The lineup of speakers at Ball State University is smaller this year. But, the prominence and value on the schedule make up for whatever disadvantage a lack of numbers poses.
Money is tough to come by these days, so student and university organizations found the obvious, but right, solution of pooling their resources to bring somewhat big names to campus to offer their sage-like advice and insight.
Even if times were good and bank accounts were hovering near baller status, teaming up to bring in a few big names rather than a lot of smaller names would benefit everyone. Not that we're trying to take anything away from lesser-known speakers, but why fill Pruis Hall a quarter of the way or fill the lecture halls in Teachers College halfway for several events when bringing in marquee voices can pack Emens Auditorium?
The issue weighs the diversity of the speaker lineup against the diversity of the audience. If more speakers come to campus sponsored by only one or two groups, promotion will be limited and the audience won't be as diverse. If organizations come together to bring a big name to campus, people will hear about it. More group sponsoring means more marketing resources - word of mouth traveling, fliers and other tactics.
Ball State boasts its diversity and big names draw crowds comprised of many of the demographics on campus. Everyone likes hearing and seeing prominent figures live. This years lineup doesn't feature any larger-than-life personalities, but we have a good lineup.
Former presidential hopeful Howard Dean will be on campus in November. He's the former governor of Vermont, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee and founder of Democracy for America, a political activism group that trains campaign volunteers and organizes media exposure. He'll speak about the importance of activism. Actor and diversity activist Edward James Olmos, winner of dozens of community service awards, will present "We're All in the Same Gang" in October.
People like this are expensive, but they have so much value to offer the Ball State community in terms of experience, wisdom and insight. As was mentioned in the Daily News article today about how much speakers cost, the university is obligated to give the students the chance to hear from some of the great minds of our generation. While Dean and Olmos and the others on the lineup this year are no Stephen Hawking, widely regarded as the smartest man on the planet, we are lucky to have the opportunity these people bring with them.
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