Dorothy Mengering is the author of a cookbook, but that is not her only claim to fame.
To most, she is known best as Dave Letterman's mother.
Even if pleas from students cannot get Letterman, a Ball State alumnus, to visit campus, Expo magazine has brought the closest thing to him - his mom.
Mengering will be speaking at 1 p.m. today in the Ball State Book Store in the Art and Journalism Building. She will leave time for book signings and a question-answer session, said Heather Turner, public relations director for Expo.
Turner played a large role in bringing Mengering to campus.
"I was doing a story about her for Expo and when I interviewed her I thought it would be a good idea to have her come in for a book signing," Turner said.
The book, "Home Cookin' with Dave's Mom," is a collection of Mengering's recipes including drinks, appetizers, main dishes and desserts. The recipes are peppered with photos of Mengering's children and grandchildren. Many photos feature anecdotes from Mengering's family.
Turner said cooking is an important part of Mengering's life.
"She really shows how she uses cooking to bring the family together," Turner said. "Cooking is one thing she knows a lot about."
Mengering currently lives in Carmel with her husband and travel companion, Hans Mengering. When Dorothy Mengering travels to Ball State today, she will be driving herself, and a supply of her cookbooks.
Ball State Bookstore manager Melissa Brinker said the store would carry the books, but they are out of print by the publisher. She also said she is interested in getting an extra supply to sell later to those interested.
The book store is expecting an increase in foot traffic, Brinker said.
"A lot of people have been calling because they want a book," Brinker said. "I am anxious to see who shows up."
Turner and Brinker said they are excited to have Dave's mom at Ball State.
"She said it had been a long time since she had been to Ball State," Turner said.
The Ball State Chapter of the American Advertising Federation will be giving Dorothy, Hans and Dave MUNCIE! t-shirts to thank them, Turner said. She added that no proceeds from the book sales go to Expo magazine.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
