Topics: Miller College of Business, Alumni, Scholarships

November 19, 2010

A gift of more than $100,000 has been donated through the estate of alumni James W. and Joyce L. Parks.  The gift will create the James W. and Joyce L. Parks Excellence Grants for Curriculum Enhancements Fund and provide a mechanism to keep curricula in the Miller College of Business both up-to-date and practical.

James W. Parks was born in Wabash, Ind. He graduated from Wabash High School, where he was an all-state fullback on the football team. He received his bachelor of science in 1951 and his master's degree in 1956 from Ball State. He was the fullback and linebacker on Ball State's 1949 undefeated football team. Joyce L. Parks was born in Hartford City, Ind. She was active as a cheerleader in high school and continued to cheer at Ball State, where she received her bachelor of science in 1951. The couple was married in 1949. 

James served in the Army's 101 Airborne Division from 1952 to 1957. Early in his career, he was a school principal in Indianapolis. Beginning in 1965, he served as the president and CEO of the AAA Hoosier Motor Club and its affiliated companies until his retirement in 1994.

James also was active in his community, belonging to many organizations and receiving numerous awards throughout his life. He served on the Ball State University Board of Trustees from 1981 to 1996, and the Ball State University Foundation from 1986-1996. He received the 14 annual Ball State Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award in 1972, the Benny Award in 1983, the President's Award in 1996 and was a member of the Miller College of Business Hall of Fame.

Joyce began her career as a speech and hearing therapist and later became an at-home mother and wife. Over the course of their marriage, the Parks were well traveled, having acquired more than 2.5 million air miles internationally. They met with various heads of the state throughout the world.

For more information about this fund, contact the Miller College of Business at 765-285-8192.

By Kenzie Grob