Kicked off October 30, the public phase of "Drive to Distinction, the Ball State Stadium Campaign" is officially only weeks old, but carries goals of great promise from its solid formation.

The committee is led by John Fisher, former president and chairman of Ball Corporation, and its members are drawn from corporate and foundation entities, Ball State administrative staff, and an alumni base that includes former players. "To accomplish this task, we have assembled an excellent team of people whose leadership and influence will help ensure that we achieve success," Fisher says.

Fisher acknowledges that the stadium project's direct rationale is "the need to be competitive in the Mid-American Conference." By-products, though, will have far-reaching results. "Although this campaign will benefit the athletic program," Fisher says, "this effort is about something greater than football. We believe the presence of a first-class stadium at the northwest entry to campus will elevate the stature of the entire university.

"Our football stadium is a landmark and somewhat of a signature of our campus because of its prominent location. It should be attractive as well as functional," Fisher continues. "Too, it should be helpful in recruiting not only athletes, but outstanding students to the university. It will be available for community events and other university events once we have this completed facility."

Accepting a position on the committee to establish direction and elicit gift response was an easy decision for 2004 Alumni Association President and 1979 graduate Wayne Estopinal. "The university has been very good to me and my family and I see this as an opportunity to do something that will, in turn, benefit the university," Estopinal says.

"The stadium improvements will complement the development on the north end of campus, coordinating with the Alumni Center and the football training facility that make an important gateway for the university," he adds.

Committee member Mike Smith, a 1973 graduate, agrees, pointing to the opportunity for the stadium complex to be in line with other campus structures. "We really need a first-class stadium that matches the quality of our basketball arena and the excellent classroom buildings at Ball State," Smith says. "I never want BSU to take a back seat to anyone in academics or athletics. I want us to compete at the highest level in sports, as we do in academics. In order to do that, we have to have excellent facilities."

While Ball State is a state-assisted school, the State of Indiana does not fund athletics. To provide athletic programs and facilities that reflect the quality of Ball State's academics, the university must rely upon the generosity of its supporters.

University officials suggest there is good reason to believe the time is right. Ball State has been involved in three large, successful fund-raising campaigns since 1988, most recently the Above and Beyond capital campaign. They add credibility to the potential of the new effort. Relatively new leadership in athletics, including both Athletics Director Bubba Cunningham and Head Football Coach Brady Hoke, coupled with the growing interest in making a good first impression on visitors coming to campus, are cited as other key points.

Smith explains what he observes to be benefits to both the campus and community. "When you approach Ball State from out of town, the first campus landmark you see is the football stadium. It is our first opportunity to make an impression. A positive image of Ball State has a halo effect, creating a positive image for Muncie."

Ball State has already received major lead gifts, including contributions from John and June Scheumann, the George and Frances Ball Foundation, Ball Brothers Foundation, First Merchants Bank, Old National BanCorp, and Mutual Federal Savings Bank Foundation. With those gifts in place, Smith echoes the committee's sentiment that alumni and friends will be anxious to contribute. "Many fans and alumni have been waiting for this moment," Smith says. "I think people really do want to help on this. They just need to be asked."

The renovated stadium, adjacent to a main Muncie corridor and gateway to the university, will be an energizing center of campus, advancing the university's image and allowing Ball State to better meet NCAA Division I-A requirements.