Cardinal Pride Alumni News (Fall 2026)
The class notes reflect news about Ball State alumni and published in our Fall 2026 print issue of Ball State Magazine.
1950s
Paul C. Hoopingarner, ’59, Richmond, Minn., is retired from Associated Insurance Agency, a company he founded in 1961. In 2002, the agency was voted the No. 1 insurance agency in Minnesota. He graduated from Teachers College with a degree in family consumer and technology education. At 94, he enjoys retirement on the Horseshoe Chain of Lakes.
1960s
Michaeline Chance-Reay, ’65 MA ’67, Manhattan, Kan., professor emeritus of women’s studies and education at Kansas State University, has given more than 100 presentations on the Harvey Girls and devoted much of her research to women whose contributions have often been overlooked. Beginning in 1876, the Harvey Girls worked as waitresses and tour guides for the Fred Harvey Co. along the Santa Fe Railway and played a significant role in Kansas’ economic and cultural history. Her book, Land Grant Ladies: Kansas State University Presidential Wives, was selected as one of the 150 Best Kansas Books for the state’s sesquicentennial.
Five Ball State alumni perform together in the Clearwater (Fla.) Community Band. From left: Max G. Millspaugh, ’64 MA ’66, of Largo, Fla., plays trombone; Nevin A. Seeger, ’73 MA ’74, of Clearwater, Fla., plays trumpet; and Jeffrey S. Duncan, ’75, and Claudia J. Hoffman Duncan, ’80, of Clearwater, Fla., play trombone and French horn, respectively. Rick F. Collins, ’67 MA ’70 EdS ’92, of Clearwater, Fla., plays French horn and is not pictured. Ms. Duncan, Mr. Collins, and Mr. Millspaugh also were members of the Pride of Mid-America Marching Band, and Mr. Duncan served as a football manager.
1970
Annette “Ann” V. (Minkler) Johnson, MA ’72, Muncie, recently published Finding Fogg, a memoir reflecting on her career as an artist, entrepreneur, and educator. Ms. Johnson gained international recognition through F.B. Fogg, a business known for its handmade paper art, with works featured in galleries and collections worldwide, including the White House. A longtime arts advocate and instructor, she has taught thousands of students throughout her career. Last Spring, she shared stories and insights from her artistic journey during a series of presentations at Ball State’s E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center, where she’s also taught watercolor classes for more than 25 years.
Robert R. Rupe, ’76, Sharpsville, Ind., retired from broadcasting after 50 years—40 of those in the Kokomo, Ind., market. He has worked at various radio stations through the years, including WWHC, WBMP, WSHW/WILO, WZWZ/WIOU, and also weekends at WNDE, WKLR, and Emmis-owned WNAP. Mr. Rupe earned his degree in telecommunications from Ball State.
Krista A. Cameron, ’78 MA ’89, Carmel, Ind., has built a career in education, ministry, and chaplaincy, serving schools, hospitals, and congregations across multiple states. In 2021, she became a certified spiritual director and works with individuals and small groups, helping them navigate personal growth and life transitions. Throughout her career, Rev. Cameron has been recognized for her commitment to service, mentorship, and community outreach.
Thomas D. Porter, ’78
Thomas D. Porter, ’78, Los Angeles, recently produced The Elephant Matriarch Project, a documentary highlighting efforts to expand educational opportunities for young women in rural Kenya, while promoting wildlife conservation. The film was selected for screening at the Africa USA International Film Festival during the 2026 Cannes Film Festival in France. An environmental filmmaker whose work focuses on wildlife and conservation, Mr. Porter has produced several award-winning documentaries. In 2025, he received a best documentary award for Stop the War on America’s Wild Horses.
Robin A. (Hawkins) Karlsson, ’79, Carpinteria, Calif., has worked in visual communications and photography for more than four decades. After graduating from Ball State with a double major in visual communications and photography, she worked as a technical illustrator, graphic designer for Max Factor, and video game artist for THQ. Ms. Karlsson serves as a photographer and graphic designer for Coastal View News, where she photographs local events, designs advertisements, and helps produce the weekly newspaper.
1980s
Michael C. LaFerney, MA ’80, North Lakeville, Mass., won an award for the best article of 2025 for Psychologs magazine, in the category of Health, for his article, “Side Effects of Dopamine Agonists.” He also published his article, “Calling on Nurses: Adopt an Orphan (Disease),” in RN-Journal.
Ruby J. Walker, ’80, Durango, Colo., published Applied Polyvagal Theory for Resilience and Post-Traumatic Growth: A Clinician’s Guide. Grounded in polyvagal theory, the book provides clinicians with practical techniques to help clients build resilience, support nervous system regulation, and foster post-traumatic growth. Ms. Walker earned her degree in social work and human development at Ball State.
Barbara A. (Moore) Adams, ’81
Barbara A. (Moore) Adams, ’81 (above), led a living history demonstration for Diana Saiki’s fashion industry studies class. Students received instruction about textiles and garments from the Regency era, including garments worn during the War of 1812. Ms. Adams, a retired elementary education teacher, serves as vice president of the 1812 Indiana Ladies Auxiliary and as a board member of the Mississinewa Battlefield Society.
Thomas M. “Mike” Purdy, ’83, Ronald G. Seibel, ’97, and Alexander J. Bracken, ’23, all of Toledo, Ohio, are working together in the newsroom at The Blade. Mr. Purdy serves as a news and sports copy editor. Mr. Seibel is the sports assignment editor. Mr. Bracken is a news reporter. The Ball State graduates represent multiple generations of Cardinals contributing to one of Northwest Ohio’s leading news organizations.
Carolyn J. (Compton) Friend, ’86 MA ’88, Tipton, Ind., who is a speech-language pathologist with the Tipton School Corporation, recently completed her sixth year as a guest lecturer for Ball State speech-language pathology students. Drawing on a career in both medical and school settings, Ms. Friend shares professional insights and real-world experiences with future speech-language pathologists.
Jeffrey S. Layne, ’86 MS ’87, Orland, Calif., was inducted into Chico State’s Hall of Honor in recognition of his contributions to the university. Mr. Layne helped pioneer distance education at Chico State, beginning with instructional television programming, VHS course recordings, and early two-way video courses that expanded educational access. As director of Distance Education, he led the development of new online degree programs, positioning Chico State as a leader in online learning and student access. He retired in 2023 after 35 years of service.
Beth A. (Beauchamp) Lichty, ’89, Plymouth, Ind., was promoted to product marketing systems analyst at Maple Leaf Farms in Leesburg, Ind. She has been with the company for 17 years. She earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing and graphic design from Miller College of Business at Ball State.
1990s
A group of Ball State graduates and Chi Omega sisters.
A group of Ball State graduates who continues to meet 30 years later. These Chi Omega sisters, (from left to right) Jennifer (Dolce) Hanson ’94, Katie (Voelz) Springer, ’95, Shelly (Glass) Eisenmann, ’93, Erin (Fatzinger) Warner, ’95, Vivianne (Alvarado) Morse, ’94, Natalie Tudor, ’94, prioritize staying in touch and meeting regularly three decades after experiencing Ball State University together.
Kostas A. Poulakidas, ’92, of Winnetka, Ill., is a shareholder in the Chicago and Washington, D.C., offices of global law firm Greenberg Traurig LLP, focusing on public-private partnerships, infrastructure finance, and real estate private equity. He previously served as senior advisor and chief of staff to the chief counsel of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. Mr. Poulakidas has also been a keynote speaker for the Global Spaceport Alliance, discussing the future of aerospace infrastructure and economic development.
Matthew J. Row, ’99, of Avon, Ind., joined JOINK Internet as its community engagement manager. JOINK is a technology solutions company in Terre Haute, Ind., that provides high-speed Internet access via fixed wireless and a rapidly expanding fiber network.
Anthony M. Sharett, ’99, of Phoenix, was recognized by Greater Phoenix in Business Magazine as one of the top business leaders in 2025. Mr. Sharett is president of Pathward, a national bank focused on accessible banking and building solutions for markets where individuals and businesses are underserved.
2000s
Denise R. Greer, ’00, Jeffersonville, Ind., advanced to editor-in-chief at Pizza Today, an internationally award-winning B2B media publication representing the pizzeria industry. Ms. Greer has been with the publication for 15 years. Previously, she served as editor of the Ball State Alumnus Magazine.
Christopher M. Clark, ’01 MS ’02, Norfolk, Va., was promoted to vice president of marketing at the Havtech Group in Columbia, Md. Havtech is a leading provider of commercial and industrial HVAC, controls, and energy solutions.
Hamid A. Alkoot, DA ’09, Kuwait City, Kuwait, won the Kuwait National Encouragement Award in 2023 in the field of music composition, in recognition of his piece “The Fight Within.” Mr. Alkoot is a music educator at The Higher Institute of Musical Arts in Bahrain.
2010s
Daniel G. Hurst, ’10, Los Altos, Calif., was featured in a production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS, playing the role of Munkustrap, at the North Shore Center of Performing Arts in Skokie, Ill.
Andrea (Perry) Abbott, ’12, Chandler, Ariz., senior producer at Nomadic Agency, produced the promotional short film for Resident Evil Requiem. Filmed in Mexico City, the project generated millions of views and widespread audience engagement. Resident Evil Requiem became the fastest-selling title in the franchise, marking the largest and most high-profile production of Ms. Abbott’s career in gaming and entertainment marketing.
Taylor B. (Miller) Lehman, ’13, Crown Point, Ind., joined First Bank of Berne as human resources manager. Ms. Lehman brings 12 years of human resources experience focused on employee development, engagement, and organizational support. Ms. Lehman also serves on the board of the Berne Community Development Corporation. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and human resource management from Ball State.
Shannon C. Golden, ’14, Indianapolis, was a stage manager for the production Spaceman at [producingbody] in Chicago. Ms. Golden earned her degree in stage management from the Department of Theatre and Dance at Ball State and has worked as a stage manager in Chicago, including productions at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, The Second City, American Blues Theater, and A Red Orchid Theatre.
Tyler M. Merkel, ’14, Greenwood, Ind., was named to the 2026 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list for the third consecutive year. Mr. Merkel is a financial advisor with Dorman Vickers Fogg Merkel, a Merrill Lynch Wealth Management team in Indianapolis. A former member of the Ball State men’s golf program, he previously served on the board of the Indianapolis chapter of the Ball State University Alumni Association.
Nicole M. MacLean, ’15, Fishers, Ind., was promoted to chief executive officer of Compose.ly, an Inc. 5000 content marketing and SEO agency. Compose.ly provides content marketing and search engine optimization services to clients, including WebMD, Calendly, TED, and Alliance Funding Group. Ms. MacLean joined the company in 2022 as head of marketing.
Bryan J. Kubel, ’16, Milwaukee, was promoted to director of partnership and business development at Visit Milwaukee, the destination marketing organization for Milwaukee. In his expanded role, Mr. Kubel leads efforts to strengthen community partnerships, create collaborative opportunities, and deliver value to stakeholders across the region’s hospitality industry. He earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Miller College of Business at Ball State.
Devon E. Hayakawa, ’19, Chicago, was assistant director of Remy Bumppo Theatre Company’s Broadway adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler, and co-director for a production of South Pacific at Paramount Theatre in Aurora, Ill.
2020s
Daniel J. Hood, ’20, Lebanon, Ind., who majored in public relations in the College of Communication, Information, and Media at Ball State, was hired as an alumni event manager at DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind.
Nick J. Osborne, ’21, Danville, Ind., accepted a position as a quality control chemist at Novartis, a pharmaceutical company based in Indianapolis. Mr. Osborne is also pursuing an MBA at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.
Teah Kiang Mirabelli, ’23, Lake Zurich, Ill., and Richaun S. Stewart, ’23, Muncie, appeared in Metropolis Performing Arts Centre’s production of The Play That Goes Wrong in Arlington Heights, Ill. Ms. Mirabelli also played Julia in the theatrical production of The Wedding Singer. Both actors earned their bachelor’s degrees in musical theatre at Ball State.
Grayson M. Joslin, ’24, Greenfield, Ind., is a reporter at the Daily Reporter, where he has worked since March 2025. He completed the Leadership Hancock County program and was selected to receive the Stacia Aleya Excellence in Leadership Award. The award is given in recognition of certain qualities, including integrity, dedication, compassion, and leadership. As a student at Ball State, Mr. Joslin was named one of the University’s Top 50 students in 2024.
Matthew T. Kenney, ’25, Muncie, was recently featured in the design book LogoLounge Book 15. He earned a prestigious “Badge of Honor” distinction, awarded to the top 2 percent of more than 30,000 submissions worldwide. Mr. Kenney created the featured logo as part of a senior-year personal branding project at Ball State. After graduating from the College of Fine Arts, he joined Houston-based Studio 93 as a graphic designer, contributing to brands and apps such as Grounds, Reset, and STNDRD.
