Ball State University President Jo Ann M. Gora discussed how faculty, staff and students working through the university's Building Better Communities (BBC) initiative are helping to improve life in northern Indiana during meetings this week in Fort Wayne, Syracuse and South Bend.

Gora addressed each community's Rotary Club during a tour of northern Indiana July 18-20. The university's Building Better Communities initiative is designed to spur economic development and quality-of-life advancement in the state.

Communities throughout the state are tapping Ball State's diverse resources to strengthen local leadership, enhance K-12 education, diversify the economic base, and improve infrastructure and amenities. Ball State collaborates with civic leaders, foundations, universities, public schools, businesses, economic development specialists, chambers of commerce, regional organizations and statewide agencies to address a community's unique needs.

Gora also shared stories of Ball State's nationally ranked programs and innovative faculty, staff and student projects.

Details about BBC may be found online at www.bsu.edu/bbc.