Resolve to make 2023 the year you fly forward

An ever-changing world requires an adaptable set of skills to be successful. Competition is fierce, but the Cardinal spirit is distinct because Cardinals know how to adapt.

Lifetime Learning by Ball State offers non-credit courses and credentials in flexible formats for adult learners who are motivated for more.

Our seamless experience is on personal terms—your schedule, your lifestyle, your goals.

So, you can upskill in place to position yourself for the corner office, land a more flexible schedule, or write your own ticket to start something new.

Together, We Fly Further bsu.edu/lifetimelearning

1960s

Norman Ross, ’62, Goshen, Ind., authored the bestselling book “Saints or Quacks” on the chiropractic profession. He was nearing the completion of his second book, “Chasing Squirrels,” about the notable Wilk vs. AMA trials of 1987, when he passed away in 2022.

Roy A. Weaver, ’68 MAE ’71, Muncie, co-authored “Running Against the Grain: The Story of Philadelphia Eagle and Movie Star Timmy Brown.”

Dr. Weaver retired in 2020 as interim dean of Teachers College at Ball State. In 2021, he received the Teachers College Career Achievement Award and the Ball State University Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

1970s

Ralph Stuckman, EDD ’70, Celina, Ohio, designed artworks to be displayed in the Paradigm Gallery within the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. His works include resins and alcohol inks with unusual shapes. Mr. Stuckman was an educator working in a public school as superintendent and professor at Wright State University-Lake Campus. Art has been a passion for many years, and he recently stepped down as chairman of the Lake Area Arts Group.

Raymond Roberson, MA ’73, Houston, published “Presidential Maxims: Excellence in Leadership (Volume 1).” The work contains information about the first 19 Presidents of the United States and their life experiences. The book aims to shed light on the division of the United States and the contributions of presidential leadership in hopes of bringing about change in communities and the country.

Shiela R. Rawlins Snider, ’74 BAR ’74, Franklin, Ind., is the first woman to graduate from Ball State University’s School of Architecture and the first Indiana woman to be elevated to Fellow by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). She continues her streak of many firsts by being the first woman to be honored with the Gold Medal Award for the AIA.

Jerry Cook, ’77, and Linda Cook, ’78, The Villages, Fla., accidentally found a nationwide audience with their YouTube channel, “The Villages Florida Newcomers”—which they created to keep their three military sons informed of their retirement adventures. They now have over 50,000 subscribers and 11 million views of their videos chronicling their day trips, biking, kayaking, fishing, crafts, and more. The Cooks taught in public schools in Indiana for over 30 years before their retirement.

Gary Vance, ’77 BAR ’77, Carmel, Ind., received an American Institute of Architects (AIA) Indiana Design Award for his children’s book series “Kid Architect.” This series is also the subject of a Ball State University Immersive Learning project involving students in the Emerging Media Design and Development graduate program.

Ron Fisher, ’79 BAR ’79, Indianapolis, received the Edward D. Pierre Award for his impact over his career, including strategic planning, master planning, engineering, and architectural projects at Indianapolis Public Schools. The award is named for architect Edward D. Pierre, a crusader for the welfare of children, decent housing for all, and progressive urban planning. Mr. Fisher is principal and chief operations officer at Schmidt Associates. He was on the design team for the NCAA Headquarters and Hall of Champions and worked on five different residence hall projects at Ball State.

1980s

Scott Poland, ’81, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., received the American Psychological Association Division 16 School Psychology Career Award. He is the author of six books and numerous chapters on school crises and suicide prevention. Currently, he is a professor and director of the Suicide and Violence Prevention Office at Nova Southeastern University.

Shawn Wright-Browner, ’86, Indianapolis, was honored with the Tom Paul Outstanding Director of the Year Award during the Indiana Association of Career and Technical Education Districts (IACTED) State Conference. The award honors exemplary career and technical education (CTE) administrators for their knowledge, leadership, and commitment to the CTE field. Ms. Wright-Browner is the director of the J. Everett Light Career Center in Indianapolis.

Lori Goss-Reaves, ’88, Indianapolis, a licensed clinical social worker and professor at Indiana Wesleyan University, published “Kiss Lori for Me: A Vietnam Corpsman’s Sacrifice, His Widow’s Undying Love, and Their Daughter’s Quest to Find the Truth.” The best-selling book about loss and grief gathers the oral histories of four men who served with Dr. Goss-Reaves’ father, who was killed in Vietnam.

1990s

Bryan Keller, ’90, Defiance, Ohio, of Keller Logistics Group, was announced as a regional winner of the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award. A panel of independent judges selected Mr. Keller on entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth, and impact of their work.

Robert A. DiDonato, ’93, Hartland, Wis., a private wealth advisor with Ameriprise Financial in Brookfield, Wis., was named to the list of “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” published by Forbes magazine. The list recognizes financial advisors who have demonstrated high ethical standards, professionalism, and success in the business.

Jeffrey A. Echols, ’93 BAR ‘93, Indianapolis, is the host of “Context & Clarity,” a daily Facebook LIVE conversation that supports a community of small firm architects. Over the last two years, it has grown to include a daily Clubhouse room, a podcast, and a weekly simulcast that streams out to Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitch, Twitter, and YouTube, and has featured guests such as author and social commentator Roxane Gay and Robert Ivy, CEO of the American Institute of Architects. Mr. Echols also teaches at CAP: Indy.

James A. “Andy” Pierce, ’93, Chicago, was named coordinator of underwriting sales for WDCB 90.9 FM Radio, Chicago’s home for jazz and blues. He guides the station’s initiatives to help local arts organizations and the business community access public radio to engage larger audiences.

Heidi B. Spahn, ’94, Pittsboro, Ind., was selected to receive the Honorary American FFA Degree, the Future Farmers of America’s highest honor. This award is given to individuals that advance the agricultural education of youths. Ms. Spahn received the award along with a plaque and a medal during the annual FFA Convention and Expo.