The Ball State University Foundation has revealed the University’s Top 10 students from its third annual “Top 100 Students Awards” program.
This annual award recognizes 100 outstanding undergraduates who represent the spirit of Beneficence, Ball State’s institutional statue and icon that symbolizes the generosity of the five Ball brothers whose land donation to the State of Indiana allowed the University to flourish.
In February, the Foundation announced the complete list of its 2024 Top 100 Students. On Saturday, students with the top 50 scores were invited to attend an awards ceremony, where the following students were revealed within the Top 10 of this year’s program:
- Payton Bennett — Stoney Creek, Ontario
- Christian Henry — Crothersville, Ind.
- Samantha Horton — Huntertown, Ind.
- KwaTashea Marfo — Portage, Ind.
- Skai Mendez — Cedar Pointe, Ill.
- Ken’Nisha Patton* — Portage, Ind.
- Jamie Ray — Fort Wayne, Ind.
- Payten Romig — Rockford, Mich.
- Ella Waldspurger — Dayton, Ohio
- Megan Wielonski* — South Lebanon, Ohio
(* indicates Top 2 students)
The Foundation will also recognize all Top 100 Student Award recipients during One Ball State Day on Wednesday, April 3.
Ball State announced the creation of its Top 100 Student Awards program in the 2021-22 academic year, resulting in almost 200 nominations. Last year, the Foundation received nominations from every academic college.
This year, there was no nomination process for qualifying junior and senior students. Students applied for the honor directly on the Foundation’s website and were required to upload a letter of recommendation from a Ball State faculty or staff member, professional employee, or graduate student. Applications were scored by select Ball State alumni based on four categories: academic excellence, campus leadership, community impact, and a miscellaneous set of requirements.
To learn how to fund your favorite Ball State programs, contact the Ball State Foundation or visit bsu.edu/foundation.