Upcoming Events
11 a.m.
Darius Norwood is an entrepreneur and CEO who stepped into the leadership of a second-generation, family-owned commercial landscaping company serving the Indianapolis area for more than 30 years. Rather than building from a blank slate, Darius has focused on rebuilding, navigating legacy systems, inherited culture, and real-world constraints while modernizing operations and repositioning the business for long-term growth.With experience across corporate environments, real estate, and entrepreneurship, Darius brings a practical, ground-level perspective on business development, decision-making under pressure, and leading through uncertainty. His approach is rooted in faith, accountability, and disciplined execution, with a belief that sustainable businesses are built by honoring people, process, and purpose, not shortcuts.Kirsten Norwood is a second-generation entrepreneur and Executive Chair of a family-owned commercial landscaping company serving the Indianapolis area for more than 30 years. A Ball State University alum, she focuses on company strategy, workforce development, and community impact while navigating the realities of family business ownership. Kirsten is passionate about faith-driven leadership, breaking barriers as a Black woman in entrepreneurship, and helping the next generation build purpose-led careers.
1:30 p.m.
BSU First Lady Jennifer Mearns will share stories about her upbringing, adventures while working in the sports marketing business, including traveling the world with the men’s professional tennis tour, raising five children while starting her own business, and supporting her husband’s career with the Department of Justice and higher education.
1:30 p.m.
Richard Harris will lead a thought-provoking exploration of a wide range of inventions, including many we often overlook—such as rope, without which worldwide exploration would not have been possible. Audience members are encouraged to bring their own nominations for impactful inventions and ideas.
6 p.m.
Tuesday, April 28, 6–8 p.m. Ball State University, Student Center, Cardinal Hall (2nd Floor) All are welcome! Featured Kirkham Lecture: “The Kilgore Pact Legend and the 1818 St. Marys Treaties” presented by special guest Andy Olson
2 p.m.
Karen Good, President of the Yorktown Museum and Genealogy Center, will share information about interesting epitaphs found in Beech Grove Cemetery, as well as those on the graves of famous celebrities. Epitaphs date back to ancient Egypt, where inscriptions on sarcophagi and coffins recorded the identity and achievements of the deceased, often carrying religious significance to ensure safe passage to the afterlife.
10 a.m.
Join Indiana resident and author, Kevin Yaney, as he leads a tour of some of the graves of Civil War veterans who were laid to rest at Beech Grove Cemetery. This casual history tour will focus on residents of Delaware County who took part in the war, as well as Indiana’s involvement in the war.