FAMILIES 2024
Every nest has a story
Ball State Daily and The McKinley Avenue Agency is thrilled to welcome you to Ball State University’s Family Weekend, a tradition that has been long-standing. Family can mean anyone! So whether you are going to the planetarium to enjoy a show, attending the dean’s list ceremony, or tailgating at CharlieTown we know that these memories with family will last a lifetime. Through this edition you will find stories about finding family away from home, building a Ball State legacy and much more. We hope you enjoy Family Weekend and make the best memories with your Cardinal family. A special thank you to Natalee Seely, Associate Professor in School of Journalism and Strategic Communication, and Ball State Marketing and Communications for their contribution to this publication. Chirp, Chirp!
MCKINLEY AVENUE STAFF
• Jacksen Cole / Director of Operations
• Dahlia Aliwa / Graduate Assistant
• Daniela Morales / Public Relations Director
• Sarah Lawrence / Asst. Director of Public Relations
• Nariyah Mendez / Creative Services Director
• James White / Asst. Director of Creative Services
• Macy Baud / Advertising Director
• Public Relations Team: Zoe Brock, Meghan Kelley, Alexa Ramsey, Oakley Myers, Elizabeth Rico, Ellie Marker
• Creative Team: Sydney Small, Macy White, Kate Tilbury, Hannah Seipel
• Advertising Team: Jenna McDowell, Anna Evilsizor, Josh Williams, Bachka Batjargal, Dalton Fruit
Starting a Legacy
Nichole Flick reflects on her time at Ball State University
Nichole Flick, a Schedule Specialist for the College of Fine Arts, has dedicated the past several years to the Ball State community.
Originally from New Palestine, Indiana Flick decided to come to Ball State to get a teaching degree. Throughout her time as a student, she changed her major several times and eventually made the decision to pause on getting her degree.
Before that, however, Flick met her husband, Mark, a Muncie native. They got married to each other in 1997 and established their life here in Muncie. “I got a job, worked here in Muncie, and then my husband worked for a warehouse…”
Nonetheless, an event of uncertainty was what led Flick back to Ball State, where it all started. “[My husband’s job] was talking about selling and so we didn’t know what was going to happen with our insurance and so we decided maybe I better get a job that offers insurance.”
In the year 2007 Flick got a job as a secretary in the Journalism department. She was there for eight months, where she then moved to the Office of Teacher Education Services. Here, it was that she was able to hit unpause on her education.
“I had a really great supervisor, and she inspired me to find out what it would take to finish my degree, and I was pretty close, I only had just a few classes left and so in the summer of 2012 I graduated with my bachelor’s degree.”
As a first-generation college student this accomplishment to Flick “meant a lot… it made me feel like I could do anything.” The Flick family now being established here in Muncie are heavily involved in their community, specifically their church.
As the legacy continues, Flick has three daughters, Katie, Faith, and Paige who all attended Ball State. Katie and Faith all received their undergraduate degree from Ball State and Paige is set to receive her degree this upcoming Spring.
“They love family, they love home, so it was kind of a no-brainer for them to come to Ball State.”
As an alumni Flick represents Ball State with pride. “You have to be a part of where you live and you have to be proud of that,” she says. “Ball State is a hub where people can gather, it helps people grow, there are so many opportunities here even outside of classes to get involved…”.
Throughout her time here in Muncie and sending all three of her kids to Ball State, Flick reflects on the opportunity to continue the legacy. “Muncie is home for us,” she says.
Story by Daniela Morales / The McKinley Avenue Agency
Photos provided by the Flick family
Football & FAMILY
How the Wengers have balanced work and family life at Ball State University
By Meghan Kelley / The McKinley Avenue Agency
Ball State has long been a place where families can grow together. For Mackenzie Wenger, Assistant Director of the School of Journalism and Strategic Communication, family is everything. Both Mackenzie and her husband, Dan Wenger, who has worked as the Director of Football Strength and Conditioning, have worked at Ball State together since 2021.
“My wife and I were in Texas working at another institution. Our daughter was 2 years old at the time and we wanted to be able to be closer to family. On top of that, working in college athletics, we want to be in a place that has great people,” Dan said. “We felt like and believe that’s here at Ball State. The opportunity came up, and after a long discussion we decided to make the move to Ball State.”
As for Mackenzie, she transitioned from being an academic advisor for SJSC to her current position as Assistant Director in 2023.
“With my background in teaching, my work in sports, and the work that I’d done in student success, it really just felt like this perfect combination of several different areas that I’m passionate about,” she said.
For the couple, the time they spend together is precious because there is not much overlap between SJSC and the football team. Despite their busy jobs, the pair still manage to make time for each other.
“Being able to have Mackenzie so close to me has made work and life outside of work much easier and peaceful. The opportunity for us to get lunch or stop in each other’s office when time allows alleviates multiple stressors that come with working in collegiate athletics,” Dan said. “She has my back and supports my work, and I do my best to show her the same support.”
Mackenzie is currently earning her doctorate, and her father is an alumnus of Ball
State.
“My dad graduated from Teachers College in the early ’80s. When I started working on my doctorate here, also through Teachers College, he was so excited to have another future Ball State grad in the family,” she said.
Mackenzie says that her father played an influential part in deciding what career path she would take.
“I saw how many lives he was able to impact in his career… that’s why I teach, that’s why I got into coaching. You can help people reach their goals and create an opportunity for them that they may never have thought possible,” she said.
Their children, Sadie and Maverick, both love to hang out with their parents on campus as well. Sadie especially loves the dinner dates she has with her family at North Dining, or “the lunch table.”
“I feel very fortunate to be able to have our family, my kids, growing up… immersed in a college campus. They get to see students working hard to… achieve their dreams and goals, whether in the classroom, in my space, or out on the field in my husband’s space.
To have my children in the Ball State community because of the work that my husband and I do, there’s no substitution for that,” Mackenzie said.
Dan feels much the same. With his busy schedule during football season, bringing the kids on campus is a big part of how he can connect with them. He says he enjoys incorporating his family into their working lives.
“I’m so appreciative of my wife for bringing the kids to practice and games. There’s nothing better,” he says.
Altogether, the Wengers have made Ball State and its community a part of their family.
“We love being here. We love the roots we have put down in Muncie,” Dan said. We hope we can be here at Ball State for a while.”
Photos provided by the Wenger family
FAMILY WEEKEND EVENTS
October 4
Field Hockey vs. Longwood: 12 p.m. | Briner Sports Complex
DOMA Event - Mindfulness in the Museum: 12 p.m.
Join Dr. George Wolfe, Professor Emeritus at Ball State University, for Mindfulness in the Museum. These sessions provide an opportunity for guided meditation and discussion and are free and open to the public.
Teachers College Dean’s List Recognition Celebration: Teachers College First Floor, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Teachers College will be recognizing a new group of hardworking students who have strived for academic excellence at this year’s Dean’s List Recognition Celebration. Students who have achieved academic excellence during the Fall 2023, Spring 2024, or Summer 2024 semesters are eligible to participate in this open-house style event in the Teachers College. RSVP is required via the link in the email invitation sent out to all students who earned a place on the Dean’s List.
October 5
Charles W. Brown Planetarium
• Earth, Moon, and Sun, 3:30 p.m.
Coyote has many misconceptions about our home planet and its most familiar neighbors. His confusion about the universe makes viewers think about how Earth, Moon and Sun work together as a system and learn to distinguish between myths and science. Learn the basics of fusion and solar energy and why the Sun rises and sets. Best suited for families and groups with kids ages 8+, all ages are welcome.
• Saturn and Beyond, 5 p.m.
Saturn’s rings are one of the most beautiful sights in the solar system. They can be seen clearly even with a small backyard telescope. Astronomers have known about these rings for over 400 years, yet they still present many questions. In 2004 the Cassini orbiter and the Huygens probe reached Saturn. During this show we will explore the mysterious features seen by these spacecraft. Suitable for all ages 10+.
Events hosted by Spirit and Traditions: University Green, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Head to University Green on Saturday morning for an exciting lineup of events hosted by Spirit and Traditions! From 9 AM to 11 AM, enjoy family-friendly Bingo and an inflatable bounce house. From 11 AM to 12 p.m., explore the Shaefer Bell Tower on a tour, followed by an engaging recital. Make the most of this Family Weekend morning!
• Halloween Celestial Origins, 6:30 p.m. What do you associate with Halloween? Trick-or-Treating, costumes… astronomy? After all, Halloween is an astronomical holiday! During this program you will learn the history of Halloween and how it fits into the seasons as a “cross-quarter day.” We will also explore the night sky and learn what planets, constellations, and stars will be out on your Halloween evening. Suitable for all ages 8+, all ages are welcome.
Friday Night Filmworks: Pruis Hall, 9 p.m.
Join Spirit and Traditions this Friday at 9 p.m. in Pruis Hall for Friday Night Filmworks featuring Inside Out 2! The first 100 guests will receive a DIY Cardinal Stuffy craft to take home. Enjoy free popcorn and soda while watching the movie. Don’t miss this fun and relaxing evening!
Tailgating: Alumni Center, 2 hours prior to kickoff Spirit and Traditions will be tailgating at CharlieTown located right outside of Scheumann Stadium. There will be food trucks, inflatables, a pep rally, and the Cardinal Walk.
Ball State Football vs. Western Michigan: 2 p.m. | Scheumann Stadium
Photos provided by Ball State Marketing & Communications
Liven up your weekend in Muncie
There is no shortage of ways to spend your weekend in Muncie, and most are within walking distance of campus!
THE CHARLES W. BROWN PLANETARIUM
Right on campus is Ball State’s very own planetarium. See the stars from the comfort of your own campus with the Charles W. Brown Planetarium. The planetarium is the largest in Indiana and a great way to unwind after a stressful week. The planetarium has free shows featuring high-definition images of the solar system. These free shows are a wonderful way to explore space without stepping off campus.
CARDINAL GREENWAY
The Cardinal Greenway is an east-central Indiana rails-to-trails system that spans 62 miles! If you’re an avid biker, runner, or walker, you can use sections of these trails to get some miles in. You can park at the trailhead on McGalliard Road behind Olive Garden, on Shafer Road off of Riggin Road, or farther north on 400 West off of Wheeling Ave.
MINNETRISTA
Minnetrista is great for anyone’s nature-loving needs. Between the seasonal farmer’s markets and the butterfly garden, there is so much fun to be had, no matter the season. The nature trails and boulevard zones are perfect places to get lost in the calming, quaint charm of what Minnetrista has to offer.
THE VILLAGE
The Village is one of the most popular places near campus to visit. There is no shortage of shops to visit and restaurants to try. Some highlights include The Cup, Roots Burger Bar, Jack’s Donuts, Well Made Vintage, The Midnight Café, and Be Here Now. Be Here Now is an 18+ music venue and Muncie’s home for live music, open mics, comedy, and trivia 3-4 nights a week, and for those over 21, Be Here Now serves local and regional microbrew.
CHRISTY WOODS
Christy Woods is another great nature-based option in Muncie. With 17 acres of prairie, wetlands and deciduous forests, this interactive outdoor classroom is perfect for observing wildlife or escaping the feel of the city. Christy Woods is located past the Cooper Science Building off of Riverside Ave.
DOWNTOWN
MUNCIE
Walk or drive the short distance to the heart of Muncie and visit unique businesses, local restaurants and original art venues. The area is walkable and features businesses like Aw Yeah Comics, Debbie’s Handmade Soap, Ivy Rose Boutique, Kirk’s Bike Shop, The Downtown Farmstand, Toys Forever
Models & Hobbies and SO MUCH MORE. Find a dinner spot at the 1925 Pubhouse, Casa Mexican Grill, Mama and Son Soul Food or another of the 20+ restaurants and pubs to choose from.
ACADEMY
OF MODEL AERONAUTICS
Take a drive to one of the area’s most unique spots – The Academy of Model Aeronautics. Whether you are a seasoned flyer or new to model airplane building, the Academy of Model Aeronautics has something for everyone. It is the home of the National Model Aviation Museum: the largest collection of model aircraft, with 9,000 artifacts and a library of more than 2,000 items. Located at 5161 E. Memorial Dr. Muncie IN 47302.
No matter where you pick, Muncie has something for everyone. No matter if you are a freshman or a senior, don’t let college pass you by, and don’t miss out on these awesome opportunities.
From Madrid to MUNCIE
Through
staying authentic and stepping out of her comfort zone, Paloma Gomez turned isolation into connection.
By Dahlia Aliwa / The McKinley Avenue Agency
Coming to a new country to study, meet new people, and explore opportunities may sound exciting, but for senior advertising and digital media student Paloma Gomez, it came with challenges she hadn’t anticipated. From Madrid, Spain, Gomez’s journey to the United States came with unexpected cultural differences and isolation, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In Spain, everyone talks to everyone on the street,” Gomez says, reflecting on the openness and social expectations of her home country. “When I got here, it was the opposite. People were more reserved. It felt like nobody talked to anyone in class, and that really shocked me.”
Gomez’s experience is not unique. Research has shown that international students often face considerable levels of acculturative stress, which can stem from homesickness, cultural shock, or perceived discrimination. This stress can lead to feelings of isolation and helplessness, ultimately affecting self-efficacy, self-worth, and even leading to depression. For Gomez, these challenges were compounded by language barriers and difficulty making friends.
“It’s hard to make friends in class. I didn’t expect that. Back home, people are open and talk to each other easily,” she said. Gomez got the impression that you couldn’t reach out to people as easily, unsure if it was a cultural difference or result of COVID.
Gomez’s dream of studying abroad came true when she received a field hockey scholarship. Drawn to the U.S. by her love for film, she didn’t expect how difficult the transition would be. Arriving in 2020 during the height of the pandemic made an already challenging experience even harder. Describing her arrival as cold, isolated and staying in a bubble because of COVID, she didn’t really talk much with anyone outside of her field hockey team.
The isolation international students face is often due to the disconnection from their social relationships back home. Leaving behind family, friends, and important support networks can create significant stress. Gomez experienced this firsthand, feeling disconnected at times.
“After games, everyone is with their family. They’re all super welcoming, but at the end of the day, they’re not my family, they’re not there for me,” she said.
Despite these struggles, Gomez found family in her field hockey team, which quickly became her support system.
“I’ve found my community through my team,” she shared with a smile. “The parents of my teammates took me in. They’re so sweet, and I’d say they’ve become my American family, which I feel I was very lucky to find because I don’t think everyone does.”
The family went above and beyond. After Gomez had surgery in January, they would pick her up every Thursday, take her to physical therapy, and make dinner for her at their home.
“They made me feel so welcome and at home. They are amazing,” Gomez said.
Maintaining a sense of home while being so far away is something Gomez has had to actively work on.
“You really have to keep a positive mindset. My boyfriend helps me feel more at home, even though you have your friends that also make you feel at home as well, but at the end of the day, they’re not that person you go to complain to about everything,” she said. “Or sometimes you just need a hug, everyone just needs to keep a positive mindset and find something that reminds them of home, it’s not an easy thing to do.”
To ease the adjustment process for international students like Gomez, research from National Library of Medicine suggests that universities should focus on supporting social connections within the campus environment. Since the stress of adapting to a new place affects both physical and mental health, a healthy social environment can significantly help international students adjust, mitigating the stress of disconnection and promoting a sense of belonging.
Her advice for other international students is straightforward: “Find a community, join clubs, and don’t be shy. It’s easy to feel isolated, but you have to make an effort to try to talk to people and hang out with them. It’s hard cause you might not feel like it at times, but otherwise those relationships get by you if you don’t take care of them.”
Being herself is what led Gomez to find the people she’s meant to be with.
“I don’t know if I’m being too intense a lot of the time, but that led me to meet my friends and the family that took me in,” she said.
For Gomez, the key to thriving as an international student has been stepping out of her comfort zone.
“I get scared,” she said. “Are people going to judge me? But they can judge if they want, if they are my friends they wouldn’t judge me, you have to step out of your comfort zone and not be afraid. How would you know if you never do it?”
Photos provided by the Paloma Gomez
Top: Paloma Gomez (right) with Michaela Graney. Center: Ball State Field Hockey team. Above: Sheryl King, Olivia King, Lucy King, Paloma Gomez and Matt King.
Legacy scholars
Celebrating Cardinal Families since 1983
By Bachka Batjargal / The McKinley Avenue Agency
The Ball State Legacy Scholarship, a program rooted in tradition and fueled by community support, continues to provide significant financial aid to students with multi-generational ties to the university. The scholarship, funded primarily through the university’s Legacy Scholarship Program, aims to support students whose parents or grandparents attended Ball State, encouraging them to follow in their family’s footsteps and contribute to the school’s legacy.
Kelsie Walker, the Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship, emphasized how it aligns with the university’s values of community and connection.
“The idea is to support students at Ball State,” Walker said. “Their parents or grandparents went to Ball State, and we want those students to return and build that legacy of being Ball State grads.”
When purchasing a Ball State license plate, $25 from each $40 spent goes directly toward funding the Legacy Scholarship. Although many of the plates are purchased by alumni, Walker mentioned that support also frequently comes from parents of current students or graduates. She highlighted that supporting legacy students aligns with Ball State’s culture of beneficence.
“When alumni purchase a Ball State plate, they’re directly supporting student scholarships. This reflects the spirit of generosity and gratitude that is central to Ball State,” she said. “The scholarship embodies that sense of pride and connection that our alumni have, and it allows them to pass that on to future generations.”
The Legacy Scholarship has made a significant impact, awarding nearly $250,000 in scholarships to over 200 students for the 2024-2025 academic year. Since its establishment in 1983, more than $3.6 million has been awarded to over 2,200 students. These funds play a crucial role in relieving the financial burden for students and their families, especially those with a deep connection to Ball State.
Looking ahead, Walker believes the program will continue to grow, with the potential for even more students to benefit as more people renew or purchase Ball State plates.
“The more people that purchase and renew their Ball State license plates, the more support we can award to students,” Walker said. “We’re proud of the growth we’ve seen in the program, and we encourage continued support so that we can keep helping Ball State students.”
As Ball State continues to build its legacy, the Legacy Scholarship stands as a symbol of generosity and connection between alumni and future generations of students.
Photos provided by Ball State Marketing & Communications Legacy Scholarship recipients and their families at Ball State University.
