This summer, students have proved an education from Ball State University does enable them to do accomplish great things -- also proving the often heard jokes about the institution are wrong.
Ball State has contributed to the success of numerous students and former students who have won awards and honors, as well as those who have simply found success in their fields.
In June, Jaron Henrie-McCrea, who graduated in May, won a Student Academy Award for his alternative story telling film titled "Knock Knock."
Richard Terpstra spent a year designing "Oogie's Revenge: The Ride," a themed area and attraction, which took first place at the Walt Disney Imagi-Nations competition in June. Terpstra, a senior, greatly increased his chances of getting an internship with Disney by winning the competition.
These two have won awards and will now be able to show their potential for success even more, much like 1998 College of Architecture and Planning graduate Matt Griffin has done.
In January, Griffin took first in the entrepreneur category of the Visa "Ideas Happen" contest. He created the "Baker's Edge Baking Pan," which enables foods to cook faster and more evenly. With the money he earned by winning the contest, Griffin is hoping to get his product to the public.
While these three have incredible talent and imaginations, they also exhibit something else every other student can learn from: hard work and dedication. While their time as Ball State students undoubtedly gave them skills, information and experiences that helped them achieve their success, it was their own ingenuity that brought them into the limelight.
These students' actions show current and incoming Ball State students they can do anything, if they put in the hard work and dedication. And their efforts show the nation that Ball State produces skilled, successful alumni.
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