I was really excited to be a part of the Ball State community. But I didn’t realize how lost I was. I was in a major that didn’t fit, just going through the motions and quietly struggling. The one thing that kept me grounded was becoming a glee club member with the Ball State University […]
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From doubt to direction—finding confidence and a place among Ball State’s Top 100
When I transferred to Ball State University, I didn’t know what to expect. It was a difficult decision to transfer in my third year. I decided to pursue a career in education and felt Ball State was the place for that. I was stepping into a completely new environment—a new campus, a new field, and […]
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From solo to supported—embracing campus and community networks
When I arrived at Ball State in Fall 2023, I immediately felt homesick. My hometown of Fort Wayne wasn’t far away, but it felt like a world away. I knew the best way to deal with missing home was to get involved—but I had no idea just how many opportunities Ball State had to offer. […]
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From stalled to soaring—helping lead Ball State’s biggest fundraiser
The new sense of freedom I experienced when I got to Ball State was everything I imagined—no curfews, no one telling me what to do. But after a few weeks, reality started to sink in. I was skipping assignments and putting things off, and it started to catch up with me. My grades took a […]
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From culture shock to confidence—finding a voice and leading class discussions
I had no idea just how much my Ball State journey would change me. When I stepped on campus after a 13-hour flight from Nigeria, everything felt different—the weather, the way classes worked, even how students interacted with professors. It was a lot to take in. But through my love of storytelling, I quickly found […]
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From struggle to strength—now working to support student success
College was never going to be easy, but as a first-generation student, I faced challenges I hadn’t expected. The excitement of starting a new chapter was quickly overshadowed by the pace of university life. I battled homesickness, struggled to keep up with my coursework, and found myself placed on academic probation—twice. Then, in 2020, the […]
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From Isolation to Elevation: Len Forkas Climbs Mount Everest for Kids With Cancer
When he stood atop Mount Everest—about 29,000 feet above sea level—earlier this year, Ball State University graduate Len Forkas, ’82, wasn’t thinking about personal glory; he was thinking about children. On his mind and in his heart were children battling cancer and facing one of the most difficult parts of treatment: isolation. “One of the […]
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Ball State Teams Up with Habitat for Humanity for August ‘Build Month’
Ball State University is partnering with Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity this August for a monthlong volunteer initiative—Ball State Builds—designed to encourage faculty, staff, and students to support affordable housing efforts in the local community. The campaign builds on a longstanding relationship between the two organizations. The Ball State baseball team, in particular, has been […]
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Remembering Dr. Alan Hargrave, Ball State Administrator and AlumnusBall State University is mourning the passing of Dr. Alan L. Hargrave, a beloved alumnus and retired administrator whose visionary leadership and student-first approach shaped the University for more than three decades. Dr. Hargrave passed away on June 7, 2025, at the age of 68. Dr. Hargrave served Ball State for 35 years, retiring in […]
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Ball State Career Center Earns National Recognition for Career Services Excellence
Connection. Integration. Empowerment. These three pillars have guided Ball State University’s Career Center to help students achieve their dreams, establish fulfilling careers, and live meaningful lives. By supporting thousands of students through a strong network of connections, resources, and distinctive professional development opportunities, the Career Center has earned national recognition. The Career Center was honored […]
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