Ball State Alumni Kelli and Russell Lawrence Build a Legacy of Giving

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.

When Kelli, ’01, and Russell Lawrence, ’94, talk about Ball State University, the Muncie campus shaped far more than their careers—it shaped their lives. Both first-generation students, they came seeking opportunity and left with a lifelong connection that inspires their commitment to giving back.

“I looked at schools all around the country,” said Ms. Lawrence, an urban planning graduate from the Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning. “But Ball State just felt like home. I appreciated that the program combined policy, law, design, and community development. It opened my eyes to how planning touches everything.”

Mr. Lawrence, a journalism graduate, worked for the Alumni Association as a student—where Ms. Lawrence later volunteered for the Homecoming Steering Committee and Student Alumni Relations Team.

“Those experiences gave us such respect for Ball State alumni,” Ms. Lawrence said. “We met people who stayed involved and gave back. So, when we became alumni, we knew we wanted to do the same.”

After graduation, Ms. Lawrence became a city planner in Carmel, Ind., shaping redevelopment projects like the Arts and Design District and the city’s roundabouts. This work led to an unexpected path into private development.

“I thought I’d stay in public service or consulting,” she said. “But I met developers who encouraged me to join their company—and I said yes. I tell my kids all the time: ‘Say yes, because you never know where it’ll lead.’”

It led to her current role as CEO of Onyx+East, a homebuilding firm founded by alumni operating in Indiana, Florida, and Ohio. Meanwhile, Mr. Lawrence built a successful Indianapolis real estate career, strengthened by his Ball State connections.

Paying it forward

Gratitude drives the Lawrences’ philanthropy. They established the Lawrence Family Scholarship to support students with financial need.

“As first-generation students, scholarships meant everything to us,” Ms. Lawrence said. “Being able to help students like us is deeply meaningful.”

Recipient Juliana Hgay, a first-year architecture student, said the scholarship allows her to focus on coursework and join clubs like National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS) and The Way International.

“Without this scholarship, I may not have had the opportunities to use my time for more school-related activities,” Ms. Hgay said. “Because of alumni donors like the Lawrences, there are more opportunities for scholarship recipients. I am so grateful for their support.”

Cultivating a culture of philanthropy

The Lawrences also provided seed funding for the Student Philanthropy Pilot Program, integrating giving into coursework. Students allocate real dollars to local nonprofits, learning to give with purpose.

“It’s about helping students think early about giving back,” Ms. Lawrence said. “They learn how philanthropy can shape communities—especially right here in Muncie.”

Supporting the pilot was a natural fit.

“We were excited by President Mearns’ vision,” she said. “It connects Ball State’s mission to enrich lives with hands-on opportunities for students to make a difference.”

Ms. Lawrence also serves on the Ball State University Foundation Board of Directors.

“Every step of our careers has a Ball State connection. It’s been the catalyst for so much—personally and professionally,” she said. “Supporting the University is our way of saying thank you.”

The Lawrences support Our Call to Beneficence with giving. Learn how you can positively impact students at bsu.edu/answerthecall