By Ball State Communications—
MUNCIE, IN – Ball State University celebrated its Class of 2025 on Saturday, conferring more than 1,300 doctoral, specialist, master’s, and bachelor’s degrees during its Summer Commencement ceremony.
Held in Worthen Arena on the Ball State campus, the event featured an address by David Taylor Little, associate teaching professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance.
A 2024 recipient of the Outstanding Creative Endeavor Award, Prof. Little delivered his address, “Buckle Up, Buttercup!”, in which he encouraged graduates to listen to all of their feelings and be vulnerable.
“You have the power to use your vulnerability to change the world,” he said. “The ability to see the world through your own eyes and share a unique vision of it through research, continuing study, creation, and dissemination, I encourage you to use this superpower. To use your heart as well as your brain to go out from here and explore the world around you, dig deep, and be vulnerable. What you share could change someone’s life. You can make someone feel needed, seen, wanted, or loved.”
Prof. Little has worked all over the United States as a director and playwright. His short plays have been performed in multiple theaters, including the Players Theatre in New York City. One of his most recent plays, Podunk, took home a top festival prize from that same theater in 2023 before it was listed among the Best Plays of the year. In recent years, Prof. Little has also premiered new books for operettas staged at Winter Opera St. Louis.
Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns commended Mr. Little for his resiliency and for making a difference in students’ lives.
“Professor Little directed our University’s recent productions of Our Town and Cabaret, among other plays and musicals. And he continues to produce new works of his own at the same time as he cultivates appreciation for theater as an art form here on our campus,” President Mearns said. “I am grateful for his commitment to our students and for his service to our University.”
President Mearns then delivered his advice to the Summer graduates, encouraging them to pursue fulfillment over success and a life of meaning.
“Courage and confidence will allow you to fulfill our University’s mission statement: to have a fulfilling career and to lead a meaningful life.
“Be sincere and speak the truth. Model integrity and value integrity in others. Be grateful and demonstrate your gratitude through your actions,” he continued. “Through your character and commitment, please help us to create a world that is more peaceful and more just. We believe in that brighter future, because we believe in you.”
About Ball State
Founded in 1918 and located in Muncie, Ball State University is one of Indiana’s premier universities and an economic driver for the state. Ball State’s 20,000 students come from all over Indiana, the nation, and the world. The 790-acre campus is large enough to accommodate first-rate facilities and 19 NCAA Division I sports, but our welcoming and inclusive campus is small enough to ensure the friendliness, personal attention, and access that are the hallmarks of the University. Destination 2040: Our Flight Path establishes Ball State’s ambitious goals for our second century. We Fly!
