Cardinal Pride Alumni News (Spring 2024)
Stephon W. Jones, ’85, Indianapolis, and his wife, Denise Pearson, ’84 at the Our Call to Beneficence Event
Stephon W. Jones, ’85, Indianapolis, and his wife, Denise Pearson, ’84, were among more than 600 alumni in attendance at the Our Call to Beneficence kickoff event—a celebration of the launch of the most ambitious fundraising campaign in Ball State’s history. Mr. Jones is president of the Ball State Black Alumni Council and serves as a mentor for students in the Miller College of Business’ SOAR program.
1960s
James R. Beckett, ’60, Vacaville, Calif., who was a quarter-miler on the Ball State University track team, recently achieved national recognition by breaking existing power walking records for men 85-89 in two separate competitions. Mr. Beckett broke the National Senior Games records in the 1,500-meter and 5,000-meter power walks at the National Senior Games Championships in Pittsburgh, and also the 1,500-meter and 3,000-meter power walks at the 2023 Huntsman World Senior Games Championships in St. George, Utah. He has been power walking since 2019.
Don L. Park, ’61 MA ’62, Muncie, was awarded the Order of the Golden Heart, the highest honor for Sigma Phi Epsilon alumni in recognition of over 30 years of service to the fraternity. Mr. Park is a Ball State professor emeritus, and in 2007, a residence hall, Park Hall, was named in his honor at the University.
1970s
Dennis R. Eller, ’70 MAE ’76, Fort Wayne, Ind., published his first book, “A Life Worth Living: The Tragedies, Trials, and Triumphs of Terry Ann Fillio.” The book recounts the compelling story of Mr. Eller’s cousin, who was paralyzed from the neck down after contracting polio as a young girl.
Sr. Luigi Mary Frigo, MAE ’71, Fond du Lac, Wis., is celebrating 70 years as a Sister of St. Agnes in Wisconsin. Sr. Frigo earned her master’s degree in Elementary Education.
Allen L. Williams, ’73, Michigan City, Ind.,
Allen L. Williams, ’73, Michigan City, Ind., who passed away in December 2023, was honored last year as a recipient of three major county and community awards: Strengthening Community through the United Way of LaPorte County; the Community Spirit Award from the Indiana Black Expo (Michigan City Chapter); and the Service and Leadership Award from the Michigan City Black History Committee. All of these awards were earned for his engagement and service to his community and his demonstrated efforts and commitment to achieving race equity. Mr. Williams remained active at Ball State after his graduation—providing more than 50 years of continued partnership by attending Homecomings, participating in groundbreakings, mentoring students, and lending his expertise. Mr. Williams, who was believed to have curated one of the largest private collections of African American history in the country, donated materials to University Libraries’ Archives and Special Collections and the Multicultural Center as part of a digital exhibit entitled “The Ball State University Multicultural Center: Ambassadors of Campus Inclusion and Diversity.” The collection consists of Black alumni photos, memorabilia, documents, papers, and videos that document the Multicultural Center’s history as far back as the late 1960s and the cultural and social changes of the time. In addition, he worked closely with the Department of History on its Black Alumni Oral History Project.
John M. Dierdorf, ’74, Fishers, Ind., had a full exhibit, Floral Celebration, on display for the month of September 2023 in the Meyer Najem second-floor gallery in Fishers as one of the four artists of the month recognized by Nickel Plate Arts.
Terry R. Schmidt (center), ’74, Erwin, Tenn.,
Terry R. Schmidt, ’74, Erwin, Tenn., traveled with two other dentists and twenty dental students to Jamaica. In four clinic days, 531 dental patients were treated. Dr. Schmidt has been traveling to numerous countries since his graduation, providing dental care for the citizens of other countries who cannot afford dental care.
Kirby L. Whitacre, ’74 MA ’76, South Bend, Ind., is a retired teacher, coach, and athletic director. Mr. Whitacre spent two months volunteering with the organization United Planet in Chisinau, Moldova, working with refugees. He was assigned to a United Nations affiliate-sponsored refugee center and was able to spend some time in Ukraine before returning to the United States, where he continues to advise and assist refugees. He has also published three books: “Buddhism: a Westerner’s Compendium;” “The Spirit Traveler and the Northwest Indian Wars in the Ohio Country;” and “A Priest, A Dog and Small College Basketball.”
Debbie J. Robertson, ’75 MA ’86, St. Petersburg, Fla., and Sandra A. (Stepp) Frizzell, ’79, Indianapolis, visited fellow alumni Terry J. Snyder, ’77, and Sheryl L. (Blaugher) Snyder, ’76, both of Castle Rock, Colo., and toured Ball Arena—home of the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, and Colorado Mammoths.
Debbie J. Robertson, ’75 MA ’86, St. Petersburg, Fla., and Sandra A. (Stepp) Frizzell, ’79, Indianapolis, visited fellow alumni Terry J. Snyder, ’77, and Sheryl L. (Blaugher) Snyder, ’76, both of Castle Rock, Colo., and toured Ball Arena—home of the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, and Colorado Mammoths.
1980s
Linda E. Minton, ’80, MAE ’84, Indianapolis, a retired educator, has published four military books about World War II and the Vietnam War. She has also written and published 11 children’s books featuring pets and rescue animals. Her children’s books have the themes of kindness, friendship, forgiveness, and differences.
Kim L. Anderson and Dr. Paul Parkison
Kim L. Anderson, ’81, Murraysville, Pa., retired as an accounting professor from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, located in Indiana, Penn., after 32 years. She recently visited Ball State Professor Emeritus Dr. Paul Parkison, ’58 MA ’61, her Honors College thesis advisor and mentor.
David M. Owens, ’83, Greenwood, Ind., serves as the head chaplain at the Indianapolis International Airport. Also, for more than 20 years, he has been the coordinator for the Greenwood City Council’s Interfaith Invocation Ministry.
Cindy L. Juntunen, ’89, Grand Forks, N.D., who earned a master’s degree from Ball State University in Pre-Counseling Psychology, was named the associate provost and dean of graduate studies and research at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB).
1990s
Brad M. Fischer, ’94, Brownsburg, Ind., has published a book called “The Sand Bucket List: Lessons for Living Life and Facing Death.” In his debut memoir, Mr. Fischer argues against the idea of creating a “bucket list”—a list of random activities and experiences that supposedly bring joy and purpose to life. Instead, he suggests a more practical and positive approach—a “sand bucket list.” This refers to a set of essential practices that we should strive to do as often and thoroughly as possible. A few of his stories are about his time as a student at Ball State.
Shawn H. Cosgrove, ’95, Muncie, and Patrick “Chris” Yeend, ’98, Manilla, Ind., who both earned degrees from Ball State in Criminal Justice, were recognized for 25 years of service with the Indiana State Police.
Nicholas E. Reed, ’95, Decatur, Ill., was inducted into the Decatur Public Schools Athletic Hall of Fame. He competed on the men’s track and field team at Ball State.
Cambia Health Solutions in Portland, Ore., has hired Michael J. Rains, ’96, Seattle, as its next chief financial officer. Mr. Rains earned his bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Ball State.
Jill M. Smith, ’96, Brentwood, Tenn., released her first published work, “Nature Unveiled: 40 Reflections on Experiencing God’s Creation,” through Dexterity Books.
2000s
Tony M. Kline, ’01 MA ’03 PhD ’11, Auburn, Ind., was named vice president for academic affairs at Trine University. Mr. Kline joined Trine University in 2013 as an assistant professor and then became dean of the university’s Franks School of Education. Dr. Kline also worked as an elementary education teacher at The Orchard School in Indianapolis and was an assistant professor in Elementary Education at Ball State.
Jesse L. McClung, III., ’05, Noblesville, Ind., was named the men’s head basketball coach at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. Before this appointment, beginning in the 2023-24 season, he had a successful six-year stint as associate head coach at Marian University. Mr. McClung also played basketball for Ball State while earning his degree in Communication Studies.
Joseph L. Fonderoli, ’06, Cicero, Ind., has been elevated from marketing assistant to vice president of operations for the Indianapolis Colts. Mr. Fonderoli earned his bachelor’s degree in Sports Administration.
In the podcast, “The Innovation Table,” host Edris Bemanian spoke with Karthicka Krishnasamy, ’07, Union City, Calif., senior vice president of merchandising operations for Michael’s, on her proficiency in simplifying complex ideas and how her strategies have helped her in her career. Ms. Krishnasamy earned her master’s in Information and Communication Sciences.
Michael F. Megyesi, MAE ’09 MA ’19, Valparaiso, Ind., was selected as the principal of New Buffalo Elementary and began his tenure in August 2023. He was most recently the principal of Clifford Pierce Middle School in Merrillville, Ind.
2010s
Dayna E. Colbert, ’12 MS ’13, Fishers, Ind., who earned a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a master’s degree in Information and Communication Sciences, has been named the executive director for the Indiana Democratic Party.
Aimee L. Pottkotter, ’13 MAR ’15, Fort Recovery, Ohio, was named as the new athletic director for Fort Recovery Schools. Ms. Pottkotter also won a Citizen of the Year award in 2022 from the Fort Recovery Chamber of Commerce for her extensive volunteer services in her community.
Annaelise “Annie” M. Vest, MA ’13, Owasso, Okla., was appointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt as director of Oklahoma Emergency Management. Ms. Vest holds a master’s degree in Executive Development from Ball State and is an expert disaster mitigator.
Maya R. Bird-Murphy, ’14, Chicago, was selected as a finalist for the 2023 Wheelwright Prize, a $100,000 grant from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design to support investigative approaches to contemporary architecture, with an emphasis on globally-minded research. Ms. Bird-Murphy, founder of Mobile Makers, an award-winning non-profit organization bringing design and skill-building workshops to underrepresented communities, earned her bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Ball State.
Seth R. Jenkins, ’14, Pittsfield, Mass., who earned a master’s degree from Ball State University in Urban and Regional Planning, has been promoted to senior planner in the community planning program at Berkshire Regional Planning Commission in Massachusetts.
Evan M. Duff, ’17, New York, originally from Fishers, Ind., played the role of the Duke of Weselton in the touring production of “Frozen: The Musical.” He discovered his love for performing in fourth grade when he joined the prestigious Indianapolis Children’s Choir and continued to be a member of the choir for nine years. After completing his Musical Theatre program at Ball State, he moved to New York to attend auditions. It was a memorable full-circle moment for him when the Frozen tour came to Clowes Hall in Indianapolis last Fall.
2020s
Samantha G. Robbins, ’20,
Samantha G. Robbins, ’20, Indianapolis, a graduate of the College of Fine Arts, competed in her 10th Miss Indiana competition in June of 2023, where she placed fourth runner-up. She performed a tap dance routine for the talent portion of the competition. While still a student at the University, Ms. Robbins initiated a community service program called “Party Smarty: Breaking the Substance Abuse Cycle.” Her work with Party Smarty received first runner-up for the “Joy of Life Community Service Award” out of the 37 contestants. She continues to organize substance-free events in her community and will return to Miss Indiana for the 11th time this June as the current Miss Central Indiana 2024.
Tyler Ryan, ’20, Indianapolis, moved back home to Indiana to join FOX59 and CBS4 as a meteorologist, making his on-air debut on Nov. 30. He joins forces with fellow Cardinal Amber Hardwick, ’13—also a meteorologist at FOX59 and CBS4.
Andre Guimaraes, ’21, Carmel, Ind., produced “Two Soles,” a stop-motion short film about a shoe that tried to be an individual in a world of pairs. The film has toured several film festivals across the country. The film took several hundred hours of planning, animating, sound design, set design, score composition, and post-production, with support from Ball State PBS. The film can be viewed on the platform Vimeo.
Former Ball State baseball standout pitcher Chayce M. McDermott, ’21, Alexandria, Ind., plays for the Baltimore Orioles’ Double-A affiliate, Bowie Baysox. Mr. McDermott, a fourth-round pick by the Houston Astros in the 2021 MLB Draft, was traded to the Orioles’ organization last July.
