Timothy Andrews

1. Tim came from humble beginnings, but truly blossomed thanks to his experience at Ball State: As a high school student, Tim was drawn to Ball State mostly because of its strong journalism program. But coming from a small Indiana town with a population of 100, and with money tight at home, it was Ball State’s generous financial package that covered tuition and housing that truly sealed Tim’s decision to enroll. Ball State’s sheer size and student population were intimidating at first to this small-town kid, but he eventually came out of his shell and turned his college experience into a very successful career. “Moving to Ball State, with 15,000 students, was scary at first,” Tim said. “But I made friends in Botsford/Swinford halls, became the managing editor of the college newspaper and received my first real training in journalism, along with my “back-up” dual degree in business — all of which contributed to my ability to be successful as a media executive.”

2. From two job offers coming out of college to being a leader in the lucrative promotional products industry: Tim recalls walking into the office of David Knott, then the adviser of the Ball State Daily News, to get his advice. He had two job offers coming out of college: one as a business reporter in Texarkana, Texas, and the other as an editor at Dow Jones in Manhattan. “He rolled his chair back from his desk and shouted: ‘Get the heck out of my office, call Dow Jones and get that New York job!’” Tim said. Tim would spend 16 years at Dow Jones & Co., where he served in a variety of roles, before eventually joining ASI — which has 450 employees and serves a network of 23,500 suppliers, distributors and, decorators in the $25.8 billion promotional products industry — as its president in 2003. Along the way, Tim has never forgotten about those at his alma mater who helped him get to where he is today. “Ball State was instrumental in my personal development as a young adult and my education was integral to my success as a business professional,” he said. “To me, that comes with a responsibility to help others have equal opportunities for achievement, which is why giving back to Ball State is so important.”

3. Tim’s advice for future students to help them have a fulfilling career and meaningful life? “No. 1: Never forget where you came from. No. 2: Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself — it’s what makes you grow. No. 3: Never forget the people so important to your success, because none of us truly go through life alone. Even if years pass, you need to remember and honor those early mentors and friends.”