MUNCIE, Ind. -- James and Leah Turner, of Cincinnati, Ohio, were so influenced by their study abroad experiences at Ball State University they decided to give other students a chance to have the same opportunities.

The Turners recently established a fund that, when fully funded at $25,000, will give students with financial need the opportunity to attend Ball State’s London Centre.

Ball State’s London Centre Program is nearly 25 years old and numbers close to 1,000 alumni. Students who participate in the program spend three months in London studying a variety of subjects and learning about the culture from first-hand experience.

“Many students are unable to attend because of financial need. The Turners wanted to be able to see people benefit from the money they gave,” said James Coffin, director of the Center for International Programs.

James and Leah Turner are 1981 graduates of Ball State. Mr. Turner, a political science major and English minor, attended Ball State’s London Centre program in the autumn of 1979. Mrs. Turner, an elementary education major, participated in overseas studies through Ball State’s EXCEL program, also in the autumn of 1979.

“This program is a career investment, allowing students to connect and network with people in their future career of choice,” said Coffin.

By Jennifer Seal, Graduate Assistant

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact James Coffin by e-mail at or by phone at (765) 285-5422.)