MUNCIE, Ind. -- What do you get when you cross the legendary Indianapolis 500 race with more than 2,500 college residence hall student leaders from around the country?

Answer: A national Memorial Day weekend conference at Ball State University that promises to "set the pace" for today's college students and tomorrow's leaders.

Ball State hosts the annual gathering of the National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH), the world's largest student-run organization, May 23-25.

From the initial "drivers' meeting" to the final "victory circle celebration," an auto racing theme pervades all of the NACURH '97 leadership programs, community service activities, social events and business meetings.

A "pit crew" of conference volunteers will help the student "rookies" and adviser "mechanics" capture the tradition, energy and entertainment of the "greatest spectacle in racing."

"Having this theme shows the excitement of being involved with residence life," said Ball State student Sara Stafford, conference public relations chair. "Just as drivers steer their cars to victory, residents can steer themselves to success."

Motivator Mark Victor Hansen, co-author of the best-selling "Chicken Soup for the Soul" books, is the conference's keynote speaker. "Warm-up lap" speakers are Z. Mae Jimison, the first black woman to serve as a superior court judge in Indiana, and Dan Hallenbeck, associate vice president for student affairs at the University of Georgia.

A focus project titled "Setting the Pace for the Child Within" is designed to help students explore their inner child and become role models for today's children, who will be tomorrow's leaders. A candelight vigil along McKinley Avenue on May 25 remembers youths who are robbed of their childhood because of various events.

A "Teddy Bear Walk" May 24 in University Arena benefits Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, and a "Back to Kindergarten" activity during the May 23 outdoor block party includes finger painting, storytelling, crafts and games.

Some of the conference's 380 programs address major global concerns for today's college student, including AIDS, drug abuse, the environment, pollution, recycling and prejudice.

A new program, the Inter-Collegiate Task Force, challenges students from different schools to work together to develop service projects benefiting campuses, communities and society.

Personal development programs cover time and stress management, leadership skills, effective meetings, goal setting, committee building and effective communication. Other programs deal with interpersonal relationships and programming.

Programs are offered in a series of "qualifying laps." Roundtable discussions also share information about schools and activities to improve participants' campuses.

Entertainment highlights include the NACURH All-Star 500 Choir conducted by Michael Hayden, musical director of the acclaimed Indianapolis Mens' Chorus. Hypnotist Randy Kalmon, a "Show Us Your Stuff" talent show, dances and a "Dive-In Movie" at Lewellen Pool also are scheduled.

Optional Day on May 22 offers activities at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and other Indianapolis and Fort Wayne attractions.

Ball State has been preparing for the national conference since a 15-student team won the bid for it a year ago.