By Ball State Communications—
MUNCIE, IN— One Ball State Day (OBSD), Ball State University’s annual day of giving and celebration of Cardinal spirit, returns Wednesday, April 1. The 24-hour event brings together alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and students to strengthen the University through gifts, advocacy, and engagement.
Supporters can make a gift at oneballstate.bsu.edu anytime from midnight to 11:59 ET on Wednesday, April 1. Donors may choose to support student emergency aid or make a gift to the Ball State school, college, department, or organization that matters most to them, with gifts of $5 or more qualifying for One Ball State Day participation and, in some cases, additional challenge or matching funds.
Last year’s One Ball State Day generated more than $1.3 million through more than 7,900 gifts. The 2025 effort also included more than 400 student gifts, more than 1,900 employee gifts, and participation from supporters representing 17 countries. This year’s event will build on that momentum by highlighting the many ways the Ball State community can come together in support of today’s students and future generations of Cardinals.
“One Ball State Day reflects the generosity and enduring spirit of beneficence that define Ball State University,” said Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns. “Each year, our alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and students come together to support opportunities that help our students thrive. I am grateful to everyone who participates in this special day and demonstrates, through their engagement and their gifts, a shared commitment to our mission to prepare graduates for fulfilling careers and for meaningful lives.”
In addition to making a gift, supporters can take part in One Ball State Day by serving as ambassadors and sharing their Ball State pride with fellow graduates, friends, and family members.
“One Ball State Day is an opportunity to celebrate what Ball State makes possible,” said Lola Mauer, associate vice president of engagement and strategy at the Ball State University Foundation. “It is about more than a single day of giving. It is a chance for our University community to come together, share its pride, and invest in opportunities that directly benefit students. Every gift and every act of engagement helps strengthen the Ball State experience and expand what is possible for our students.”
Throughout the day, Ball State’s campus will feature events and activities tied to the celebration, including:
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OBSD Headquarters, Emens Auditorium Lobby: 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Stop in throughout the day to celebrate One Ball State Day with games, activities, giveaways, OBSD mugs, tea from McAlister’s, and additional refreshments made possible by Meijer while supplies last.
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Student Donor Lounge, Emens Auditorium Lobby: 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Student donors can visit the lounge to receive an exclusive Goose Lapel Pin.
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OBSD Donuts with the Deans, Emens Auditorium Lobby: 10-10:30 a.m. Faculty and staff are invited to help kick off the day, serve donuts, and engage with students.
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Trivia Taxi, campus-wide: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Trivia Taxi will offer free rides across campus while riders answer OBSD trivia questions for prizes.
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OBSD Passports, Emens Auditorium Lobby: 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Participants can bring completed OBSD Passports to headquarters for a prize.
- Dash & Splash, Lewellen Pool: noon-1 p.m. Participants from Ball State colleges and departments will race giant inflatable ducks, with the top finishers winning Challenge Funds for the fund of their choice.
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OBSD Pizza with the President, Emens Auditorium Lobby: 12:30-1 p.m., or until pizza is gone. President Mearns will serve pizza to attendees at headquarters, courtesy of Cousin Vinny’s.
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OBSD Dunk Tank, Emens Auditorium Courtyard: 1-3 p.m. Participants can earn throws to dunk Ball State celebrities by supporting participating contestants’ funds and sharing OBSD content on social media.
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OBSD Shakes & Shirts, Emens Auditorium Lobby: 1:30-2 p.m., or until supplies run out. Attendees can enjoy shakes from Steak ‘n Shake and pick up a One Ball State Day T-shirt.
- Dodgeball, Jo Ann Gora Student Recreation Center, Two Basketball Court Area: 4-6 p.m. Student teams will compete in the inaugural OBSD Dodgeball Tournament while raising money for their favorite OBSD funds.
Supporters can make gifts online throughout the day on the One Ball State Day website. They are also encouraged to share photos, videos, and messages on social media to help spread the word and inspire others to participate.
For more information about One Ball State Day, including participating groups, ambassador opportunities, event details, and how to give, visit the OBSD website or email oneballstateday@bsu.edu.
Established in 1951, the Ball State University Foundation supports the University, its mission, and its students by carefully stewarding, prudently investing, and strategically allocating private gifts for scholarships, faculty, and programs.
For more information, visit bsu.edu/foundation, call 765-285-8316, or email giftadmin@bsu.edu. To support Ball State with a one-time or recurring gift at any time, visit bsu.edu/give.
About Ball State
Founded in 1918 and located in Muncie, Ball State University is one of Indiana’s premier universities and an economic driver for the state. Ball State’s 20,000 students come from all over Indiana, the nation, and the world. The 790-acre campus is large enough to accommodate first-rate facilities and 19 NCAA Division I sports, but our welcoming campus is small enough to ensure the friendliness, personal attention, and access that are the hallmarks of the University. We Fly!
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