The Ball State Daily News congratulates this semester’s graduates as they prepare to depart the nest.
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VOL. 104 ISSUE: 16
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Katherine Hill, News Editor
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Derran Cobb, Associate Sports Editor
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JESSICA BERGFORS, DN ILLUSTRATION
Editor’s note: Second-year journalism major and News Editor Katherine Hill is not related to her source, Nathan Hill, a graduating media production undergrad student at Ball State University.
It’s been almost five years since the COVID-19 pandemic first made headlines and shut down communities across the globe. Students who were on the tail end of their high school careers in 2019 — like Nathan Hill, a media production undergraduate student at Ball State University — are now graduating college.
As Hill prepares to walk across the stage during commencement in December, he said the reality of adulthood has become all too apparent, nearly diminishing his celebratory affiliation with graduation.
“I feel like I’m being thrown to the wild,” Hill said via text.
According to a 2016 study from the Pew Research Center, 32 percent of young adults aged 18-34 live with their parents, and 19 percent are college-educated.
Hill, who is currently living in an apartment with roommates to help ease the burden of rent
CAP, GOWN, HUMAN CAPITAL & CAP, GOWN HUMAN CAPITAL &
The cost of living poses a barrier to newly graduated college students nationwide.
expenses, has “no clue” what his living situation will look like after his impending graduation.
Dagney Faulk, director of research for the Center for Business and Economic Research at Ball State, said Hill’s situation is not out of the ordinary, as most college-aged students live in rental housing.
It’s vital to be able to start out well and be able to understand finance from the beginning of your career.”
- DAN ROYER , Assistant lecturer of accounting at Ball State University
“Students [who] are graduating now, they’re in a circumstance where we’ve come out of a pandemic, [and] there’s been a major economic shock as the country came out of the [COVID-19] pandemic,” Faulk said.
Faulk said the housing market was largely impacted by the pandemic because the cost of architectural materials, like wood and steel, increased — simultaneously enabling the cost of building homes to “dramatically increase.”
Dan Royer, assistant lecturer of accounting at Ball State, said the pandemic caused an “economic shock,” especially for populations like students.
“Before COVID[-19], we were pretty comfortable in our trajectory, but [it] had an impact on that in that it shut things down for a while, and it caused a real problem with supply chain issues,” Royer said.
See CAPITAL, 06
State State
Indiana Governor-elect Mike Braun pitched his “Freedom and Opportunity” policy agenda Dec. 3. Braun’s plan focuses on key campaign points: “historic” tax relief for Indiana families, economic development and various public health initiatives, including water cleanliness, according to Indiana Capital Chronicle.
Hoosiers favor cannabis regulations
Safe and Regulated Indiana, a new Republican-backed coalition pushing for “safe and regulated” cannabis reform, found 70 percent of registered voters surveyed either strongly or somewhat supported legalization for Hoosiers over the age of 21. Results were released Nov. 25, according to Indiana Capital Chronicle.
Campus Braun releases his first-term agenda
Stellic to officially replace DegreeWorks
Stellic will replace DegreeWorks as the campuswide course planning website. According to an email statement from Ball State’s Registrar Office, the university first introduced Stellic in October. Students are expected to select classes for all upcoming semesters — including Spring 2024 — through the platform.
Katherine Hill News Editor
Dagney Faulk, director of research for the Center for Business and Economic Research at Ball State University, works on her computer Nov. 25 at Whitinger Business Building. Even in conjunction with the vast selection of rental complexes available in Muncie, Faulk said, “Students don’t necessarily want to stay in Muncie.” ANDREW BERGER, DN
opens doors opens doors
Fourth-year elementary education major Alissa Kizer teaches students vocabulary terms at Carey Ridge Elementary School Dec. 2. in Westfield, Ind. Kizer is a student teacher for a second-grade class. ELLA HOWELL, DN
Down the road, I’ll really appreciate the money I have from graduating early and the experience that I got from student teaching in the fall.”
- ALISSA KIZER, Fourth-year elementary education major
Cost breakdown data
In-state, full-time students taking 12-18 credit hours pay a flat rate of
$4,474 $4,474
Out-of-state, full-time students taking 12-18 credit hours pay a flat rate of for basic tuition per semester. for basic tuition per semester.
$13,748 $13,748
Fourth-year elementary education major Alissa Kizer poses in her cap and gown at Carey Ridge Elementary School, where she is a student teacher, Dec. 1 in Westfield, Ind. Kizer helps teach a second-grade class five days a week. ELLA HOWELL, DN
Source: Ball State University JULIAN BONNER, DN DESIGN
CAPITAL
Continued from Page 03
Royer cited the logistic principles of the supply and demand curve to explain why such “supply chain issues” have proven to have adverse effects, even if these effects didn’t immediately follow the pandemic.
“The ability to stay home and not spend money traveling or commuting to and from work made us spend a little more at the store than what we used to, and prices were not affected at that point,” he said. However, the demand for housing brought on by the pandemic differs from Faulk’s socalled “housing price bubble burst” of the 2008 Great Recession.
“In 2008, there was a lot of demand for housing [to be built], there were elevated prices, and then the bubble burst,” she said. “When that happened, a lot of people owed more on their mortgage than their house was worth.”
Royer said that although the two time periods are commonly correlated, they are not the same.
“Post-COVID is almost the reversal of [the 2008 Recession] because we’ve seen demand in housing spike and prices have jumped,” he said.
According to composite data gathered by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center in 2024, Indiana has the 10-lowest cost of living in the nation, with the average cost for an individual continually being around $42,697, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analytics in 2021.
Royer, who got an early start in the financial world working for 15 years as a Medicare auditor for Blue Cross Blue Shield, said he has learned fiscally responsible behaviors throughout his career, most of which he wishes he had known when he was a younger, college-aged student.
“One of the things I think is most important about finance is not to waste time not knowing what to do,” he said.
Teaching students not to make similar mistakes is a driving force behind Royer’s teaching motivations.
“I think it’s very valuable for students at the college level to be aware of financial planning and financial issues and to take those into consideration as [they] graduate and start a career. It’s vital to be able to start out well and be able to understand finance from the beginning of your career,” Royer said.
Royer advised younger generations and recent graduating students — who may be browsing the housing market and assessing their five-year plans — to be aware of predatory lending practices.
“The home market is pretty tight right now… [and] there are opportunities for people [to] scam and take advantage of others. It pays to be cautious right now. It’s unfortunate, but that is something you have to guard against,” he said.
When looking for a place to live, Royer also advised students to embrace all options openly and “think beyond” the cookie-cutter idea of obtaining the traditional one-family home, no matter if it means renting, living with roommates, or purchasing a tiny house or container home.
“Being able to find a place [to live] for a reasonable price is one of the biggest challenges right now,” he said.
Students [who] are graduating now, they’re in a circumstance where we’ve come out of a pandemic, [and] there’s been a major economic shock as the country came out of the [COVID-19] pandemic.”
- DAGNEY FAULK, Director of research
in the Center for Business and Economic Research at Ball State University
Even in conjunction with the vast selection of rental complexes available in Muncie, Faulk said, “Students don’t necessarily want to stay in Muncie.”
“They want to move on to Chicago, Indianapolis or somewhere big,” she said.
Despite the current uncertainties of his living environment, Hill’s path toward winter graduation — which “happened by accident” due to the layout of his schedule— has him excited about the available employment opportunities as he launches his career.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported about 109,500 annual openings in media and communication occupations are projected between 2023 and 2033.
Here in Muncie, there are opportunities for nontraditional living, most notably ecoREHAB.
Royer, who works closely with the not-for-profit, said the organization acquires homes through the land bank in Muncie and renovates them in partnerships with the Muncie Parks Department, Ball State students and YouthBuild Muncie.
Even though such opportunities exist to ease living transitions from student age to adulthood, growing pains are inevitable.
“The world is falling apart around me,” Hill said. Contact Katherine Hill via email at katherine. hill@bsu.edu.
The computer screen of Dagney Faulk, director of research for the Center for Business and Economic Research at Ball State, is photographed Nov. 25 at the Whitinger Business Building. According to composite data gathered by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center in 2024, Indiana ranks 10th as lowest cost of living in the nation. ANDREW BERGER, DN
A newspaper clipping of Dagney Faulk, director of research for the Center for Business and Economic Research at Ball State University, is photographed Nov. 25 at the Whitinger Business Building. Faulk said the housing market was largely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic because the cost of architectural materials, like wood and steel, increased. ANDREW BERGER, DN
Men’s Basketball
College Graduate From Section 8 to College Graduate
From Section 8 to
Ball State football senior Keionte Newson explains why the number 9 is important to him.
From Dec. 8 to Dec. 31, Ball State men’s basketball will play four games. Two will be home contests and two will be on the road. Backto-back away games come Dec. 8 against Southern Illinois Edwardsville and Dec. 14 at Bellarmine. The Cardinals will host Evansville Dec. 21 and Division III Anderson on New Year’s Eve.
Softball
Ball State announces 2025 schedule
Ball State softball starts their schedule in the spring with 22 straight road games before playing a home game. The Cardinals will play four in-state opponents: Purdue Fort Wayne, Butler, Indiana University and Indiana State. The Cardinals host five Mid-American Conference series: Toledo, Miami, Buffalo, Central Michigan and Northern Illinois.
Football Cardinals set to play four games
Uremovich named football head coach
Former Butler football head coach Mike Uremovich was announced as the next head coach of the Cardinals Dec. 4. The program’s 19th head coach is from Gary, Indiana, and attended Purdue University. Uremovich led Butler to a 23-11 record in three seasons with the Bulldogs. This will be his first head coaching job at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level.
Senior linebacker Kieonte Newson throws the ball to the ref in a game against Bowling Green Nov. 23 at Scheumann Stadium. Keionte first wore the number nine during his sophomore and junior seasons at Brighton High School. ANDREW BERGER, DN; JESSICA BERGFORS, PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
SPORTS RECAP 2024
Graduate student hitter Aayinde Smith spikes the ball against Buffalo Oct. 12 at Worthen Arena. Smith had eight kills for the Cardinals. ANDREW BERGER. DN
Senior Sarah Mahnensmith runs during the MidAmerican Conference cross country tournament Nov. 2, hosted at Ball State University. ANDREW BERGER, DN
The Yorktown Tigers run out to face Delta High School Sept. 13 at Yorktown High School. ANDREW BERGER, DN
Ball State players and coaches cheer from the sideline as they face Old Dominion Nov. 4 at Worthen Arena. Ball State defeated Old Dominion 60-46 in their season-opener game.ANDREW BERGER, DN
Graduate forward Avery Fenchel (left), redshirt sophomore defender Delaney Ahearn (middle) and junior forward Delaney Caldwell (right) laugh and celebrate together after a game against the Queens University of Charlotte Sept. 8 at Briner Sports Complex. KATE TILBURY, DN
Junior guard Jermahri Hill puts the ball up against Dayton University Nov. 13 in Dayton, Ohio. Hill had four personal fouls in the game. ANDREW BERGER, DN
Senior running back Braedon Sloan breaks through defenders against Missouri State Sept. 7 at Scheumann Stadium. ANDREW BERGER, DN
Senior Nadia Briddell hits the ball Oct. 22 against UC Davis at Briner Sports Complex. Briddell has played a total of 65 minutes this season. KAYLEE KERN, DN
Senior Ally Becki reaches for a loose ball against Old Dominion Nov. 4 at Worthen Arena. Becki had 13 points for the Cardinals. ANDREW BERGER, DN
Freshman linebacker Dantu Gardner lifts the Bronze Stalk trophy after defeating NIU Oct. 26 at Scheumann Stadium. Ball State defeated NIU by two points. TITUS SLAUGHTER, DN
The number 9 represents more than a decade of struggles for Ball State football’s Keionte Newson.
Kyle Smedley Reporter
No matter the opponent, no matter the location, no matter the time, Keionte Newson kneels and bows his head at the 26-yard line before kickoff of every Ball State University football game. The senior linebacker takes a moment to speak to his second cousin Dexter Jones, who died 10 years ago. While praying, Newson calls on his family members who have died for guidance, looking to Jones and his deceased uncle, Jeremy Grant, specifically as father figures he has never truly had. Keionte said he has a poor relationship with his true father, Derek, but that’s only a piece of the 13year puzzle he has had to piece together en route to becoming the first in his family to earn a college degree. Since the age of nine, Keionte’s life has been filled with adversity. His mother, Sharmane Grant, was laid off from her job as a caregiver, and Derek left the family for five years.
Keionte had to stop playing youth football so the family could use that money on essentials. Keionte, along with Grant and his siblings, then
moved into Section 8 housing. Shortly thereafter, Grant fell into a years-long state of depression.
Keionte lashed out at himself and others, struggling to find an outlet for his pent-up anger.
Despite it all, in Keionte’s five years at Ball State — with his family back in Covington, Tennessee — he has thrived more than ever during his 22 years on this Earth.
Now that his time as a Cardinal is over, Keionte said he is finally ready to share his story.
“Regardless if I’m put in the NFL or I get blessed with a great job or something, I just want to change how everybody sees our family,” Keionte said.
Financial Insecurity
A conversation between Grant and one of Keionte’s aunts still sticks with him more than a decade later. Grant, the household’s main provider, had just been fired after working for nearly five years as a caregiver for those with mental illnesses, and she went to the family to discuss their next steps.
“I didn’t know what to do,” Grant said. “I was doing hair and cleaning doctor’s offices … It wasn’t a lot of money, but it would be enough.”
Keionte eavesdropped on the conversation and walked into the kitchen. Even as an elementary schooler, he knew money was tight, and he knew playing youth football wasn’t free.
Despite his love for the game he had already been playing for five years, Keionte told his mom he would quit football to save the family money. A couple of years later, Keionte’s family found a way to get him back involved with football in small, community leagues. He didn’t start consistently playing until middle school began.
As soon as he was old enough, Keionte wanted to find work to help bring in money for the family. Grant wouldn’t let him, telling Keionte it wasn’t his job to provide for the family as a teenager, which drew out even more frustration from Keionte.
While he now realizes his past frustrations may not have been rational, Keionte felt his mother wasn’t making the right decisions to put the family in a better financial situation. The arguments escalated enough that Grant asked Keionte to move out, after which he stayed with a friend for about a month before moving in with his newly present father. That didn’t last long either, as Keionte cited
a lack of effort from Derek as the reason for their still-standing issues.
Keionte moved back in with Grant after less than a year away, remembering how he cried for his mother no matter where he stayed.
“I tried to give her space for a long time, and that probably wasn’t the best thing for me to do,” Keionte said. “For a long time, I would see her in the morning and she’d be on the couch, then I’d come back after practice and school, and she’d still be there … I’d go home and sit in my room and shut myself off because I didn’t know how to express my emotions properly. I was angry and mad all the time.”
Grant confirmed that she was depressed for years after losing her job, but she didn’t know how upset Keionte was when he retreated to his room for hours after school.
“He’s always been kind of a loner,” Grant said. “… I’m glad he didn’t fall into the environment of Section 8 housing.”
Grant continued to work odd jobs for years before finally finding consistent employment near
Senior linebacker Keionte Newson celebrates with the team after play Nov. 23 at Scheumann Stadium. Keionte participated in senior night at the game. ISABELLA KEMPER, DN
Senior linebacker Keionte Newson prays before the last home game of his senior season Nov. 23 at Scheumann Stadium. Keionte said his faith plays an important role in his every day life. ISABELLA KEMPER, DN
Where I was growing up — if you were gonna be a man or call yourself a man — people expected men to hold on to their emotions. I felt lost, and I found that football was the only safe haven I had.”
- KEIONTE NEWSON, Senior linebacker
and all that,” Keionte said. “When he wasn’t there, he wasn’t there for real … I was like, ‘I’ve been
season. In his first two seasons with Ball State, Keionte wore the numbers 56 and 25.
Redshirt junior wide receiver Qian Magwood runs out onto the field for Ball State football’s first game of the season against Missouri State Sept. 7 at Scheumann Stadium. Magwood is Kieonte’s best friend and says Newson has been a “beacon of light” for the Cardinals. ANDREW BERGER, DN
He remembered feeling a sense of restoration when he earned the number nine ahead of his third year as a Cardinal, but Keionte felt like he did not live up to the standards of wearing a number that holds such high importance within him. In his two most recent seasons, Keionte said he has proven he deserves the number nine by earning True Cardinal 1 honors and serving as Ball State’s team captain for the 2024 season.
“I can’t be that guy that’s frustrated and flustered and always worried about what’s going on; I got to be that happy face and bright light that’s in the locker room,” Keionte said.
Perhaps no Cardinal has taken more from Keionte’s leadership than redshirt junior wide receiver Qian Magwood, foraying that into a friendship that has lasted nearly a half-decade.
Citing Keionte’s outgoing personality as one of his most personable traits off the field, Magwood said his best friend was a “beacon of light” for the Cardinals.
“I know a lot of days where he’s not having his best days, and he still comes in laughing, acting goofy and messing with somebody,” Magwood said. “ … Some days, I come in and I just don’t have it, but somehow, some way, with the guys in there, it’s impossible to have a bad day.”
Keionte and Magwood make a point to talk with each other for a brief moment before each game.
Magwood said the meeting could be as simple as a dap up or a conversation revolving around prayer or words of encouragement.
Their vulnerability around each other comes with being roommates for years, staying up until dawn
talking about their struggles and even being by each other’s side when they receive traumatic news.
Magwood remembers he and Keionte hanging out at another player’s apartment during their freshman year when Keionte suddenly left the room to take a phone call. He came back and told the room that one of his friends in Tennessee had been shot dead.
“I remember him hanging the phone up and starting crying. He just fell into my arms,” Magwood said. “This was the first moment where I was like, ‘This is the brotherhood they talk about.’”
Magwood has had moments where he’s the one crying in Keionte’s arms. When his grandmother died last year, he remembered Keionte being one of the first people to call and make sure he felt supported in his loss.
Heart on His Sleeve
Keionte has tattoos on both arms — the ink encompassing the struggles he has endured since the age of nine. On his left arm are a dove, a clock with a broken hand, a shattered hourglass, the word “ambition,” and the phrase “I came a long way, but I’m not as far as I’m going to be.” Before he leaves Ball State, he plans to add the number nine to his sleeve.
“I started from Section 8 housing to a soonto-be college graduate,” Keionte said. “That’s leaps and bounds, and people don’t live to see that sometimes.”
Contact Kyle Smedley via email at kmsmedley213@gmail.com or via X @ KyleSmedley_.
Senior linebacker Kieonte Newson holds a rose for his mother during senior day Nov. 23 at Scheumann Stadium. Kieonte remembered feeling a sense of restoration when he earned the number nine ahead of his third year as a Cardinal. TITUS SLAUGHTER, DN
‘FROM POTENTIAL ‘FROM POTENTIAL TO ACTION’ TO ACTION’
Commencement gives professors the opportunity to celebrate their students’ success. 15
Holidays at Gresham
A drive-thru light exhibit produced by Meridian Health Services at the Suzanne Gresham Center is happening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Friday through Sunday in December. The annual event accepts donations for Meridian Health’s Children Services programs. Each weekend, those who choose to donate will be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card.
Painting workshop
The first Bob Ross Painting Workshop of 2025 will be Jan. 11 from 1 to 5 p.m. The workshops will be led by certified Bob Ross painting instructor Chris Taylor at his personal studio and gallery in downtown Muncie. Participants have to be at least 13, and there are limited seats available. Canvas and supplies are included, and the cost of the Jan. 11 event is $90 a person.
Kodo One Earth Tour
Tickets for the Kodo One Earth Tour 2025: Warabe, which will take place Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in Emens Auditorium, are available for purchase. The performance blends taiko expression, a Japanese drumming style, with physicality, according to Events at Emens on the Ball State University site. Adult tickets range from $31 to $41, and youth tickets are $15. Tickets for Ball State students are $5, and staff tickets are BOGO.
Professor Munni Begum teaches an evening class Dec. 2 in Robert Bell. Some of the first students that Begum watched graduate in 2007 still stay in touch and update her on their lives. ISABELLA KEMPER, DN
NOTABLE PHOTOS OF 2024
OF 2024
Customers Cassie Halo and Tyler Gatliff paint pottery Sept. 20 at Made in Muncie Pottery. Made in Muncie is located near Ball State’s campus, which makes it convenient for community members and students. ANNABELLE PRICE, DN
Above: Darlene Hollingsworth has her hair fixed by Freedom in MadJax Nov. 11 during a Trans Day of Visibility vigil. Hollingsworth and Freedom attended the vigil together. JEFFREY DREYER, DN. Below: Kappa Delta and Phi Delta Theta team members cross the finish line during Homecoming Bed Races, Oct. 25 in front of the Health Professions Building. ELLA ABSHER, DN
Lea Watson holds her bump for a photo Sept. 11 in Yorktown, Ind. Watson was pregnant for the fourth time with her third child. ISABELLA KEMPER, DN
Brian Blair stands in front of a wall of masks in the shop Sept. 27 at Pumpkin Pulp. Blair began the business in 2006. ANDREW BERGER, DN
Ball State fraternity members slide on the watermelon slip and slide during the Watermelon Bust Sept. 21 at Lafollette Field. ANNABELLE PRICE, DN
Delaware County Commissioner-elect Stephen Brand stands in front of his family and campaign supporters Nov. 5 at the Knights of Columbus in Muncie, Ind. ANDREW BERGER, DN
Ball State professors, who’ve been here from two to 20 years, have a bittersweet perspective on graduation.
Ella Howell Lifestyles and Copy Editor
In his second year of teaching, this year’s Fall Commencement marks Professor Jeremy Coleman’s sixth Ball State University graduation. It’s his third as a faculty member, matching the amount of Ball State graduations he attended as a student himself.
Coleman received his undergraduate, graduate and PhD from Ball State before becoming an assistant clinical professor in educational leadership.
“I’ve had many graduations at Ball State University, and I remember sitting in the auditorium and hearing our commencement speaker just deliver an amazing speech,” Coleman said. “She said, ‘I want to welcome you to the society of scholars,’ and in that moment … I was proud of what I had done. But more than pride, I had a sense of belonging.”
The sense of pride he felt has manifested itself into some of Coleman’s passions as an educator. He values seeing his students in the place he was not too long ago.
“Every graduation means we are moving students from academia into the world. We are moving students from potential to action, and it’s exciting,” Coleman said.
Another professor who, like Coleman, made an impact in just a few years is Jeff Stover, who works in Stage Management and Design Technology in Ball State’s Theatre and Dance program.
Going into his fourth graduation as a professor this spring, Stover came to Ball State around the same time as a lot of this year’s graduating Cardinals.
“It is bittersweet when they graduate. We are excited to see where they will fly to. But as a mentor, my relationship doesn’t end when they graduate,” Stover said via email. “I give support and advice for years after leaving the school. Being in Theatre and Dance is a special relationship because of the work we do and the collaboration that goes into it.”
Professor Timothy Gray has been teaching at Ball State for about 22 years and teaches in the College of Architecture and Planning. He feels a similar sense of pride regarding the ceremonies.
“There’s always a few students you build relationships with … I think it’s always kind of bittersweet. We feel happy and proud that they’re moving on, but [there’s] also the whole sense of loss, of losing them,” Gray said.
I can see happiness in the eyes of the students, I can see that they have finished their degrees and they are excited about their future.”
- SHERIF ATTALLAH, Ball State professor
Every graduation means we are moving students from academia into the world. We are moving students from potential to action, and it’s exciting.”
- JEREMY COLEMAN, Ball State professor
Construction Management Professor Sherif Attallah joined Ball State’s faculty in 2014, officially marking his first decade as a Cardinal this year. He finds graduation to be “one of the best days of the year.” He recognizes the event as a milestone for students, but Attallah feels graduation can be a special time for educators in some ways as well.
“I can see happiness in the eyes of the students, I can see that they have finished their degrees and they are excited about their future,” Attallah said. “It’s very special [for educators] because you see the fruits or the outcome — the results of your work.”
His advice for graduates is to thoroughly consider each path that’s available to them. In his
experience, he feels it is critical for students who are about to graduate to find the career that will have the best outcome for them.
“Think about these different options, what each option can offer to them, and choose the right thing for their personality and their career,” Attallah said.
Mainly teaching graduate students, Professor of Mathematical Sciences Munni Begum emphasizes that commencement doesn’t sever the connection she has with her students; it opens up the opportunity to celebrate their professional milestones together.
She began teaching in 2005 and is still in contact with her first group of students who graduated from Ball State in 2007. They call her to update her on their lives, from landing a new job to earning their PhD.
“After that, so many groups came and graduated, and I have close contact with them,” Begum said.
“I tell [my students], actually, ‘Keep in touch, and know that what you earned from here — that will shape you as a human being. With values, with integrity and with moral sense.’”
College of Fine Arts Art History Professor Lara Kuykendall has attended Ball State graduations for over 13 years. She would wager she gave more hugs than handshakes during the last graduation she attended.
“We love to see students graduate because that represents a major achievement for them, but once we have built great relationships, it is a little sad to know we won’t see those students very often in the future,” Kuykendall said via email.
Professor Munni Begum has a student demonstrate what they are learning during an evening class Dec. 2 in Robert Bell. Begum encourages all of her students to stay in contact after graduation. ISABELLA KEMPER, DN
AMBER PIETZ, DN DESIGN
President Geoffrey Mearns speaks at a past Fall Commencement December 17, 2022, in Worthen Arena. BALL STATE UNIVERSITY, PHOTO PROVIDED
President Geoffrey Mearns speaks at the CFA and CSH Spring Commencement May 6, 2023, in Worthen Arena. BALL STATE UNIVERSITY, PHOTO PROVIDED
PROFESSOR
Continued from Page 16
Her advice to graduates is not to worry about the lead-up or what comes next. She said to remember making it to graduation means you’ve earned that day, and it’s “a big deal,” so you should try to remember it.
Professor of Interior Design Sarah Angne Alfaro teaches the senior capstone course. She said graduation is a special time because of the inherent feeling the day brings.
“I would say it’s emotional, I think, for family and friends coming to support their students. I think it’s emotional for the faculty to see students complete their degree and how powerful that is,” she said. “It’s emotional [for graduates] because they’ve just invested so much time and memory — attachment to one place with all their friends — and it’s like [they’re] moving on to the next step in their life.”
Professors can guide students into their careers after graduation. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 92 percent of college faculty in the U.S. said their students come to them for career advice, and 63 percent said past graduates reach out as well.
In addition to the long-lasting impact professors can have on their students, Begum said an educator’s job is to give students knowledge, and it’s up to them how they choose to apply it.
She said she loves working with young people because she gets to see the world from their perspective better. When a student is able to successfully apply the knowledge they’ve been given, graduates’ wins can be a win for the educators who helped them along the way.
“Every individual we can think of, we are really small compared to the universe. But these small pieces make the fabric of our universe and the world, so these contributions make the world a better place,” Begum said.
Reporter Hannah Amos contributed to this article. Contact Ella Howell via email at ella.howell@ bsu.edu.
Professor Munni Begum has a student demonstrate what they are learning during an evening class Dec. 2 in Robert Bell. Begum began teaching at Ball State in 2005. ISABELLA KEMPER, DN
Fall Graduates: by the Numbers
Graduates
1233 unique graduates are being awarded degrees and certifications in Fall 2024*
1376 individual degrees and certifications are being awarded in Fall 2024*
624
512
222
10
8 Masters Degrees Bachelor Degrees Certifications and Specialists in Education Associate Degrees Doctorates and PhDs
Introducing the graduates
OLIVIAGROUND,DNILLUSTRATION
Maria Salas
Mariah Aguilar
Marie Dance
Marisel Proenza
Marisel Proenza
Markie Adamczyk
Marsha Allen
Marwah Algaithi
Mary Meyer
Maryam Hammood
McKenna BeaudryGeeding
McKenzie Hendren
McKenzie Temple
McKenzie Wood
Megan Carder
Megan Fisher
Megan Urbahns
Megan Vangemeren
Megan White
Meghan Goodwin
Meghan Reed
Melinda Bocknick
Melinda Greene
Melinda Reinke
Melissa GerlineClagg
Melissa Thompson
Meranda Brooks
Micaela Serafini
Michael Blum
Michael Brinker
Michaela Bardolf
Michaela Dorssom
Michaiah Bolar
Minh Bui
Miranda Kerwin
Mmesoma Asiegbu
Molly Beal
Molly Bates
Molly Smith
Morgan Barton
Morgan Berry
Morgan Irizarry
Morgan McSweeney
Morgan Verhamme
MyKala Raymond MyKenzie Kloess
Myranda Peacock
Natalie Sardinas
Nayeli Bautista
Nicholas Prater
Nick Gill
Nicole Wolfe
Nicole Hall
Nidia Ocampo
Nikki Gay
Nikki McGee
Nikki Sheppeard
Nina Reynolds
Niomi Davenport
Noel Snyder
Noelle Husband
Nyssa Quatmann
Octavia Johnson
Olivia Baumgartner
Olivia Grant
Olivia Hartigan
Olivia Pfender
Olivia Roberts
Rachel Ochenkowski
Rachel Popp
Rachel Roberts
Rachel Thompson
Rachel Tupps
Raeann Bragg
Raelynn Mills
Rashad Murphy
Rebecca Bowne
Rebecca Symes
Rebekah York
Richard Nenge
Riley Brzezinski
Riley Eldridge
Rita Kraminsky
Robert Craig
Roge Taylor
Rosabelle BarrealBueno
Rose Biggs
Ryan Hukill
Ryan Kletch
Ryan Luquette
Ryan Mitchem
Ryan Oppy
Saba
Shahirdavarpanah
Sabrina Crumpton
Sadie Williams
Salvador Reynoso
Sam Amos
Samantha Hunter
Samantha
Thompson
Sandra Khourieh
Sarah Takyi
Savanah Hunt
Savannah Lima
Scott Kelley
Sean Anthony
Martinez
Sebastian Stark
Serena Turner
Seth Slater
Shams Alsuraimi
Shannon Furlong
Shannon McGlinn
Shannon Williams
Sharon McDaniel
Shawn McGrandy
Shay Hawkins
Shelby Marshall
Shelby Snodgrass
Shelly Lawonn
Shelly Longson
Shelly Truxall
Shelly Wicklund
Sherline
Buissonniere
Sierra Fellhoelter
Sierra Stouder
Sierra Young
Siobhan Kirwan
Sneha Roy
Sofia Abdala
Sophia Madrinan
Sophie Quesenberry
Stephanie Ferrigno
Stephanie Hinojosa
StephanieMewbourn
Sydney Mata
Sydney Taylor
Sydnie Fordham
Talia Romero
Tamara Preyer
Tammy Socausky
Taniya Saini
Tanya LeMaster
Tara DeLong
Taryn Fether
Taryn Fether
Tatum Estes
Taylor Keener
Taylor Magnuson
Tehilla Wachs
Teri Garrelts
Thomas Vanourney
Tiara Bailey
Tierra Blair
Tiffaney Christensen
Tiffani Johnson
Tiffany Schepacarter
Tori Cervantes
Tori Everett
Tori Grady
Tori Johnson
Tracey Tracy
Tracy Lee
Trom/Calderon
Townsend
Ty’Ran Carmouche
Tyler Thompson
Tyra Barrera
Vanessa Cornelius
Vanessa Edmond
Will Gaspar
William Mitchell
XingQing Dong
Yakisha Blanc
Yanisleydis
Rodriguez
Yasmin Lokhat
Yelinette Turner
Yen Nguyán
Zaria Purnell
Zoella Straschnow
University College
Abby Espinoza
Adam Kern
Adam Howard
Addie Noah
Aislinn Morris
Ajdin Zec
Alexandra Reed
Alondra Bello
Amanda Wylie
Amy Watson
Ashlee Veerkamp
Aspen Peterson
Averie McKinney
Ayden Stanley
Beth Sargent
Brianna Cox
Briosha Boyd
Caleb Shupe
Carson Lydon
Casey Turturici
Charline Charles
Chris Heinze
Holly Henderson
Isabelle Mclean
Jacob Catey
Jamie Rector
Jarod Powell
Jeffrey Harms
Jeffrey Wheeler
Jen McCaffrey
Jennifer Pruis
Joe Stapert
Joshua Bell-Primm
Kateri Tooley
Katie Smith
Kristin Newman
Kylie Cummings
Leiah Winford
Logan Howard
Mackenzie Currie
Mackenzie Francis
Maddie Francis
Margret Goe
Marissa Contreras
Matthew Kamins
Michael Cochran
Michael Shipp
Nicci Herren
Paul Keen
Qian Magwood
Rodney Avery
Ryan Brown
Saniah Herring
Sara Willis Ring
Sarah Beery
Sarah Mosley
Shani Bridgeman
Stephenie De La
Summer Brave Bull
Swathi Kommunje
Victoria Jackson
Victoria OBrien
Mayclin
Vincent Pham
Viva Courteau
Wendi Anderson
Whitney Brown
Christoper Spegal
Cortney Seber
Dev Leal
Devin Baldwin
Esther Hedin
Ethan Lugar
Gillian Rogers
Spencer Phipps
Taylor Getman
Tichina Balog
Tony Cook
BALL BEARINGS
