a yellow background with two microphones and a talk bubble containing the text "CFA TALKS!!"
Start: October 20, 2023 4 p.m.
End: October 20, 2023 5:30 p.m.
Location: Pruis Hall

About

Please join us for an informal panel discussion and Q & A with four Ball State CFA Alums on how their Fine Arts degrees helped in developing their careers!

CFA Talks provides a unique platform for students to learn, to ask questions, and to network with these panelists. We hope CFA Talks will inspire you to consider what is possible beyond pre-conceived, conventional boundaries. Stay tuned to learn more about our panelists!

Panelists

Amanda Court

Amanda Court has worked in volunteer management and fundraising for the past 15 yearsDuring that time, she has continued to cultivate her operatic singing career both internationally and in ChicagoA Wisconsin native, she graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in music, vocal arts performance and received her masters in music at Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, England.  Since returning to the US, she has sung with store front opera companies as well as more established companies such as the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Over the past 15 years she has fundraised for humanitarianorganizations such as The Rotary Foundation and ShelterBox, artistic organizations such as A Red Orchid Theatre, and has had the pleasure of working in higher education fundraising for the past 5 years at Ball State University and now serves asthe Director of Development, Major and Leadership Annual Gifts at the University of Chicago. In this role she is a major gifts officer and has the pleasure of leading a team of five fundraisers, while running a reunions program that brings in $25 million dollars annually. 

Amanda is passionate about the arts and how her background in the arts prepared her for her career both in opera and outside of it.  

Amanda Reninger

Amanda Reninger is the owner of Sea Salt & Cinnamon, a vegan food company based in Muncie. Since 2014, SS&C has provided handcrafted foods throughout the state of Indiana to help provide alternative options for those that need it. Their goal is to invite others into compassion for others, themselves and the animals we share this planet with.   

Danny Okey

Danny Okey is a Behavior Support Specialist at Opportunities for Positive Growth in Fishers, IN. He has four years of professional experience working with children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Specializing in Autism Spectrum Disorder, social skills acquisition and emotional regulation, Danny uses that experience to assist the people he supports with fostering meaningful relationships and obtaining the necessary skills to live their lives to the fullest. Danny is a graduate of Ball State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and a Master's Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis. He is inspired by helping others and using the tools he has gained from his education and professional experience to teach and provide aid to those in need.  

Tom Axon

Thomas (Tom) Axon, President and Owner, Invest 15, LLC 
Resident of Fishers, IN 
Ball State University Graduate 1978 BA in Fine Art and Art Teaching  
Taught Art Brebeuf HS Fall 1980  

Married to my wife Ann in 1982 and have one child Catherine. 
Went into sales in the plating and surface finishing in 1984 and have been a salesman ever since. 
Enjoy Art mostly drawing but can’t physically do it anymore but love to help young people who would like to further their art talents. 
Enjoy sports and am a big baseball fan. 
Love my Alma Mater and am proud of the students it produces especially in the College of Fine Arts.