The board announced a resolution honoring Worthen at his retirement dinner at the Alumni Center.

The 66-year-old leaves office June 30 after 16 years. Blaine Brownell, a noted historian and a long-time university administrator assumes office as Ball State's 12th president July 1.

The 11,500-seat multi-purpose arena was the cornerstone in the "Wings for the Future" capital campaign that raised more than $40 million. It was the university's first major fund-raising effort.

The arena opened its doors in January 1992 as the university's athletic teams moved from Irving Gym, which seated about 7,000.

The arena is a multi-purpose facility, accommodating a wide variety of events ranging from athletic contests to commencements, trade shows, large banquets, and major performances from the entertainment industry. Highlighting 1992, its inaugural year, included such events as the NCAA men's volleyball championships, comedian Sinbad and singer Bryan Adams.

Other musical performances have been given by Wynonna, Nine Inch Nails, John Michael Montgomery, Alabama, Vince Gill, and Tim McGraw. The arena also has hosted the USA Men's Volleyball/Japan Tour, Harlem Globetrotters, Royal Lipizanner Stallions, the Indiana State Amateur Wrestling Tournament, WCW Wrestling, WWF Wrestling "Raw is War", Coca-Cola All-American Basketball Clinic, Teen Mania Youth Ministries Revival, the National Association for College and University Food Services (NACUFS) Trade Show and the National Association of College and University Residence Hall NACURH) Banquet.

By Marc Ransford, Communications Manager