Generational Impact

Comprehensive campaigns: understanding the history, and the need to answer the call

For as long as universities have existed, the fundamental need for philanthropic support has, too. Day in and day out—and, in some cases, with annual events such as One Ball State Day—raising funds to support an institutional mission and strategic plan is not only the norm—it’s necessary.

A variety of revenue sources make up the overall financial landscape at a public university. State appropriations, plus student tuition and fees, are certainly part of that. Still, private gifts, grants, and corporate and foundation partnerships also play significant roles in the sustainability and success of state institutions.

Ball State University is no different.

On Oct. 20, 2023, Ball State officially entered the public phase of Our Call to Beneficence: The Campaign for Ball State University. During that announcement, Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns revealed the University’s ambitious goal to raise more than $350 million by June 30, 2027. Thanks to the University’s expanding network of supporters, $280 million has already been secured.

“This campaign is about envisioning the extraordinary impact that philanthropy can have on the lives of our students, our neighbors, and our friends for generations to come,” President Mearns said.

Our Call to Beneficence is a comprehensive campaign, just the fourth in the history of the University. The campaign officially began on July 1, 2017, with a leadership phase.

The last comprehensive campaign at Ball State was Ball State BOLD: Investing in the Future—a seven-year endeavor that concluded in June of 2011 and resulted in $210 million raised, $10 million more than its original goal.

The word “comprehensive” is important. It defines the basic reality that all gifts and grants secured during the campaign count toward the goal. But the word also represents the reality that the funds raised will comprehensively support all areas of the University. Every college and many other divisions at Ball State have outlined specific priorities for the funds raised during Our Call to Beneficence. Many of those initiatives are highlighted in this edition of the Alumni Magazine, and all are available for review at bsu.edu/answerthecall.

But broadly, to frame the comprehensive effort another way, Our Call to Beneficence is a launching pad for Ball State to take giant steps to achieve more and do more; to energize the University’s commitments to lift individuals, families, and entire communities.

During any campaign, but certainly during just the fourth comprehensive campaign in Ball State’s history, the University rallies constituents around a shared vision focused on essential functions and innovative projects instead of only on infrastructure, which is typically the case in capital campaigns.

Ball State has established three primary pillars of support for Our Call to Beneficence: ensuring student opportunity and success; enriching the academic experience; and expanding campus and community impact.

“The pillars focus on people, programs, and places and are designed to help donors identify priorities that align with their philanthropic interest,” said Mark Helmus, Ball State University Foundation’s chief advancement officer. “The first, and largest, provides resources so students can attend, excel, and graduate. The second supports innovation in the classroom and helps attract and retain the best faculty and staff. The third centers on high-quality facilities and campus beautification for our students, alumni, friends, and community.”

This campaign is aptly named.

Beneficence is the iconic statue located on campus that embodies the University’s longstanding enduring values: Excellence, Innovation, Courage, Integrity, Inclusiveness, Social Responsibility, and Gratitude. The last of those, Gratitude, is the value that, at Ball State, is defined as a collective commitment to expressing appreciation to others and demonstrating gratitude through actions.

“Beneficence is all about paying it forward and making sure that we make a contribution because we have been so fortunate to have had a strong and inspiring educational experience,” said Dr. Jo Ann Gora, former Ball State president and member of Our Call to Beneficence’s Executive Campaign Council.

Dr. Gora serves on the executive campaign council with Patrick Alderdice, ’92; Charlie Brown, ’71; Tom Bryan, ’77; Dave Heeter, ’83; Dan Molinaro, ’68; Larry Roan, ’77; Tony Smith, ’68; Joan SerVaas; and current Ball State Board of Trustees members Renae Conley, ’80 MBA ’82, and William “Craig” Dobbs, ’86. Randy Pond, ’77, is the executive campaign council chair.

“The education I received continues to inspire my passion and commitment to Ball State,” Mr. Pond said. “I believe Our Call to Beneficence: The Campaign for Ball State University will create a campus culture of philanthropy, uphold Ball State as a top-ranked academic leader in the Midwest, and better prepare the students of today and tomorrow.”