Meet this year’s Alumni Award recipients.

Ball State University alumni continue to make an impact around the world. From building nationally recognized companies to advancing education, healthcare, law, the arts, and more, their work inspires pride across the Cardinal community.

Each year, the Ball State Alumni Awards honor individuals who have achieved career excellence, served their communities, and supported the University in meaningful ways. The 2025 recipients represent innovation, leadership, and service at its finest.

This year’s honorees reflect the broad range of Cardinal excellence, including:

• Visionary entrepreneurs who have built thriving companies, created jobs, and driven innovation in their industries.
• Civic and philanthropic leaders whose volunteer work has transformed communities and advanced the University’s mission.
• Nationally recognized experts in fields such as historic preservation, nursing education, and revenue cycle management.
• Advocates for student success, mental health, and inclusive opportunities who have created programs serving thousands.
• Decorated military officers providing distinguished service in the U.S. Air Force and beyond.
• Rising leaders in business, science, broadcasting, architecture, and entertainment who are making their mark early in their careers.

Distinguished Alumni

Ron Fauquher

Ron Fauquher is a distinguished technology entrepreneur and business leader, best known as the co-founder and former CEO of Ontario Systems, a leading provider of enterprise software solutions for accounts receivable and revenue cycle management. A 1978 graduate of Ball State University with a degree in business management, Fauquher has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to innovation, strategic growth, and community development. Under his leadership, Ontario Systems grew from a start-up into a nationally respected firm, creating hundreds of jobs and earning numerous accolades. Beyond his professional achievements, Fauquher has actively supported education, workforce development, and civic initiatives throughout Indiana. His vision, integrity, and service exemplify the highest ideals of Ball State University.

Honorary Alumni

Stefan (Steve) Anderson

Steve Anderson, retired Chairman and CEO of First Merchants Corporation, has been a steadfast champion of Ball State University for decades. Though not an alumnus, Anderson’s unwavering dedication and transformative leadership have made an indelible impact on the university’s growth and success. He has served on numerous boards and committees, including chairing the Ball State University Foundation Board, chairing Ball State’s first capital campaign, Wings of the Future, chairing the Ball Honors House campaign, and serving on the leadership teams of subsequent major fundraising initiatives. A Harvard graduate and University of Chicago MBA graduate, Anderson brings to Ball State a legacy of excellence in business, philanthropy, and civic service. His deep commitment to education, community development, and student success embodies the very spirit of an honorary alumnus.

Alumni Award of Achievement   

Nicole Horn

Dr. Nicole Horn, a 2003 graduate of Ball State University, is a board-certified pediatric anesthesiologist at Riley Children’s Hospital, where she also leads the Pediatric Anesthesia Research Team. A passionate physician and humanitarian, Dr. Horn has dedicated her life to both clinical excellence and global outreach. Through her work with the nonprofit Free to Smile, she has led anesthesia teams on more than 60 international missions, helping provide cleft lip and palate surgeries to underserved children around the world. Her leadership in medicine and mission work, combined with her dedication to mentoring and advocacy, exemplifies the spirit of Ball State’s Alumni Achievement Award.

Elizabeth (Beth) Johnson

Beth Johnson is a nationally recognized leader in historic preservation with over 16 years of service to cities including San Antonio, Austin, Covington, and Cincinnati. With a degree in Urban Planning and Development, Beth also holds a master’s in Historic Preservation Planning from Cornell University. She has risen through the ranks of her profession—from senior planner to her current role as Executive Director of the Cincinnati Preservation Association, where her leadership has driven strategic growth and increased community impact. Beyond her professional work, Beth is a committed volunteer, mentor, educator, and advocate, generously serving on numerous boards and civic initiatives. She embodies the spirit of service, leadership, and lifelong learning that defines Ball State’s best.

Benny Award

Ed Armantrout

A 2001 graduate of the Miller College of Business, Ed Armantrout has demonstrated exceptional dedication to Ball State University through over a decade of volunteer leadership and engagement. He served on the MCOB Alumni Board (2013–2018) and completed three full terms on the Alumni Council (2013–2022), contributing meaningfully to numerous initiatives, including alumni panels, focus groups, and strategic projects. A longtime donor and loyal fan with season tickets for football and men’s and women’s basketball, Ed’s commitment to his alma mater is unwavering. Now serving as Pastor at Avondale UMC and formerly Vice President of Old National Bank, Ed also exemplifies community leadership beyond campus. His reliability, enthusiasm, and service make him a deserving recipient of the prestigious Benny Award.

Jay R. Brill

A 1974 graduate of the Miller School of Business, Jay Brill has been a steadfast advocate and ambassador for Ball State University. With over nine years of service on the Ball State Alumni Council, Jay contributed to key committees including Marketing, Governance, Scholarship, Awards, and Trustee Selection. He is also a proud One Ball State Day Ambassador, mentor in the Miller College of Business SOAR Program, and frequent facilitator at Dialogue Days. A dedicated Sigma Chi alumnus, Jay remains actively engaged through Cardinals Connect networking and consistent participation in alumni events. With a professional background as a banker and a lifelong passion for service, Jay exemplifies Cardinal pride and commitment, making him a worthy recipient of the Benny Award.

Doug Cook

A 1979 graduate of the Miller College of Business, Doug Cook has demonstrated lifelong dedication to Ball State University through service, leadership, and family legacy. As a student, Doug was deeply involved in campus life—from serving as a State House intern and Orientation Leader to earning the prestigious Emens Award for Outstanding Senior and representing students on the Board of Trustees. He continued that commitment as a member of the Alumni Council (2016–2024), serving as treasurer and executive committee member. Doug is a Top 100 Mentor, a supporter of BSU and particularly the athletic department, and part of a proud Cardinal family with his wife and daughters, who are also alumni. Doug is a CPA and attorney, has served as President of Ambassador Healthcare and currently is the business manager and attorney for several entertainers in New York and Los Angeles. As such, Doug exemplifies leadership and service, making him a deserving Benny Award honoree.

Constance (Connie) McIntosh

Connie is an accomplished nurse educator, leader, and community advocate. A triple graduate of Ball State University, she earned her BSN in 1989, her Ed.D. in 2013, and, most recently, her MS (in nursing) in 2024. Currently a Professor in the School of Nursing at Ball State, Dr. McIntosh is known for her dedication to teaching, mentorship, and service. She has held numerous leadership roles within the university and professional organizations, including serving as President of the Indiana State Board of Nursing and President of the Sigma Theta Tau International Beta Rho Chapter. Her work has garnered over $900,000 in funding for the university, and she has been widely recognized for her excellence, including receiving the Outstanding Nursing Alumni Award in 2020. Dr. McIntosh exemplifies commitment to education, the nursing profession, and the Ball State community.

Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award 

Michael Behrens

Michael Behrens is an EMMY and Regional Murrow Award winning broadcast meteorologist whose career has been marked by innovation, leadership, and service. A 2016 graduate of Ball State University’s College of Sciences and Humanities, Michael began forecasting on-air while still a student, joining NewsLink Indiana and WCRD on campus, later freelancing for ABC 21 Alive in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, after just his third semester. Since then, he has contributed to multiple news stations across the country including in Michigan, Texas, and most recently at CBS affiliate WBNS 10TV News in Columbus, Ohio. He has made it his mission to keep the public safe and informed through enhancing severe weather communication for a digital age, launching cutting-edge weather graphics systems and presentations, mentoring young professionals, and teaching members of his community about meteorology and all things S.T.E.M. Michael has taken this work beyond the studio as a passionate science educator and community advocate, frequently visiting schools and youth groups, inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in science and public communications. His continued dedication to public service, excellence in meteorology, and passion for trustworthy scientific journalism exemplifies the spirit of the G.O.L.D. (Graduate of the Last Decade) Award.

Adrienne Maxwell

Adrienne Maxwell is a dynamic higher education leader dedicated to student success, mental health advocacy, and inclusive academic support. A 2015 Ball State graduate, Adrienne has built a distinguished career at the University of Iowa, where she created the Tippie Toolkit and co-founded Tippie Thrive, innovative programs supporting over 4,000 undergraduate business students. A two-time master’s degree recipient, Adrienne exemplifies lifelong learning and service. Her commitment to Ball State continues through her role on the Young Alumni Council, where she actively contributes despite living out of state.

Captain Eric “Ricky” P. McGowen

Captain Eric “Ricky” P. McGowen is a Senior Defense Counsel in the U.S. Air Force, is stationed at MacDill AFB, and provides legal representation to service members all over the world, with his area of responsibility primarily covering the southeast United States. A 2016 graduate of Ball State University and a proud Miller College of Business alum, Capt McGowen earned his J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law and commissioned with the JAG Corps in 2020. Recognized for his litigation excellence and leadership, he has served globally, including in Okinawa, Japan, and authored a widely adopted guide to Commander Directed Investigations. Beyond his military service, Capt McGowen is an active mentor, volunteer, and advocate for Ball State students and alumni, embodying the spirit of service, leadership, and Cardinal pride.

Kirsten Norwood

Kirsten Norwood is a proud 2016 CCIM graduate of Ball State University. As a student, she was deeply involved in campus leadership – including Homecoming, Orientation, and student life initiatives – and has continued to give back to Ball State in the years since. Today, Kirsten is a second-generation entrepreneur of a $1.2 million commercial landscape company, Greene Thumb Landscape, where she works alongside her husband to build a thriving, community-rooted business. Passionate about workforce development, disability advocacy, and building multi-generational wealth, Kirsten uses her platform to create opportunities and challenge industry norms. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Down Syndrome Indiana and the Patient Advisory Council at Franciscan Health. As a mother to a young daughter and caregiver to her non-verbal sister with special needs, Kirsten is committed to living a purpose-driven life – one that blends faith, leadership, and impact.

Patrick Schwartz

Patrick Schwartz is a 2017 graduate of Ball State’s College of Architecture and Planning and is a Project Manager at F.A. Wilhelm Construction. As a student, he was deeply engaged in leadership and service roles, including Dance Marathon and Sigma Lambda Chi. He has continued his commitment to Ball State through consistent giving, mentoring, and alumni event participation. Patrick is a LEED Accredited Professional. Patrick also serves his community through organizing blood drives with Versiti, participating in Rebuilding Together Indianapolis, and other volunteer efforts. His strong alumni engagement and dedication to service make him a standout recipient of the G.O.L.D. Award.

Kelly Ufford

Kelly Ufford is a 2015 Ball State graduate with a BFA in Musical Theatre. She began her career as a performer before transitioning into the financial services industry, where she spent six years developing expertise in operations and investor relations. Motivated to return to entertainment with a business-forward lens, she recently earned a Master of Entertainment Industry Management (MEIM) degree from Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy. While at CMU, Kelly produced two short films, served as a MEIM Class Representative, and was both an Admissions Student Ambassador and Peer Mentor. Kelly graduated with highest distinction and was named the 2025 Heinz College Student Commencement Speaker. She also received the Joint Heinz/CFA Student Leadership Award and the MEIM Student Leadership Award. Additionally, she was recently selected as a 2025 Fellow by the Hollywood Radio and Television Society (HRTS). Kelly now works at Sony Pictures Entertainment on the Television Business Affairs team, where she brings a distinctive blend of creative insight and business strategy to the evolving media landscape. A dedicated Ball State alumna, she has served on the Young Alumni Council, mentored students, and supported key alumni initiatives. She has volunteered with pediatric cancer research and environmental conservation organizations, embodying Ball State’s values of leadership, service, and lifelong impact.