MUNCIE, Ind.- When Bruce Stauffer and Don Jerabek graduated from Ball State University neither imagined they would be back to build a major new facility on campus.

Jerabek, project architect with Ratio Architects of Indianapolis, and Stauffer, general contract project manager with Weigand Construction Co. of Ft. Wayne, are key people involved in the Art and Journalism Building construction. Stauffer, '74 has a bachelor’s degree in urban planning and Jerabek, '83 has a bachelor’s degree in architecture.

When graduates return it shows a strong level of commitment, said Kevin Kenyon, associate vice president for facilities planning and management.

“They know about Ball State, who we are and what we want to be,” he said. “It’s been a great benefit.”

The $32 million facility will be located between the Teachers College and Ball Communications Building. The art department, journalism department, a 400-seat food service and dining facility and the university bookstore will use the 207,141-square-foot area.

Stauffer is responsible for hiring all the subcontractors, such as carpenters, electricians and plumbers who will complete the facility. Stauffer values his experience with the project and is excited about Ball State’s expansion, he said.

He recalled when he was a student, the College of Architecture and Planning was housed in World War II Quonset huts. The cylindrical-shaped Quonset huts were popular among architects and were used as inexpensive housing units by universities around the country. Also at the time, LaFollette Halls and the Teachers College (building) had just opened, moving the campus north.

‘To conceptualize what’s been ongoing for 30 years, this building, along with the new student center, will recentralize the campus and serve as a focal point,” he said.

The new student center will be located between Teachers College and the Art and Journalism Building and will include office space for student organizations, along with dining and entertainment areas.

Besides bringing back fond memories, working on the project has given Stauffer a great sense of accomplishment.

“This will always be one of those projects I’ll drive by and smile at,” he said. “It’s a building to look back on with pride and pleasure from having worked on it.”

The project planning stages combined input from Ratio Architects and people from offices and departments on campus, Jerabek said. Those most involved in the design discussions were the journalism department, art department, facilities planning and management, administration and dining services.

“Because of the large number of people at Ball State who care about this building, we try very hard to please as many people as possible,” Jerabek said. “The building will be the hub of activity for North Quad and grow to be the place where friends meet.”

Jerabek has found his position as a manager and liaison between Ball State University and the contractor gratifying. He credits the architecture department for properly preparing him to enter the field.

“My education provided the basis and all the essential tools necessary to move to a responsible position in the profession of architecture,” he said. “Many alumni from the program exemplify the success that comes through the architecture program at Ball State.”

By Roseanne Durril, Graduate Assistant