Muncie business executive Paul Kozel and his wife, Patricia, are giving $1.25 million to support Ball State University's football stadium expansion and renovation.

The Kozels' gift to "Drive to Distinction: The Ball State Stadium Campaign" brings the total raised to $10.3 million of the $12 million goal.

"Ball State is so important to Muncie and the surrounding communities from all aspects, including its cultural and economic impact," Paul Kozel said. "We are extremely proud of Ball State and wanted to play a role in refurbishing the stadium.

"When you come into Muncie, the stadium is the first thing you see, and it should represent the community and the university well," he said. "With the work being done we think it will be a greater asset to East Central Indiana." 

The couple sees their gift enhancing the partnership between Ball State and the community by upgrading the largest outdoor public venue in East Central Indiana where — in addition to Ball State athletic contests — various events may be held, including high school band competitions, workouts by the Indianapolis Colts and other school-related activities.

The stadium campaign has attracted broad interest because of supporters like the Kozels, who believe the project is an investment in a community asset not just the university's football program, said Ball State President Jo Ann M. Gora. Gifts have been provided by new benefactors, including many local businesses.

"We are extremely grateful to Paul and Patricia Kozel for their gift, which demonstrates their generous spirit, their commitment to the Muncie community and their appreciation for Ball State," she said.

With their gift pushing "Drive to Distinction" to 85 percent of its goal, the Kozels have energized the campaign in a way that should quickly bring the project to a close, said John Fisher, chair of the fund-raising committee.

"The Kozels' gift will have a far-reaching impact on our alumni, friends and supporters, along with business leaders from East Central Indiana, fueling the final surge that will push us to our goal," said Fisher, a longtime Ball State supporter.

Paul Kozel is president and treasurer of Chesterfield Management, a company that owns multiple restaurants in northern Indiana and manages commercial properties. Patricia Kozel has been active with Chesterfield Management since 1980 and now serves as vice president and secretary. The couple, along with their children, also owns a wireless phone and tower company.

For the past several years Ball State has been renovating its football stadium, which opened in 1967, adding additional seating, lights and a training facility. The campaign will fund construction of a new press box, suites, an enhanced ticket office, concession facilities, a brick and wrought iron exterior and new seating in the north end zone that will wrap around the structure to create a 25,400-seat horseshoe stadium.

More information about the stadium transformation can be found online at www.bsu.edu/stadium.

(Note to editors: For more information, contact Don Park, vice president for university advancement, at (765) 285-1633 or dpark@bsu.edu.)