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Elliott Hall, constructed in 1938, was built as a tribute to Frank C. Ball's son, Frank Elliott Ball, who was attending Princeton University in the late 1920s when he died in an airplane crash. The hall's structure resembles the Princeton residence hall where Ball lived. Learn about a myth involving the hall in our lead feature, "Fact and Folklore." We invite you to submit your favorite Ball State-related photo for consideration for a future magazine. Send us your full-color picture, with complete description and attribution, to: Editor, Ball State Alumnus, Ball State University Alumni Association, Muncie, IN 47306. To submit photos electronically, first contact the Editor via e-mail: cshepper@bsu.edu.
With those words Frank Ball acknowledged the generosity and friendly spirit of thousands of individuals who had donated to a memorial that honored his family.
Daniel Chester French had been commissioned in 1928 by a committee of community and college leaders to create the memorial. Already familiar with the sculptor's work, which included the elegantly designed Abraham Lincoln that sits in the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC, the committee gave free reign to French. He was charged with interpreting what he considered to be a fitting tribute to the Ball family and its contributions to the entire Muncie community.
What resulted, of course, was the winged statue, welcoming all with one hand outstretched, while extending a treasure chest filled with resources and opportunity from the other. French's last commissioned work, the statue, fittingly named "Beneficence" by the sculptor, has been in place since 1937, surrounded by five columns representing the five brothers.
Through the years she has served as a focal point of campus, representing charity, vision, hope, and dedication, all traits of the institution's benefactors. So it is appropriate that "Beneficence" is a main word in the title of the book about the Ball families of Muncie, authored by Dean Emeritus Earl Conn and described in our Faculty Spotlight.
Beneficence, "Benny," also is a focal point for this issue's main story, "Fact and Folklore," detailing a few of the myths, legends, and facts that are unique to Ball State. In this story, we go on a walking tour of campus, stopping along the way to hear tales that have been passed along through the generations.
As we begin another fall academic term, we also turn thoughts toward those events and activities that provide a welcome break from class lectures, assignments, and daily study routines. This year we're "Wild With Pride" as we look forward to Homecoming festivities that will involve students, alumni, and all of Ball State's community. During Homecoming weekend the Alumni Association will proudly present Distinguished Alumni honors to Dick McKee and Rex Bolinger. Meanwhile, seven outstanding individuals will be presented Benny Awards for their contributions to Ball State and the Alumni Association.
As I conclude this Pen Point, I write with sadness in reporting the loss of a great Ball State and personal friend, Nancy Mannies. Nancy had served as editor of the Ball State Alumnus for six years during the 1960s. An English and journalism major while in college, she taught for 21 years at Burris Laboratory School, retiring in 1990. Her dedication to helping others was evidenced not only through her teaching, but also through her extensive involvement throughout the community. Whether it was doing something on behalf of her college sorority, helping a friend with a personal project, or working in her role as volunteer at Ball Memorial Hospital, Nancy was always ready with an effervescent smile, a kind voice, and a willing hand.
Those of us fortunate enough to have known Nancy will feel the void from her passing, but also will know the positive influence of a life well-lived. That is the meaning of "beneficence."
