Education

MUNCIE, Ind. — Ball State University fans are preparing to celebrate this year’s Homecoming festivities with a theme of “Cardinals Around the World.” The annual week of events begins Oct. 16 and culminates on Oct. 21, when the Cardinals take on Central Michigan University at 3 p.m. in Scheumann Stadium. “Homecoming is a great way for the Ball State campus, alumni and the Muncie community to come together as one and show pride in our institution,” Michelle Johnson, senior director of alumni engagement, homecoming, athletics and reunions, said, “Our theme of ‘Cardinals Around the World’ helps us showcase all Ball State fans…

By: Jennifer Gaslorek— Muncie, Ind. – A ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Muncie Chamber of Commerce will be at Ivy Tech Community College East Central Region’s Gardens of Ivy.  The ribbon cutting will be held on Wednesday, October 4, 2017, to celebrate the first harvest. This raised bed garden located at the Muncie Cowan Road Campus was designed and constructed by students in the Agriculture, Design, Building Technology, and Welding Programs. The community garden provides fresh vegetables and herbs, for the culinary arts program, Ivy Tech students and employees. This project has been implemented in collaboration with the following…

By: Kallie Sulanke— Muncie, IN—Seventeen local teachers will receive $3,166 in Robert P. Bell Education Grants from The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc.  Across the county, thousands of students benefit from Bell Education Grants each year. Awards of up to $450 are available through the Bell Grants program. Funded projects are creative or innovative classroom projects designed to stimulate learning in students. All Delaware County teachers are invited to apply during any of the four grant cycles. Awards for the first cycle of this school year include: Michelle Bade, West View Elementary School, was awarded $450 to expose kindergarten and…

By: Kelsey Batten— INDIANAPOLIS—Ivy Tech Community College has named Matt Hawkins as senior vice president and chief financial officer, assuming the role on Monday, October 16. The position was previously held by Chris Ruhl, who has transitioned to Purdue University, serving as their senior vice president of strategic initiatives in the Office of the Treasurer. In this role, Hawkins will be responsible for the planning and direction of the financial, accounting, and procurement functions of the College. He will advise leadership on matters concerning the financial status of the College, financial organization, investments, and compliance with the State statutes and…

By: Jennifer Gasiorek— Muncie, IN—Ivy Tech Community College has been awarded a $1 million Upward Grant from the United States Department of Education. The five-year grant will help prepare 60 ninth through twelfth graders from Muncie Central High School for college. The goal of the grant is equip high school students from low-income families, potential-first generation college students and students who have a high risk of academic failure with the skills necessary to achieve academic success. “We are focused on preparing young people to enter the workforce and obtain their career aspirations,” said Ivy Tech Chancellor Alex Huskey. “Funding from the…

By: BSU News— MUNCIE, Indiana – As part of an effort to help transform the Muncie community, the George and Frances Ball Foundation is committing $150,000 to a scholarship fund for first-generation Muncie Central students who plan to attend Ball State University. The gift by the Muncie-based foundation brings the Mearns/Proud Family Endowed Scholarship Fund to about $430,000. The scholarship was announced during Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns’ installation on Sept. 8. President Mearns and his wife, Jennifer, are committing $100,000 to establish the scholarship. The couple named this scholarship in honor and memory of their parents, who highly valued…

By: BSUNews— Muncie, IN – Ball State University President Geoffrey S. Mearns told the audience at his installation today that he is taking personal responsibility for helping transform the Muncie community by creating and funding college scholarships for local high school students. President Mearns and his wife, Jennifer, are committing $100,000 to establish the Mearns/Proud Family Scholarship to benefit Muncie Central graduates who are first-generation college students. President and Mrs. Mearns have named this scholarship in honor and memory of their parents. “Muncie continues to face some significant challenges, primarily because of the adverse impacts caused by external economic forces,”…

By: Richard Morris— As President of the Liberty-Perry Alumni Association (LPAA), I am very proud to write about an upcoming historic event that is most impressive, especially in our local community.  I am referring to the 89th Annual Center High School Alumni Reunion Banquet being held on Saturday, September 9, 2017.  Center High School has been long razed.  The school building was located on the southeast corner of county roads 600 south and 600 east, approximately 1 mile away from where the banquet will be held in the fellowship hall at Harris Chapel on Gates Road.  The last graduating class…