Since approximately 1899, Ball family members have supported higher education in East Central Indiana. In 1917, family members were the successful bidders for a defunct teachers’ college. In 1918, the Ball family deeded land, buildings, and around $1.4 million to the state of Indiana that eventually became what we now know as Ball State University. The Ball family has remained by the university’s side ever since.

It is an honor to be here today to represent my family for this historic occasion. As the president of the Ball Brothers Foundation and the chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, this is a particularly meaningful day.