At Ball State we can spell "success"--and we can achieve it.  I am happy to share with you the good news that we have set a record during fiscal year 2003-04 of $41.3 million for private support received. This marks the third consecutive year the university has experienced an increase in private giving and clearly demonstrates that our constituents have a vested interest in helping Ball State improve its programs and achieve its vision.

The growing strength of the university's reputation among alumni and friends is reinforced through the efforts of not only the University Advancement team, but also through deans, department heads, faculty, staff, and trustees who continually strive to carry Ball State's message to the public.

In times of an uncertain economy, we are finding that monetary support for education is still a great investment.

Private support is critical to our continued growth. Through their generosity, our donors have shown they are eager to invest in a future that allows the university to provide a superior educational environment and also to help spur economic development in the state of Indiana. Gifts from alumni and friends generate momentum for the university as a whole, while enabling Ball State to extend greater educational opportunities.

The result of this year's effort is extensive. It includes the establishment of new scholarships and added support for existing ones; increased contributions for academic programs within each college; and more opportunity for intercollegiate athletics through specific gifts to the stadium renovation project, in addition to bolstering overall benefits for the athletics program.

In this September issue we share the success stories of some individuals and programs that have been recipients, directly or indirectly, of the support. Indiana Public Radio has taken its place among top-notch NPR affiliates nationwide. Our story reveals the impetus behind the success of the award-winning station.

Jay Williams began a radio career in high school. His motivation, along with his abilities that were reinforced through solid training he received at Ball State, has taken the 1991 graduate to a major position with the Walt Disney Company in California.

Private support has made possible a major improvement to the football stadium. The recently installed permanent lighting will be used often this season, as the Cardinals will host several games under the lights.

Donald Kuratko, executive director of Ball State's nationally ranked entrepreneurship program, says that "small business is the quiet giant of the nation; it's the engine of the economy." We have six alumni success stories that reinforce Kuratko's statement. To learn more, read our lead feature.

Finally, new President Jo Ann Gora provides our Comment. President Gora comes to us with a history of success. As she begins her tenure, she is ready to incorporate her talents, with the help of an energized university faculty and staff and a solid base of alumni and friends, to help all of us who are connected to Ball State continue to realize our vision.

Pen Point is written by Ball State Alumnus Editor Charlotte Shepperd.

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We invite you to submit your favorite Ball State-related photo taken at alumni gatherings or showing off your Ball State pride for consideration for a future issue. Send us your full-color picture with complete description and attribution to: Editor, Ball State Alumnus, Ball State University Alumni Association, Muncie, IN  47306-0075.

To submit photos electronically, first contact the editor via e-mail: cshepper@bsu.edu.