4 minute read
Building for a Bright Future
A Hero and True Cardinal
This Spring, the nation mourned the death of Eric Talley, ’01 MS ’04, age 51. He was the first police officer to respond to a mass shooting March 22 at a Boulder, Colorado, grocery store that left him and nine others dead. His bravery and quick actions saved dozens of lives.
The sad news hit close to home at Ball State, where Talley earned two degrees from the Center for Information and Communication Sciences and then worked in the University’s Information Technology Department until 2010.
Professor Frank Groom said, “We in CICS are shocked” by the news. He remembered Talley as a leader and role model who exemplified what it means to be a Cardinal.
Board of Trustees Chair Renae Conley, ’80 MBA ’82, called for a moment of silence for Talley after learning the news. “Quite simply, [he] embodies the values that we hold dear at Ball State University—those of excellence, those of integrity and courage, even when it calls for the ultimate sacrifice,” she said.
President Geoffrey S. Mearns also noted how Talley represented University values such as service to others. “It was the character and commitment of Officer Talley that is so inspiring.”
Talley left his IT career at age 41 to become a police officer in response to the death of a close friend in a DUI crash.
A week after the shootings, hundreds lined the streets as Talley’s body was transported to a funeral home in Aurora. His patrol vehicle became a shrine as mourners left flowers, wreaths, cards, and other mementos in his honor.
Talley is survived by his wife, Leah, and their seven children.
Please visit magazine.bsu/edu to find “In Memoriam” notices of alumni deaths. The site also shares stories from past print issues, and unique online content.
A Passion for Construction
Named CEO of a construction firm at age 33, Adam Owens credits Ball State for his achievements.
When the board of directors for Zionsville-based RLTurner Corporation selected Adam Owens, ’09, as the company’s CEO in 2020, he was just 33 years old.
Owens began work at RLTurner—a midsized general contractor, specializing in commercial construction—as an intern during the Summer before his senior year at Ball State. The company extended the internship and assigned him more responsibility, then offered him a full-time job after graduation.
“I hired in and I never looked back,” Owens said.
“It’s no surprise that Adam was successful,” said Jim Jones, who chairs the Department of Construction Management and Interior Design. “You could tell he would be able to take the pressure of the industry while still making thoughtful decisions.”
As a Construction Management major in the R. Wayne Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning (CAP), Owens learned to lead multi-million dollar building projects from concept to completion, on time and within budget.
CAP launched the major in 2005. Now with some 250 undergraduate majors, it is one of just four accredited programs in Indiana.
Construction management wasn’t Owens’ first choice. With childhood dreams of designing buildings, he applied for admission into CAP’s architecture program four semesters in a row.
“It’s competitive,” he said. “I just didn’t have a portfolio. To be honest, I didn’t make a big impression.”
When Owens found construction management, he said the program just felt natural for him. “Not to sound cheesy, it was love at first sight.”
Since 2014, Construction Management majors have experienced a 100-percent placement rate. Those alumni have gone on to oversee the construction of homes, apartment complexes, hospitals, airports, highways, and more, Jones said.
Owens now serves on the advisory board for the program, helping it develop curriculums that prepares students with the skills that employers need.
Owens’ love for the construction field continues to grow with each passing year.
“Whenever I drive by one of our buildings, I’m sure my wife gets tired of hearing me say, ‘Hey, we built that.’” — Nick Werner, ’03
Photos by Samantha Blankenship
Learn more about Commencement and watch recordings of this year’s ceremonies at bsu.edu/
commencement
A Vibrant Sign of Good Things to Come
University Commencement ceremonies, held May 7-8, honored almost 2,500 Class of 2021 graduates. To maintain health protocols, five distinct ceremonies took place in Scheumann Stadium, where a double rainbow marked the occasion. A week later, more than 900 graduates of the Class of 2020 were welcomed back for their ceremonies, which were originally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. President Geoffrey S. Mearns lauded the graduates for overcoming the challenges of the past year “with grit and with grace. You now have the opportunity to apply the skills that you have acquired, the strength that you have gained, and the character that you have demonstrated.”
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The information presented here, correct at the time of publication, is subject to change. Ball State University practices equal opportunity in education and employment and is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community.
“Fly Your Way Back Home”
HOMECOMING • OCTOBER 18–23, 2021
WEEKEND ACTIVITIES
Friday, October 22 Alumni and Friends Golf Outing Bed Race
Saturday, October 23 Chase Charlie 5K Homecoming Parade and Alumni Viewing Party CharlieTown Tailgate Ball State vs. Miami
