. During that time, the Ball State alumni network remained a constant for both of them.

“We’ve continued to have lots of contacts at Ball State, just being a part of the rich community of alumni,” Julie said. 

Julie and Rob’s passion for Ball State can be seen in their loyalty to their alma mater. Not only have they consistently supported Ball State as donors for 25 years, but they have also been basketball and football season ticket holders for nearly as long—a tradition they’ve shared with their kids, Maddie and Nate, since they were toddlers. Now, their deep connection to Ball State is a shared family legacy. Maddie will graduate in December 2025 with her bachelor’s degree, while Nate will start his studies in Fall 2025.  

Their excitement for Ball State’s future is palpable. Rob applauds the University’s continuous evolution of its campus, the addition of relevant majors like supply chain logistics, and the streamlining of degree programs to align with job market demands. “I like that we’re staying on top of the trends in the world, and then we’re adding the majors at the right time for where the jobs are going to be,” he stated. Julie shared her appreciation for Ball State’s deep integration within the Muncie community, drawing people in and enriching the local area, as evidenced by her recent and memorable visit to the David Owsley Museum of Art.  

A testament to the sincere mentorship and friendship that blossomed at Ball State, the couple’s recent major gift to the J.B. Black Department of Finance and Insurance Fund honors Rob’s much-respected finance professor, Dr. Srini Sundaram. Rob credits Dr. Sundaram for his exceptional teaching, industry experience, and unwavering support. “He was my professor, and then my mentor, and is now my friend,” Rob expressed. Dr. Sundaram not only referred clients to Rob’s firm but also encouraged him to teach personal finance at the University, a role Rob embraced for over a decade. The decision to name a classroom in Dr. Sundaram’s honor and contribute to the fund he started for his own mentor, Dr. J. B. Black, was a “perfect” way for Rob and Julie to create a double tribute. 

Looking ahead, Rob and Julie hope their philanthropy will inspire future generations. “We hope that it would help students to be more successful than we’ve been, and to inspire them to be philanthropic as we have been,” he said. Recalling the significant impact of his Presidential scholarship, which covered 75% of his tuition and enabled him to attend Ball State despite financial constraints, Rob shared that this personal experience fuels their desire to pay it forward.  

Their advice to current Ball State students is simple yet profound. Julie encourages involvement: “The more you can get involved, the better. Just say yes to things that you wouldn’t normally do. Expand your circle and don’t limit yourself. Try it all.” Rob echoes Dr. Sundaram’s enduring mantra: “Be good,” and draws upon Biblical wisdom, urging students and alumni alike to “do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” 

“Ball State has done a lot for us,” Rob shared, humbly adding, “and we’re just happy to be a small drop in a big bucket.”

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