Oliver Bumb served Ball State University as a dedicated employee in many capacities for nearly thirty years. After retiring from the position of Vice President for Public Affairs and University Development in 1976, Dr. Bumb has continued to maintain strong support for and interest in many areas of the university and served as Ball State's National Annual Fund Chairman in 1985. Because Oliver Bumb was instrumental in the founding of Cardinal Corps, Ball State's official organization of student hosts, and insofar as Oliver Bumb has maintained a keen interest in the organization and the members of the organization, the Oliver Bumb Award has been established by the Ball State University Alumni Council to promote student involvement in Cardinal Corps. The Oliver Bumb Award, recognizes and offers financial assistance to Ball State students who contribute their time, energy, and talents to Ball State University and the Cardinal Corps.

There is no application deadline but selections are made in April.