Ball State University conferred more than 1,200 doctoral, specialist, master’s, and baccalaureate degrees in its Fall 2023 Commencement ceremony on Saturday.
The event was held at Worthen Arena on Ball State’s campus, where Matthew J. Momper, a distinguished Ball State graduate and member of the University’s Board of Trustees, was selected to address the Fall graduates.
Mr. Momper on Dec. 31 will complete 16 years of service as a University board member, and at Friday’s Board of Trustees meeting, he was honored with the title of Trustee Emeritus. On Saturday, Dr. Anand R. Marri, Ball State’s provost, commended Trustee Momper for his decades of service to the University.
“We speak often about our commitment and practice of excellence, innovation, courage, integrity, inclusiveness, social responsibility, and gratitude,” Provost Marri said. “Matt Momper embodies these values.”
A leader in the construction and insulation industries, Trustee Momper serves as president of Momper Insulation, with three locations in northern Indiana. He is also the central region president for Installed Building Products, LLC, and president of MK Properties.
Trustee Momper earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics at Ball State in 1983 and a Master of Business Administration at Drake University in 1984. His professional achievements include his role in writing and rewriting the Indiana State Energy Code and facilitating the transition of the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo into one of the top 10 zoos in the nation.
In his speech to the graduates on Saturday, Trustee Momper shared his gratitude for being able to provide leadership and guidance to an institution that has meant so much to him in his 30-plus years of service to the University. He congratulated the graduates for their accomplishments and shared professional and personal advice as they embark on the next phase of their lives.
He emphasized the value of establishing a good work ethic—being on time, respectful, a good listener, a team player, and not letting the pessimism of others be a negative influence.
“No matter the problem,” Trustee Momper said, “be part of the solution. Find ways to make things better.”
Appointed by Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels to the Ball State Board of Trustees in 2008, Trustee Momper currently serves as the chair of the board’s Academic and Student Affairs Committee and the board liaison to the Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association. He also serves on the Other Post-Employment Benefits Committee.
Trustee Momper previously served as the chair of the Audit and Compliance Committee, assistant secretary of the board, vice chair of the board, and chair of the 2016 Presidential Search Committee. He was also involved in the Northeast Local Alumni Chapter from 1984 until 2014 and served on the Ball State Foundation Board of Directors for 14 years.
In his numerous roles, Trustee Momper told the graduates on Saturday, he has learned the importance of relationship building—not only in business, but in personal relationships, and the importance of serving one’s community.
“Find ways to give back to the communities you belong to,” Trustee Momper said. “By getting involved, not only will your service benefit your community, but it will be valuable to you as you continue your journey and live out the enduring values of this University.”
Trustee Momper closed his remarks by assuring students of the unwavering support of the people around them, including the Ball State community.
“If you remember nothing else shared here today, please remember this: everyone here—your family, friends, and wonderful professors—we all believe in you. We’re proud of your accomplishments. We’re confident in your abilities. And we know the other side of today’s pomp and circumstance, there’s a bright future ready for you to claim,” he said. “So go forward and fly—secure in the knowledge that Ball State has prepared you to pursue fulfilling careers and meaningful lives.”