MUNCIE, Ind. - A personal trip to Ecuador this summer by Shireen Desouza, assistant professor of biology, was enhanced by the kindness of a Ball State alumnus she had never met, Jose Eduardo Arteaga, ‘77 BAR.

Desouza made plans early in 2000 to take part in a private volunteer mission in Quito, Ecuador, assisting needy children. When contacted by University Advancement about visiting alumni while abroad, she enthusiastically agreed.

The same level of enthusiasm was given by Arteaga when he was contacted by telephone.

"It was the first time anyone had called me from my beloved Ball State University since I graduated," Arteaga reported.

Since leaving Muncie, Arteaga has established a well-respected architectural practice in Quito, with projects throughout the country. One of his specialities is contemporary ecclesiastical design, as reflected in several churches built to his design in Ecuador.

During their meeting in Quito, Desouza presented Arteaga with materials about Ball State today, including publications from the College of Architecture and Planning. In return, Desouza brought publications and letters to university officials that chronicle his work since graduation.

In his letter, Arteaga had only praise for his alma mater: "I really feel that I got a solid education."

University officials were doubly delighted to learn that Arteaga’s wife, originally from Puerto Rico, is also a Ball State University graduate, Luz Nedya Pabon, ‘78 MA psychology. Luz is the director of personnel at Quito’s Hospital Metropolitan.

Other Ball State alumni known to be living in Ecuador include Francisca "Pixie" Reyes, ‘77 MAE, and Oliva A. Paredes, ‘72 MA.