The premier issue of "Ball State Business" features articles about a group of students building a supercomputer, alumni leading a major energy company, updates on new faculty and the latest departmental news.

"We are very excited about the launch of Ball State Business," said Lynne Richardson, dean of the College of Business. She is featured in a question-and-answer interview in the magazine.

"This magazine will help us stay connected with our alumni as well as friends in the business community," she said. "Its content will focus on current events in the College of Business, the successes of our alumni and will also feature our faculty and students."

The College of Business unveiled its new publication during a launch party Oct. 30 in the Whitinger Business Building. The event attracted students, faculty and staff from campus as well as area alumni.

The magazine will be sent twice a year to College of Business alumni as well as friends, business leaders and administrators at various business schools.

Richardson began development of the new publication shortly after assuming her position in 2001. She enlisted the assistance of University Communications, which conducted an audit of the college's publications.

"We are looking for the magazine to build a relationship between readers and the college through an educational and relevant forum of communication," she said. "Most business colleges have similar magazines. We feel our publication is a very strong one, and we hope our readers will find it fascinating."

Mary Lauck-Barr, a communications manager for University Communications, serves as editor. Articles were written by the University Communications staff except for submissions by Steve Kaelble, editor of "Indiana Business Magazine."

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Richardson at lrichardson@bsu.edu or 285-8192.)