Harrison, the country's ninth president, was the son of Benjamin Harrison, builder of the home at Berkeley, three-time governor of Virginia, and signer of the Declaration. William Henry was born at Berkeley in 1773 and lived in Virginia until he was 18, when he went to the West to fight Indians. He became aide-de-camp to General Anthony Wayne at the Battle of Fallen Timbers, but his laurels lay on his success in the Battle of Tippecanoe, which carried him into the governorship of the Indiana Territory and eventually to the presidency.

The proximity of the Harrison and Tyler homes in Virginia predicts the connection of William Henry Harrison and John Tyler. The Tyler home, situated on land once belonging to the Harrisons', is very close to Berkeley. The Whig convention in 1839 chose Harrison as its candidate for president and nominated Tyler for the vice-presidency. The delegates left their convention with hope that the military heroism of "Old Tip," as Harrison had been dubbed, and the Southern persuasion of Tyler could charge them to victory. The slogan, "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too," and the strategy worked, and they were elected.

As a bit of further history, besides being the first presidential candidate to have a campaign slogan, Harrison gave the longest inaugural speech on record, 8,445 words, and served the shortest time as president, dying just a month after he officially took office. Another legacy was his, though, because his grandson, Benjamin Harrison, born in Ohio but living, working, and serving in government for a number of years in Indiana, was the 23rd President.

Just as much of Virginia and other locations that make up Colonial America are graced with grand historical finds, so Ball State is rich with its own tradition and memory-making activity. In this issue of the Alumnus, we present a small portion of Ball State memories and milestones. The four mini-features of the lead represent events or places that contribute to our cache of treasures.

The E.B. and Bertha Crosley Ball Center, teeming today with activity that ranges from conferences to educational forums, is celebrating its 100th anniversary as a structure. Read about its history, from family home to meeting hall. Commencement always is a time to look back and forward. This year's Ball State ceremony was filled with traditional pomp and circumstance, in addition to providing new graduates with a message of progress. We give you a summary of our commencement main ceremony.

Two events serve as focal points for the additional stories that complete our main features. Ball State's storm chase team has recently returned from its annual jaunt to the Great Plains to study severe weather patterns. We talked with David Arnold and members of the team while they were "on location." And, Ball State alumnus Ryan Fraley has created a melodious message through interpreting samples from the three-billion mapped DNA letters. His symphony was performed in April at the Indiana State Museum by the university's Wind Ensemble.

Other items tell you more of our exciting Ball State story. Tennis coach, Bill Richards, along with his continually successful tennis program, is featured; some Alumni Center volunteers describe what keeps them involved with Ball State; two alumni share their stories of how their paths met in Iraq; and Homecoming is detailed.

Weaving back to the beginning of this message, it is appropriate to talk about history, as we approach another Fourth of July. We are fortunate to live in America and enjoy the opportunity to travel as we choose, be educated as we wish, and live in the manner we desire. Enjoy a safe holiday and remember those who continue to fight for the freedoms to which we have become accustomed.