Education – Muncie Neighborhoods

June 9, 2025June 11, 2025

Welcome to the new class of 2025 CenterPoint Scholars!

Kiwani Pine, Rachael Robertson, Isabel Heimlich, Joseph Scholl III, Eliana Heimlich, Sam Atlas McCollum (Jasmine Taylor not in photo)
Photo by Shantanu Suman

Welcoming the Second Cohort of CenterPoint Scholars

Since 2010, Muncie Action Plan (MAP) has been supporting neighborhood leaders through its Neighborhood Leadership Council. In October 2023, MAP expanded this commitment by launching a new initiative—thanks to a generous grant from CenterPoint Energy—to train emerging leaders in grassroots advocacy. This initiative, the CenterPoint Scholars Program, offers a year-long leadership development experience focused on building skills that directly impact Muncie’s neighborhoods.

The program began with a competitive application process in January, and the second cohort of Scholars was officially introduced at the March 2025 IDEA Conference. In April, the Scholars participated in a weekend retreat at highlighted locations in Muncie to kick off the program. This retreat laid the groundwork for a year of learning, connection, and community impact.

We are excited to welcome our second cohort of CenterPoint Scholars:

Jasmin Taylor (BSU Neighborhood)
Rachael Robertson (McKinley Neighborhood)
Sam Atlas McCollum (Old West End)
Joseph Scholl III (Thomas Park Avondale)
Kiwani Pine (Riverside Normal City)
Eliana Heimlich (Thomas Park Avondale)
Isabel Heimlich (Thomas Park Avondale)

This class of CenterPoint Scholars is exploring topics like project management, conflict resolution, and trust building, all while working on neighborhood-based projects designed to create lasting, positive change. They are joining our Neighborhood Leadership Council in monthly trainings from March 2025 through March 2026, and their efforts will culminate in a final presentation led by the Scholars at the 2026 IDEA Conference. MAP is proud to support these emerging leaders and excited to see the impact of their work across our community.

For more information about the CenterPoint Scholars Program, visit muncieneighborhoods.org/centerpoint-scholars.

June 3, 2025June 8, 2025

Ball State’s We Fly Fest to Offer Food, Fun, Entertainment, and Campus Tours on June 7

People gather at food trucks in the foreground with the amphitheater lit up in the background. the night sky is a deep blue and the grounds are brightly lit.

Ball State University will host its first We Fly Fest from 5-8 p.m. on Saturday, June 7. This free, on-campus event is open to the public and will include campus tours, entertainment, live music, informational booths, games, and other family-friendly activities.

“We Fly Fest is the latest demonstration of our University’s commitment to fostering strong connections between our campus and the community,” said Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns. “I am excited to welcome our friends and neighbors to experience the best of what Ball State has to offer.”

The event will begin at Ball State’s Brown Family Amphitheater, where guests can enjoy games and activities, food trucks, information tables, and a live DJ.

Fest attendees may explore campus through several self-guided tours or the Student Experience bus tour. Featured destinations on the self-guided tours include the Dr. Joe & Alice Rinard Orchid Greenhouse, the Marilyn K. Glick Center for Glass, the David Owsley Museum of Art, Christy Woods, and the Environmental Education Center. The Student Experience tour will highlight student housing, recreation, athletics, academic buildings, and more.

Additionally, the University’s Charles W. Brown Planetarium will offer three showings during We Fly Fest: One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure—a favorite among children—at 3:30 p.m., and two showings of the staff’s program pick, We Are Stars, at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

The evening will conclude with a free concert by the Ball State Studio Band at the Brown Family Amphitheater beginning at 7 p.m.

Parking
Parking is free in all campus parking lots on weekends—but look for “Free Parking Today” signs in front of lots closest to the Brown Amphitheater, such as the New York Parking Garage at 1001 N. New York Ave.

Community Shuttle Stops
Free shuttles to campus will run from 4:45-8:30 p.m. There will be three pick-up stops: in Muncie:

Buley Center, 1111 N. Penn St.
Common Market, 900 W 8th St.
P.O.P. Shop, 904 E Willard St.

For more information on We Fly Fest, visit bsu.edu/weflyfest.

June 3, 2025June 6, 2025

Won’t You Be Our Neighbor!

A header image that has "Be My Neighbor Day 2025" in various colorful rectangles. An image of a cartoon tiger cub is in the lower bottom left.

It’s going to be a beautiful day in the neighborhood on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Canan Commons for BE MY NEIGHBOR DAY 2025!

The free family event, set for 1 to 4 p.m., will include an appearance by none other than DANIEL TIGER, star of DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD on PBS KIDS.

At the heart of this event is the importance of being neighborly. So why not learn about some of our community’s greatest neighbors?

A map will lead children through the streets of a very special neighborhood, where they will meet people from community centers, arts organizations, charity groups and much more. At each booth, kids will be able to participate in fun activities, many designed to show the importance of being a good neighbor.

Parents and caregivers will discover ways to give back, from volunteer opportunities to support local arts and culture. Once the maps are completed, kids can claim their Good Neighbor awards!

April 1, 2025June 1, 2025

Spring into one of these awesome Ball State events this April!

Nervous about visiting campus? Take a look at the Office of Community Engagement’s handy Getting to Campus resource for parking/public transit information!

Click the links for more information. Some events may be off-campus or have registration requirements.

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Beginning Genealogy – 10 a.m.
MFA Thesis Exhibitions: Glass and Ceramics – 10 a.m.
Lifelong Learners: International Student Panel – 1:30 p.m.
4/1 1:00 PM Ball State University Softball vs Northern Illinois – 1 p.m.
4/1 3:00 PM Ball State University Baseball vs Bellarmine – 3 p.m.
4/1 3:00 PM Ball State University Softball vs Northern Illinois – 3 p.m.
How to Economist in Public: Advice on Applying Your Skills for Politicians, Journalists, Lobbyists, and Other People Paid to Hate You – 5 p.m.
Junior Recital: Will Weissert, trombone – 5:30 p.m.
My Daughter Keeps Our Hammer – 7:30 p.m.
Senior Recital: Carter Brickler, guitar – 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

4/2 Ball State University Gymnastics vs NCAA Regionals
Support the Planetarium on One Ball State Day 2025 – All Day Event
One Ball State Day with the Muncie Alumni Club – 8 a.m.
MFA Thesis Exhibitions: Glass and Ceramics – 10 a.m.
Dash and Splash – 12 p.m.
Culture Exchange – Nepal – 12 p.m.
MFA Thesis Exhibitions: Glass and Ceramics Reception – 4 p.m.
One Ball State Day with the Alaska Alumni Club – 5:30 p.m.
Student Recital: Jordan Wickey, saxophone – 5:30 p.m.
Le passion de Dodin Bouffant film – 6 p.m.
Good Boys and True – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 3, 2025

MFA Thesis Exhibitions: Glass and Ceramics – 10 a.m.
MFA Thesis Exhibitions: Glass and Ceramics Reception – 4 p.m.
Innovation Fest – 4 p.m.
4/3 7:00 PM Ball State University Mens Volleyball at Ohio State University – 7 p.m.
My Daughter Keeps Our Hammer – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 4, 2025

Saturday, April 5, 2025

Sunday, April 6, 2025

Spring Opera – Cendrillon – 3 p.m.

Monday, April 7, 2025

Print Sale – 10 a.m.
Violin Studio Recital – 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Print Sale – 10 a.m.
MFA Thesis Exhibitions: Glass and Ceramics – 10 a.m.
Entrepreneurial Experience Lecture with James Rooney – 11 a.m.
Solar Telescope Viewing Party – 12 p.m.
4/6 12:00 PM Ball State University Womens Tennis at Miami University (OH)
4/6 12:00 PM Ball State University Softball at Kent State
4/6 1:00 PM Ball State University Baseball at Eastern Michigan
Lifelong Learners: African Violets – Beyond Box Stores – 1:30 p.m.
“Black Studies, Health Disparities, and Artificial Intelligence” with Dr. Eric Jackson – 5 p.m.
Recital: Jazz Combos – 5:30 p.m.
4/8 6:00 PM Ball State University Baseball at Indiana
David Letterman Lecture Series with Amy Goodman – 7 p.m.
Viola Studio Recital – 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

R.E.S.P.E.C.T. – 7:30 p.m.
Print Sale – 10 a.m.
MFA Thesis Exhibitions: Glass and Ceramics – 10 a.m.
Voice Studio Recital – 5:30 p.m.
Weathering Time and For the Love of Trees: Lens-based Artwork by Nancy Floyd – Artist Talk – 6 p.m.
Student Composers Forum – 7:30 p.m.
String Chamber Ensembles – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Print Sale – 10 a.m.
MFA Thesis Exhibitions: Glass and Ceramics – 10 a.m.
4/10 1:00 PM Ball State University Mens Tennis vs Northern Illinois University
Marilyn K. Cory Speaker Series: Kimberly Blaeser – 5 p.m.
Student Recital: Oscar Joven, piano – 5:30 p.m.
Night at the Museum with the NEIN Alumni Club – 5:30 p.m.
Mars Express – 6 p.m.
Student Recital: Alena Miskinis, piano – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 11, 2025

MFA Thesis Exhibitions: Glass and Ceramics – 10 a.m.
Mindfulness in the Museum – 12 p.m.
4/11 Ball State University Track & Field vs We Fly Challenge
4/11 1:00 PM Ball State University Womens Tennis vs Bowling Green
4/11 3:00 PM Ball State University Softball vs Miami
4/11 3:00 PM Ball State University Baseball vs Northern Illinois
Student Recital: Qianting Huang, Benjamin Swain, and Ayrice Wilson, voice graduate students – 3 p.m.
“Sunset Meditation” 5pm Planetarium Show – 5 p.m.
Flute Studio Recital – 5:30 p.m.
“Solar Superstorms” 6:30pm Planetarium Show – 6:30 p.m.
THED Show: As If, Cassandra – 7 p.m.
Blood Wedding – 7:30 p.m.
Chamber Choir: Romantic Gems and Minnesota Melodies – 7:30 p.m.
THED Show: Willy Wonka JR. – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 12, 2025

Chemistry Science Day – 10 a.m.
4/12 Ball State University Womens Golf at Therese Hession Buckeye Invitational- Ohio State Golf Club – Scarlet Course
4/12 Ball State University Football vs Spring Showcase
4/12 1:00 PM Ball State University Mens Tennis vs UIC
4/12 1:00 PM Ball State University Baseball vs Northern Illinois
4/12 1:00 PM Ball State University Softball vs Miami
4/12 3:00 PM Ball State University Softball vs Miami
4/12 5:00 PM Ball State University Mens Volleyball at Loyola University Chicago
Writing in the Galleries: People, Places, and Prose – 2 p.m.
THED Show: Willy Wonka JR. – 2 p.m.
Ball State Wind Ensemble – 3 p.m.
“Magic Tree House: Space Mission” 3:30pm Planetarium Show – 3:30 p.m.
“Sunset Meditation” 5pm Planetarium Show – 5 p.m.
Cardinals in the Windy City: Ball State vs. Loyola Men’s Volleyball – 5 p.m.
Student Recital: Damian Davis, voice – 5:30 p.m.
“Solar Superstorms” 6:30pm Planetarium Show – 6:30 p.m.
THED Show: As If, Cassandra – 7 p.m.
THED Show: Willy Wonka JR. – 7 p.m.
Senior Recital: Simone Robinson-Stevens, guitar and voice – 7:30 p.m.
Blood Wedding – 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 13, 2025

Cello Studio Recital – 11 a.m.
4/13 1:00 PM Ball State University Womens Tennis at University of Toledo
4/13 1:00 PM Ball State University Baseball vs Northern Illinois
Blood Wedding – 2:30 p.m.
Faculty Artist Series: Zoran Jakovcic (viola) and Lisa Kozenko (oboe) with guest Rene Lecuona (piano) – 3 p.m.
THED Show: As If, Cassandra – 3 p.m.
Joint Recital: Carlos Juanillo-Castillo and Brianna Komorech, ephonium and tuba – 5:30 p.m.
Trumpet Ensemble Recital – 7:30 p.m.
DA Performance Recital: Ayrice Wilson, voice – 7:30 p.m.

Monday, April 14, 2025

4/14 Ball State University Mens Golf vs Red Bird Shootout- Delaware CC
Circular Construction – 4 p.m.
Woodwind Chamber Music Recital – 5:30 p.m.
Senior Recital: Naomi Martin, piano – 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Entrepreneurial Experience Lecture with Jennifer Wiese – 11 a.m.
Lifelong Learners: Ball State-Muncie Community Schools Partnership Update – 1:30 p.m.
4/15 1:00 PM Ball State University Softball at Western Michigan
4/15 3:00 PM Ball State University Softball at Western Michigan
4/15 4:00 PM Ball State University Baseball at Butler
Book Tour Reading: Angie Estes and Mark Irwin – 5 p.m.
Recital: Jazz Combos – 5:30 p.m.
DA Collaboration Recital: Shengxin Liu (piano) and Oksana Komarenko (voice) – 7:30 p.m.
Blood Wedding – 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Book Tour: Angie Estes and Mark Irwin – 11 a.m.
2025 Student Symposium – 1 p.m.
Shuning Liu Sabbatical Lecture – 3 p.m.
Junior Recital: Katy Tenbarge, cello – 5:30 p.m.
Le mepris film – 6 p.m.
Annual Dinner and Lecture: “Hidden History: Women’s Stories and the Built Environment at Ball State University” – 6 p.m.
Voice Studio Recital: Love the Earth – 7:30 p.m.
DA Performance Recital: Qihao Zhang, piano – 7:30 p.m.
Blood Wedding – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 17, 2025

4/17 Ball State University Track & Field at Gibson Invitational
4/17 3:00 PM Ball State University Baseball at Bowling Green
DA Performance Recital: Parikesit Tanudjaja, piano – 5:30 p.m.
Oboe Studio Recital – 5:30 p.m.
The Power of the Word with Too Black and Chantel Massey – 6:30 p.m.
Blood Wedding – 7:30 p.m.
Stages – 7:30 p.m.
Student Recital: Brittany Semler, clarinet – 7:30 p.m.
Tuba/Euphonium Studio Recital – 8 p.m.

Friday, April 18, 2025

Ball State University Track & Field at Gibson Invitational
4/18 1:00 PM Ball State University Womens Tennis vs Eastern Michigan University
4/18 1:00 PM Ball State University Baseball at Bowling Green
2025 Immersive Learning Showcase – 1 p.m.
Public Drop-in Tour of “People and Places” – 4 p.m.
Student Recital: Nikolas Fisher, clarinet – 5:30 p.m.
Blood Wedding – 7:30 p.m.
Stages – 7:30 p.m.
DA Dissertation Recital: Kaleb Rhea, composition – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 19, 2025

Monday, April 20, 2025

4/20 Ball State University Womens Golf vs MAC Championships- Delaware Country Club

Monday, April 21, 2025

Ball State University Womens Golf vs MAC Championships- Delaware Country Club
Twentieth Annual Alumni Awards – 12 p.m.
DA Collaboration Recital: Jiaqi Jin, piano/violin – 5:30 p.m.
Student Recital: Jordan Gortner, voice – 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Entrepreneurial Experience Lecture with Michael Shebek – 11 a.m.
Lifelong Learners: Mediterranean Diet – 1:30 p.m.
Piano Studio Recital – 5:30 p.m.
Stages – 7:30 p.m.
New Music Ensemble – 7:30 p.m.
Horn Studio Recital – 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

4/23 Ball State University Softball at Indiana
4/23 Ball State University Mens Volleyball vs Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association
4/23 6:00 PM Ball State University Baseball vs Indiana
DA Lecture Recital: Korn Roongruangchai, violin – 5:30 p.m.
Ball State Jazz Ensembles – 7:30 p.m.
Stages – 7:30 p.m.
MM Recital: Laurel Meitrodt, violin – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 24, 2025

Music in the Museum: Vientos Y Colores – 5:30 p.m.
DA Lecture Recital: Yu-Yao (Rachel) Chiu, cello – 5:30 p.m.
Spring Choreography Projects – 7:30 p.m.
Dueling Pianos – 7:30 p.m.
Stages – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, April 25, 2025

Mindfulness in the Museum – 12 p.m.
4/25 Ball State University Mens Golf vs Mid-American Conference Championship- Pinnacle Golf Club
4/25 Ball State University Track & Field at Knights Invitational
4/25 3:00 PM Ball State University Baseball at Central Michigan
4/25 3:00 PM Ball State University Softball vs Buffalo
“Sunset Meditation” 5pm Planetarium Show
Violin Studio Recital – 5:30 p.m.
“Solar Superstorms” 6:30pm Planetarium Show – 6:30 p.m.
Spring Choreography Projects – 7:30 p.m.
Ball State Campus Band and Wind Symphony – 7:30 p.m.
Stages – 7:30 p.m.
Student Recital: Jared Slothower, voice – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 26, 2025

AEAI. Ceramics Workshops – 11 a.m.
4/25 Ball State University Mens Golf vs Mid-American Conference Championship- Pinnacle Golf Club
4/26 Ball State University Mens Volleyball vs Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association
4/26 1:00 PM Ball State University Softball vs Buffalo- Senior Day
4/26 1:00 PM Ball State University Baseball at Central Michigan
4/26 3:00 PM Ball State University Softball vs Buffalo- Senior Day
“Magic Tree House: Space Mission” 3:30pm Planetarium Show – 3:30 p.m.
“Sunset Meditation” 5pm Planetarium Show – 5 p.m.
“Solar Superstorms” 6:30pm Planetarium Show – 6:30 p.m.
Spring Choreography Projects – 7:30 p.m.
Cardinal Chorus, Choral Union, Concert Choir, and Vox Anima – 7:30 p.m.
Stages – 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 27, 2025

4/27 1:00 PM Ball State University Baseball at Central Michigan

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

December 3, 2024December 3, 2024

Ball State is offering lots of fun, holiday events to members of the community!

Nervous about visiting campus? Take a look at the Office of Community Engagement’s handy Getting to Campus resource for parking/public transit information!

Click the links for more information. Some events may be off-campus or have registration requirements.

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Studio Art Senior Show – 10 a.m.
Ball State Sings – 12:15 p.m.
Student Recital: Molly McCord, horn – 5:30 p.m.
Camerata – 7:30 p.m.
Studio Band Holiday Concert – 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Studio Art Senior Show – 10 a.m.
Pottery Sale – 10 a.m.
Reed D. Voran Distinguished Professor Lecture with Dr. Alex Kaufman – 12 p.m.
Morgy Craig Memorial Jazz Ensembles Concert – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Studio Art Senior Show – 10 a.m.
Pottery Sale – 10 a.m.
Broadening Your Horizons Study Abroad Showcase – 5 p.m.
First Thursday – 5 p.m.
THED Show: The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Stupid Tales – 7 p.m.
New Music Ensemble – 7:30 p.m.
Senior Recital: Sophie Buselli, violin – 7:30 p.m.
1 TO 4 (+, -) – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, December 6, 2024

Studio Art Senior Show – 10 a.m.
Pottery Sale – 10 a.m.
Mindfulness in the Museum – 12 p.m.
Holiday Open House – 5 p.m.
University Singers Holiday Choral Festival – 5 p.m.
“The Christmas Star” 5pm Planetarium Show – 5 p.m.
“The Christmas Star” 6:30pm Planetarium Show – 6:30 p.m.
THED Show: The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Stupid Tales – 7 p.m.
1 TO 4 (+, -) – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 7, 2024

Harp Studio Recital – 10 a.m.
DA Lecture Recital: Sam Thompson, percussion – 12:30 p.m.
Cole Academy Christmas Spectacular 2024 – 1 p.m.
1 TO 4 (+, -) – 2:30 p.m.
MM Recital: Jihye Song, cello – 3 p.m.
“One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure” 3:30pm Planetarium Show – 3:30 p.m.
Holiday Open House – 5 p.m.
“The Christmas Star” 5pm Planetarium Show – 5 p.m.
University Libraries Booth – Holiday Recipes – 5 p.m.
Holiday Arts and Culture Night – 5 p.m.
DA Recital: Patricia Burton, cello – 5:30 p.m.
“The Christmas Star” 6:30pm Planetarium Show – 6:30 p.m.
December 5 & 6: THED Show: The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Stupid Tales – 7 p.m.
High School Honor Band Concert featuring the Ball State Wind Ensemble – 7:30 p.m.
1 TO 4 (+, -) – 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 8, 2024

Oboe Marathon with Guest Artist Trevor Mowry – 10 a.m.
Tuba Christmas – 11 a.m.
Holiday Choral Concert (Afternoon) – 3 p.m.
Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland – 6 p.m.
Holiday Choral Concert (Evening) – 6 p.m.

Monday, December 9, 2024

DA Recital: Jiaqi Jin, piano – 5:30 p.m.
Student Recital: Joshua Garwood, clarinet – 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Studio Art Senior Show – 10 a.m.

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Studio Art Senior Show – 10 a.m.

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Studio Art Senior Show – 10 a.m.
Tea, Scones, and Not Your Grandmother’s Needlepoint – 2 p.m.
A Chris Mystery II: The Case of the Missing Missus – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, December 13, 2024

Studio Art Senior Show – 10 a.m.
Studio Art Senior Show Reception – 4 p.m.
“The Christmas Star” 5pm Planetarium Show – 5 p.m.
“The Christmas Star” 6:30pm Planetarium Show – 6:30 p.m.
Dear Evan Hansen – 7:30 p.m.
Pops Performance Lab Concert – 8 p.m.

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Studio Art Senior Show – 10 a.m.
“One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure” 3:30pm Planetarium Show – 3:30 p.m.
“The Christmas Star” 5pm Planetarium Show – 5 p.m.
“The Christmas Star” 6:30pm Planetarium Show – 6:30 p.m.

Friday, December 20, 2024

25 Years of Holiday Dazzle! – 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Oak Ridge Boys: American Made Christmas Farewell Tour – 7:30 p.m.

November 1, 2024May 29, 2025

We’re thankful for all the events on campus this month!

Nervous about visiting campus? Take a look at the Office of Community Engagement’s handy Getting to Campus resource for parking/public transit information!

Click the links for more information. Some events may be off-campus or have registration requirements.