Education

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana – Results from the 2023 Hoosier Survey show year-over-year consistency in Indiana residents’ thoughts on pressing social issues such as marijuana use and abortion. The Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University has released the first of three rounds of results from the 2023 Hoosier Survey, the center’s annual non-partisan public policy study. The results represent the pulse of the state regarding the most pressing issues facing Indiana residents. Results about questions regarding Hoosier approval ratings for President Joe Biden and Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, election integrity, tax spending, and more…

Koontz is one of only 78 students to be offered Orr Fellowships, out of 916 total applicants from 60+ universities. By Amy Hanna, Borshoff— INDIANAPOLIS– Marian University senior Brylee Koontz has been awarded the prestigious and highly competitive Orr Fellowship. A Gaston resident, Koontz is one of only 78 top-tier college seniors selected as Orr Fellows for the Class of 2024. Two other Marian University students were also awarded Orr Fellowships. Orr Fellowship, one of Indiana’s most celebrated non-profit talent programs, is a two-year post-graduate program that places high-achieving college seniors nationwide in full-time, paid positions at dynamic companies in…

Events to Celebrate and Promote Diversity, Inclusiveness. By Ball State Marketing and Communications— MUNCIE, IN – Ball State University’s Multicultural Center has announced the schedule of events for its annual Unity Week, which kicks off on Monday, Jan. 15—the official observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday this year. “Unity Week aims to challenge perspectives on matters of diversity, inclusivity, and solidarity in an evolving social climate,” said Gabrielle Lloyd, ‘18, director of the Multicultural Center. “We want to offer students, faculty, staff, and community members an opportunity to learn, reflect, and engage in open dialogue about their…

Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction. By Stacey Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—Delta High School senior Kaiden Bond has become a role model both on and off the field. At school, classmates know him as a member of the basketball and football teams. Outside of school, youngsters look up to him in his volunteer work with Concrete Rose, a non-profit organization to encourage youth empowerment and leadership. Bond takes his roles seriously and behaves accordingly.  “Younger people…

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—Delaware County high school seniors and current college students can apply for scholarships through Monday, February 26. The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County manages more than 50 scholarships. Scholarship awards totaling more than $200,000 benefit students each year. Students should visit DelawareCountyScholarships.com to begin their application.  WHO CAN APPLY?  Requirements vary from scholarship to scholarship. Most scholarships are available for high school seniors in Delaware County, Ind. Some scholarships are also available for current college students. These vary based on student major and enrollment.  HOW DO I APPLY?  Apply for scholarships from The Community…

By Bill Walters, Executive Director of the ECI Regional Planning District— MUNCIE, IN—The ECI Regional Planning District is proud to announce its partnership with Northstar, introducing the Digital Literacy Program aimed at empowering East Central Indiana residents with essential digital skills. Accessible through the ECI Regional Planning District, this program is free for enrollment until December 2024, with possible extensions based on its success. The program offers a flexible learning experience through online modules covering a spectrum of topics, including Basic Computer Skills, Internet Fundamentals, Email Usage, Operating Systems (Windows OS, Mac OS), and Essential Software Skills encompassing Microsoft Word,…

Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction. By Stacey Shannon— YORKTOWN, IN—When you’re balancing multiple sports, clubs and other activities, you have to have a system in place to keep everything prioritized and scheduled. Yorktown High School senior Mason Moulton has figured out a system that works best for him. At the beginning of each week, he sets up a spreadsheet to best plan his schedule – often hour by hour. “Time management is the big…

Grant is the largest single gift in the history of the University. By Ball State Market and Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana – Ball State University has received a grant of $35 million from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its initiative, College and Community Collaboration (CCC). The grant will support the University’s ambitious, long-term plan to revitalize The Village, the commercial district adjacent to Ball State’s campus. The majority of the grant will support the design and construction of a new performing arts center, which will serve as the catalyst for the entire project. The Lilly Endowment grant enables the University to leverage…

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Central High School Alumni Association at its annual meeting in November recognized three distinguished alumni and gave an honorary award to the five Central alumnae for their founding of Delta Theta Tau sorority, which grew into a national organization. The three alumni recognized for their distinguished careers and contributions to their community and Muncie Central were Bob Barnet, who graduated in 1929; Ryan Kerrigan, 2007; and Marilyn Weaver, 1961. Muncie’s legendary sportswriter, Barnet, was recognized posthumously. He is probably one of the few people to see the Bearcats win all eight of its basketball…