For more than three decades, Ball State has recognized employees for their achievements, years of service and retirement. University officers, honored guests and co-workers honor 109 staff employees at 6:30 p.m. April 22 in Cardinal Hall of the L. A. Pittenger Student Center.

Ten of this year’s staff honorees have served for 30 or more years.

M. John Eiden, administrative manager, University Media Services, began his career at Ball State in August, 1968, as a graphic artist in the Center for Radio and Television. In 1971 he became assistant manager of WBST and was promoted to station manager in 1977. Eiden manages the information systems for the Teleplex area network and is also the business manager for WIPB, WBST and Teleplex production accounts. He is a past representative of Staff Council.

Phil Fosnaugh, Chill Plant supervisor, was hired as a refrigerator-air conditioning, heating and ventilating mechanic in 1964.

"Phil worked at Ball State for about three and a half years and left. However, 18 months later he was asked by his previous supervisor to return to the university. He agreed, but only planned to stay for about a year. Thirty years later, Fosnaugh is still at the university, and by his own admission, has enjoyed it and finds the university a great place to work," said James Lowe, director of facilities engineering and assessment.

Fosnaugh has direct supervision over the campus central chilled water plant. The facility contains five large chillers that cool water that is pumped to various buildings on campus for air conditioning.

A friend suggested to Beverly Hildreth, secretary to the registrar, that she should apply to Ball State for employment. She was hired as an office assistant in Admissions in 1969. She has been in the office of Registration and Academic Progress since 1977. Hildreth has been involved with the Employee Activities Committee for several years and continues to be active in organizing craft shows and other events.

Judy Ingle, secretary to the director of Athletic Business Services, has been at her current position since 1991. According to her supervisor, Ken Brown, Ingle is a tremendous assett to his office.

"She is well liked, courteous and professional. She has a great personality which certainly makes my job easier," said Brown. He adds that Ingle is dedicated to her family and is a tremendously giving person with the ability to make people laugh.

"She can be somewhat of a prankster," said Brown.

Ingle’s prior experience at the university includes several years at the Office of Traffic and Safety and the Department of Elementary Education. She is a past representative of Staff Council. (Ingle was not available for a photograph.)

Linda Rigel, production assistant, has been in University Relations since it was known as University Publications. Julie Swan, Rigel’s supervisor, has worked with her for 19 years.

"Having worked with Linda as a production assistant has been a very rewarding experience. She is a hard-working, dedicated employee, willing to learn and reliable. I am honored to consider her a good friend," said Swan.

Marie Thompson is secretary to the bursar/refund processor.

"It doesn’t seem possible that Marie has been a part of the Bursar’s Office team for 30 years. Marie has the same dedication and enthusiasm today that she had the day we hired her," said Tom Riegle, bursar.

According to Riegle, Thompson has assisted thousands of students, parents, and employees during her career.

"She does this in a very caring and professional manner. It has been my pleasure to work with Marie for the last 15 years. On behalf of all those who have worked with Marie I want to thank her for all her hard work, loyalty, and dedication. She is definitely one of Ball State’s best," said Riegle.

Connie Tyner, administrative coordinator, Department of Natural Resources, began her career at Ball State as an assistant in the College of Sciences and Humanities.

"After 27 years of working with Connie, three attributes, among others, stand out. She is hard-working, dedicated to the department and very professional," said Charles Mortensen, chairperson.

According to Mortensen, her competent handling of the business side of the department activities allows him to concentrate on academic responsibilities, though she is a major help with class scheduling. Additionally, she has the distinction of holding the longest service to the department of those presently employed.

"She came in 1969 when we were a program, then helped as we became an institute (1970) and finally gained departmental status in 1973. She has been a major contributor to our success," said Mortonsen.

Norma Wells began her career at the university in Academic Advising where she continues to hold the position of office assistant.

"After 30 years at the university, Norma knows someone in virtually every office on campus. She always knows ‘the person to call’ to expedite things when necessary," said Michael Haynes, associate dean of University College and director of Academic Advising. Her extensive knowledge of the university gives her an advantage in helping students, answering their questions and putting them at ease.

Two honorees celebrate 35 years of service.

When Jan Epperson, office supervisor and secretary to the chairperson, School of Physical Education, applied for employment at Ball State in 1962, she stated she planned to work here for "several years." She has been with the School of Physical Education throughout her 30-year career. According to her supervisor, John Reno, Epperson is the key to the success of their operation.

"She is knowledgeable of the university and its operating policies. She has been extremely helpful in her role as secretary of our search committee," said Reno. Epperson’s responsibilities also include supervising nine secretaries and 25 student workers.

Raymond T. Jordan, senior systems programmer/analyst, began working as a machine operator in the data processing department. Supervisor Nancy Baker, lead operating system programmer, says colleagues consider Jordan the "IBM operating system guru."

"During his Ball State career, Ray has played an integral role in numerous IBM hardware and operating system upgrades," said Baker. "Due to his dedication and hard work these transitions have always progressed with minimal disruption to the Ball State community. Ray is an excellent mentor. His extensive knowledge of computing hardware and software makes him a valuable resource."

The Staff Recognition and Retirement Award Program is coordinated by University Human Resource Services. For more information, contact Marta Stephens, (765)285-1187.