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David J. Ulbrich, MA ’96, Montpelier, Vt., was published in an anthology of papers from a history conference held in Singapore in 2019 called “From Far East to Asia Pacific: Great Powers and Grand Strategy, 1900-1954.” Mr. Ulbrich is a professor of American history at Norwich University.

In addition to being a therapist in Los Angeles specializing in anxiety, depression, selfesteem, and mindfulness, Kavita K. Ajmere, MA ’96 MA ’00, Studio City, Calif., is a co-host of the podcast “Dear Katie: Survivor Stories,” in which host, Katie Koestner and her guests discuss sexual violence and the journey from trauma to healing.

Eric B. Yazel MA ’99, Borden, Ind., was named chief medical director for Indiana Emergency Medical Services (EMS) by Indiana Department of Homeland Security executive director Steve Cox. Dr. Yazel is also an emergency room doctor, chief medical officer at LifeSpring Health Systems University, and a member of the addiction resources and education group Clark County Cares.

2000s

Marta Stephens, ’01, Muncie, a longtime member of the Muncie Arts Guild (MAG), assisted in creating and publishing “Through Artists’ Eyes: Celebrating 70 Years with the Muncie Artists Guild.” The book highlights MAG members—many of whom are Ball State alums or retired faculty/staff—their artwork, and the group’s involvement in the Community. The group created and donated a mural of Beneficence on display in the Atrium of the Art and Journalism building, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the University.

Jason E. Guinn, ’02, Frisco, Texas, published a new novel, “The Wretched,” the first of a series titled “Lucifer Chronicles,” which is described as a dark interpretation of the mythology of Heaven and Hell.

Brian Brueggeman, ’03, Fort Wayne, Ind., was promoted to partner in audit assurance services at Crowe LLP, one of the largest accounting, consulting, and technology firms in the U.S. He has been with the firm for over 19 years and is based out of the Fort Wayne office.

Drew Morden ’12, Kingsburg, Calif., is the head brewmaster at AL. Ringling Brewing Co. Making use of his biochemistry degree, Mr. Morden is exceptionally skilled in developing enzymes. Inspired by his mother, who has Celiac disease, Mr. Morden adds a glutenremoving enzyme to every beer he develops.

Kionna L. Walker, ’06, Indianapolis, associate architect at Meticulous Design + Architecture and founder of Next Great Architects, a teaching studio that introduces architecture to children as early as kindergarten, received the Walter S. Blackburn Award from the American Institute of Architects Indiana (AIA). The Walker S. Blackburn Award, named in memory of another 2006 Ball State graduate, honors architects devoted to giving back to their communities.

Hoosier Films co-founder and CEO Meredith McGriff ’07 BFA ’07, Bloomington, Ind., piloted a new program bringing Indiana films to theaters across the state. Each month, Hoosier Films will provide a feature film or collection of short films to be screened at participating venues. So far, six Indiana theaters have signed up to participate in this monthly series, including Kan-Kan Cinema & Brasserie in Indianapolis; Fort Wayne Cinema Center in Fort Wayne; Strand Theatre in Shelbyville; WNIN Old National Public Theatre in Evansville; Historic Tivoli Theatre in Spencer; and Goshen Theater in Goshen.

Bryant Haines, ’09, Harrisonburg, Va., was promoted to defensive coordinator/ linebackers coach for the James Madison University football program. At Ball State, Mr. Haines was an All-Mid-American Conference (MAC) performer at linebacker and was on the watch list for the Dick Butkus Award in 2008, presented yearly to the nation’s most outstanding linebacker.

2010s

Andrew P. Quinn, ’10, Anderson, Ind., and Joseph Vella, MA ’12, Indianapolis, founded Bayonet Media and are celebrating its 10th year. The successful visual storytelling and content creation firm has worked with national and regional clients such as Maker’s Mark, Speedway, Food Network, First National Bank, and many others.

Kalyn A. Long, ’11, Zionsville, Ind., joined Borshoff, an award-winning creative and PR agency, as account director. Ms. Long serves as the PR account lead for client accounts, creates strategic communications plans, and provides senior PR and crisis communications counsel.

Ashley Thornberry, ’13 MAR ’15, Indianapolis, was awarded the Tony Costello Young Architect Award from the American Institute of Architects Indiana (AIA). This award, named after the Irving Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Architecture at Ball State, was created to recognize proficiency and exceptional accomplishments in the profession by a licensed architect who has been a member in good standing of AIA Indiana for a minimum of three years and is 40 years or younger. Ms. Thornbury is a project architect at StudioAxis.

Annaelise “Annie” M. Vest MA ’13, Owasso, Okla., was appointed by the firm Freese and Nichols to lead its hazard mitigation and disaster recovery planning services and to support clients in identifying and pursuing mitigation funding solutions through her in-depth knowledge of FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, Building Resilient Infrastructure, Communities, and Flood Mitigation Assistance programs.

Christian Okitondo, MA ’17, Athens, Ga., published a motivational memoir, “The Champion in You,” relating his life in the Congo, his journey to Ball State, to where he is today, in the Ph.D. program in Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of Georgia.

The National Hemophilia Foundation has welcomed two Ball State graduates to its staff—Riley Breen, ’18, Abington, Md., and Chloe Fellwock, ’22, Indianapolis. As a development specialist, Ms. Breen focuses on strategy and logistics for major nationwide fundraising events. Ms. Fellwock works as a communications assistant, assisting the patient advocacy organization in raising awareness for inheritable blood and bleeding disorders. Both have sought careers in the nonprofit space thanks to a passion for service, community, and giving back to others.

2020s

Sophie J. Sergi, ’22, Fishers, Ind., joined The Sergi Group at RE/MAX At the Crossing in Indianapolis. The Sergi Group has over 30 years of residential real estate experience.