Ball State Foundation Blog

Engagement and Impact

Category: Features

  • Adria Johnson: Resilience is Key
    February 13, 2025 by

    Adria Johnson, Ball State University Alum and CEO of the Metro United Way in Louisville, was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. Her parents instilled values of independence, resilience, humility, discipline, and commitment in her at a young age. “I grew up in really humble beginnings,” Adria said. Her experiences throughout childhood encouraged her to […]

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  • Adam K. Allen: The Fierce Red Bird
    January 31, 2025 by

    When Adam K. Allen graduated in 2016, he was frustrated by the lack of available production positions. The triple major took matters into his own hands and reached out to professionals he met while at Ball State, fostering new networks. Soon after, he launched Fierce Little Bird Productions based in Indianapolis, which he has operated […]

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  • Foundation Board of Directors Welcomes New Members
    December 5, 2024 by

    Ball State University recently welcomed five alumni to its Foundation Board of Directors.  Jim Fields ‘97, Brian Haynes ‘96, Lou Hensley ‘91, Dan Molinaro ‘68, and Natalie Vega O’Neil ’98 were elected to serve three-year terms, starting November 1, 2024.   Jean Kramer Crosby ‘96, in her role as President of the Foundation and Alumni Association, […]

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  • Dreaming Big with Loren Dent
    December 3, 2024 by

    Loren Dent set a career goal to be a Director of Communications in the world of nonprofit work. Having already accomplished this at age 27, she is learning what it means to dream bigger and imagine more. Loren (’19, ’21) spent her time at Ball State discovering herself and her passions and making connections that […]

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  • Taking Chances with Eric “Ike” Eicher
    November 13, 2024 by

    Eric “Ike” Eicher–Ball State grad, Co-Founder/President of strategy and brand agency RightHand, and Black Belt in Taekwondo, knew what he wanted to do from a young age. Ike has a very successful career in the advertising and marketing space due to his willingness to take chances, make mistakes, and not let fear be his guide. […]

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  • Alumni Award Winners 2024
    August 22, 2024 by

    For more than 100 years, graduates of Ball State University have accomplished mark-making achievements that have left both the Ball State community and the world proud一bestselling novels, dedicated service, award-winning articles, memorable lectures and successful business ventures. A quick glance at the history of Ball State’s alumni and their success is enough to highlight the […]

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  • Helping Students Navigate Their Journey
    August 13, 2024 by

    Over the years, Bill Walters ‘72 would thumb through the latest issue of the Ball State Alumni magazine, feeling a swell of pride for his alma mater before setting it aside to resume his busy career in corporate advertising. “I would get the magazine, read a couple articles, and then set it aside. I think […]

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