MUNCIE, Ind.-Ball State University President Blaine A. Brownell and his wife, Mardi, recently spent part of a day at the headquarters of Motivate Our Minds (MOM), a tutoring and enrichment program in Muncie.

MOM co-founder and Ball State alumna Mary Dollison says the program brings in visitors from the community and the university to expand the horizons of the children MOM serves.

Mrs. Brownell read a story to the children, and the president answered several questions.

One student, obviously confusing the president with "The President," asked if the Brownells lived in Washington, D.C. Another wanted to know if the president had a busy life.

"My day starts at 5 a.m. when Mrs. Brownell and I listen to the news on the radio," Brownell replied. "My day is usually full of meetings, but I most enjoy meetings like this one where I get to meet interesting people like you."

The children presented the Brownells with an invitation to MOM's "birthday party" in April, when the program celebrates its 15th anniversary.

Ball State and the MOM program are well-connected. Faculty members serve on its board, and university students volunteer as tutors.