MUNCIE, Ind. -- What do a Ball State University computer science/mathematics graduate from India and an accounting major who once worked in Saudi Arabia have in common?

They both used the November 14 Ball State football game against Central Florida University as an opportunity to meet with representatives from the university’s Office of International Advancement.

Following graduation in 1976, Rajendra "Raj" Gupta ultimately settled in Florida to help found a computer software firm, establishing roots far from his native India. His affection for former professors Dr. Clinton Fuelling and Dr. Mir Ali were prime motivators for him to meet and reminisce about his days at Ball State.

Gupta is the nephew of Dr. Naim Gupta, emeritus professor of educational psychology. Dr. Gupta and his wife Shailla are longtime and respected members of the Muncie community. Raj and his wife Geeta plan to bring their two daughters for a visit next summer to renew acquaintances. Their visit’s length will be influenced by the demands of the family’s successful import business, Eagle International, based in Longwood, Florida.

Even though university records in 1996 indicated alumnus George Baccash, who graduated in 1977, was working in Saudi Arabia, he had already returned to the United States. The Marion, Indiana, native and his wife Leslie described their stay in Riyadh as a wonderful experience, retaining many friends from their years abroad.

George recently joined Pricewaterhouse Coopers in Jacksonville, Florida, the community the Baccashes call home.

Baccash will return to campus in the near future at the invitation of his mentor and friend, Dr. Paul Parkison, chair of Ball State’s Department of Accounting.

Baccash and Gupta are among the more than 2,000 members of Ball State’s "global network," reflecting the breadth of the university’s worldwide community.