University and city officials joined alumni representatives in a ceremony to dedicate the Bethel/McKinley Avenue Gateway and unveil a commemorative plaque.

Speakers included Ball State President Jo Ann M. Gora; Muncie Mayor Dan Canan; Tom DeWeese, president of Ball State's Board of Trustees; Thomas Kinghorn, vice president for business affairs and treasurer; and Peg Edwards, representing the class of 1952.

The Bethel/McKinley Avenue Gateway project, which creates a well-defined entrance to campus, was selected for 50-year reunion gifts from the classes of 1939, 1948, 1949, 1952, 1953, 1955, and the 25th-anniversary gift from the class of 1975. In all, 839 donors made a total gift of more than $250,000.

The gateway was designed by the local landscape firm of Rundell Ernstberger Associates. The gateway's signs are composed of a curved metal back support attached to a wrought iron fence. A Beneficence plaque, lettering and outline attached to the metal backing are made of bronze.

The entire system, supported on columns made of brick and limestone, is accented with soft lighting for night viewing.

The gateway is part of the McKinley Avenue Safety Improvement project. Ball State has received three national and state awards for the project.