Ball State University Magazine

Ball State Dance Marathon Turns Student Leadership Into Lasting Impact for Riley Children

A road of young adults dance with glow sticks.

Ball State University Dance Marathon raised $281,736.26 in 2026 as students built leadership skills, community, and year-round support for Riley Hospital for Children.

September 30, 2026/by Felicia Swinney

Alumni Stories

Inspiring the next generation of cardinals.

Kevin Lansberry in front of shop window at Disney

Kevin Lansberry, ’86, rose from an accounting clerk to one of Disney’s top finance leaders, building a career shaped by steady work, relationships, and his Ball State foundation.

Two construction staff members wearing hard hats and reflective safety vests stand in front of a building under renovation, with construction equipment and scaffolding behind them.

Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning alumni Melisa Magallanes, ’25, and Dylan Roach, ’21, bring their construction management education full circle as they help renovate Ball State’s Architecture Building.

Jen Todderud, ’10 MA ’13, and Brooke Kirages, ’08, drew on their Ball State experiences, longtime friendship, and shared love of books to create Chapter Book Lounge in downtown Noblesville.

A group photo of several people wearing hiking gear.

From Mammoth Cave to wildlife refuges across the country, Ball State students and graduates are applying science, field experience, and public-service skills to protect treasured landscapes.

Ball State alumni John Williams and Dr. Damita Williams

Alumni John Williams and Dr. Damita Williams draw on their experiences in athletics and health to support the University and encourage fellow Cardinals to stay engaged.

Ball State alumni Kelli and Russell Lawrence

First-generation graduates Kelli, ’01, and Russell Lawrence, ’94, are expanding opportunity for Ball State students through scholarships and programs that encourage the next generation of philanthropists.

Lou Hensley (left) and Caleb Murray (right), both smiling and dressed in suits.

Aspida CEO Lou Hensley, ’91, supports Ball State through philanthropy, service on the Ball State University Foundation Board, student mentorship, and recruiting Cardinals for internships and careers.

Mike Shebek stands in front of the Shebek Stadium with his arms crossed in a red Ball State pullover.

From ace pitcher to CEO, Mike Shebek, ’88, has built a life defined by resilience. His journey came full circle with a historic contribution to Ball State baseball and the stadium that now bears his name.

Ball State alumna Jill Lacy, ’92, has built a lifelong connection to her alma mater through student leadership, philanthropy, and service on key University boards and committees.

Smiling man (Kieth A. Robinson) in a blue suit and pink tie poses outdoors in front of a brick building

Ball State alumnus Dr. Keith Robinson, ’95, built a career in education and public service, becoming associate principal at Evanston Township High School and the first Black trustee of Skokie, Ill.

Ball State alumna Natalie Vega O’Neil, ’98, smiling with arms crossed, now president and CEO of Junior Achievement of Washington.

Ball State alumna Natalie Vega O’Neil, ’98, draws on lessons from her student experience to lead Junior Achievement of Washington and champion youth empowerment and community service.

Kate (Endress) Doerksen, a 2005 Ball State graduate and former standout basketball player, balances entrepreneurship and a commitment to her community.