MUNCIE, Ind. -- Turkish graduates of Ball State attended a first-ever reunion this summer as part of President John Worthen's official visit to the country.

Forty-four alumni, former visiting faculty members and spouses were present at the June 23 gathering in Ankara and at a second event three days later in Istanbul.

Mustafa Inal (MBA'87) and his wife flew from Cyprus to Ankara and Phil Stinson (BS, BArch'91) and Jim Toris (BS, BArch'97) visited from an archeological dig in Sardis.

Tankut Sensurucu (MS'92) and his wife, Krista, came from Vienna and Gokyay Kepenek (MArch'93) flew from Ankara to meet with friends at the Istanbul reunion.

President Worthen, Associate Professor of Marketing Erdogan Kumcu and Director of International Advancement Martin Limbird constituted the official Ball State delegation.

Also during the trip alumnus Umit Taftali (BS'85) hosted Worthen for a special dinner.

As an undergraduate student, Taftali studied finance and played varsity volleyball. He is now a global investment banker for Goldman Sachs International.

Taftali is a member of Ball State's President's Circle and the Cardinal Varsity Champion Club.

Before returning home, Ball State officials signed an agreement of academic cooperation with the University of Istanbul.

Worthen and University of Istanbul Rector Kemel Alemdaroglu exchanged documents at the rector's office, once the site of the Ottoman Empire defense ministry.

Since 1984, the two universities have co-sponsored an international conference on marketing and development and facilitated exchange programs for dozens of faculty members and students. Several College of Business faculty members have taught courses at the University of Istanbul and three University of Istanbul graduates have earned MBA degrees at Ball State.

Worthen also delivered the commencement address to the business college as part of his visit.