The relationship between the Muncie community and Ball State Teachers College : the John R. Emens College-Community Auditorium and 'Beneficence' as paradigm cases of cooperation : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

Abstract

This thesis discusses the relationship between Ball State Teachers College and the Muncie community. It includes a brief history of the founding of the institution, which was made possible by the generosity of the Ball family. As the first of two paradigm examples, my paper reviews the desires of the community and college to thank the Ball family with a form of public recognition. The paper describes, in detail, the campaign for the statue, `Beneficence,' including the original work by the Muncie Chamber of Commerce before the Depression as well as the public subscription process. The paper then turns to another example of campus-community cooperation: the campaign for Emens Auditorium and the role of strong leadership that ensured its success. In conclusion, I address the parallels between the two campaigns and the importance of the distinctive relationship Ball State has been fortunate to have with its home community, Muncie, Indiana.