In addition to having the honor of sharing the stage with Ball State President Jo Ann M. Gora and Gov. Mitch Daniels, many of the 25 students who earned Inauguration Scholarships also were able to spend time with their scholarship benefactors.

The morning was a whirlwind of activity. The "Medallion Benefactors" and their students had photos taken with Indiana's academic and political movers and shakers, and the Statehouse ceremony was standing room only. Everyone agreed it was truly a celebratory day.

"This is such a great environment for this wonderful event," said Steven Murphy of DeFur Voran, LLP. "We are a family oriented firm, and many of us have our own kids going to college; we just felt this was a great opportunity to join President Gora in providing these scholarships."

At the outset of the initiative, the university set a goal of awarding 15 students with Inauguration Scholarships. The momentum behind the effort quickly grew with 25 Medallion Benefactors coming forward to give $10,000 each, which allowed Ball State to extend the honor to 25 students. Overall, more than $412,000 in university funds and gifts from donors has been dedicated to the initiative.

"I was approached to give to this fund while serving on the National Philanthropy Council," Robert Stine said. "I wouldn't have been able to go to Ball State without financial support, and that is why I'm here today supporting this initiative."

Many of the benefactors were compelled to give, believing the most basic economic development investment they can make is the education of Indiana citizens.

"I believe that everyone who has the means should give something back because Ball State certainly gave something to us," Richard Skiles said. "It is our obligation to share with those who may need our support to create a more educated society, which is beneficial to everyone."

Each student receiving an Inauguration Scholarship also will receive a Ball State Presidential Scholarship, which covers half of tuition. The combination of the two scholarships provides in excess of $32,000 over four years.

Not only do the students reap many benefits, but their benefactors get to share their joy as well, Donita Albright said.

"It's such an honor to see our gifts go directly to an individual and to have a chance to get to know our student," she said. "We've already invited her to visit us in Arizona; it's like having another child go through college."