My next book might be about civic club culture in the state of Indiana. I have certainly been conducting some serious research on this subject over the past several months. In addition to the good works these organizations do, they also have a lot of fun. I have enjoyed the singing, storytelling, passing the hat, and even one pretty good Jack Benny imitation that I have encountered along the way.

Beginning last August, I started visiting civic clubs around the state to discuss the role Ball State can play in helping Indiana's economy rebound and in aiding cities and towns with their specific community, economic, and educational development projects. The theme of my message is "Building Better Communities."

The fact of the matter is, Ball State has been partnering with local communities for years in areas such as architecture, communication, and education, and my presentation highlights some of the specific projects the university has undertaken.

I met a fair number of alumni on my tour, and in places like South Bend, Elkhart, Fort Wayne, and Anderson, and of course Muncie, many people were well aware of their communities' ties to Ball State. But in Terre Haute, Bloomington, and West Lafayette, we've opened some eyes about the great people and programs we have here in Muncie and how communities can benefit from these resources.

It's also true, however, that communities won't derive the only benefits from these collaborations. When the university ventures off-campus to work with cities and towns, students involved in the projects gain experience in real-world situations that enrich their educations, and successful projects also enhance the reputation of Ball State.

I, along with others in the administration, will carry the "Building Better Communities" message to the Indiana Statehouse as part of our legislative request. It's important that, even in difficult financial times, lawmakers understand that higher education is a sound investment in the future of Indiana.

The tour has confirmed my belief that as the third-largest public university in Indiana, it is important for us to remind people of our statewide mission and our desire to work with communities throughout the state to enhance the quality of life and secure a better economic future. We want folks to know that if you live anywhere in Indiana, you're in "Ball State Country."

Blaine A. Brownell, President
Ball State University