Ball State's Department of Computing Services received the Tech Connect Award March 18 from the United Way's Community Tech Link for assisting Huffer Memorial Children's Center meet a state technology mandate.

Fred Nay, director of Ball State's computing services, accepted the award for the department at the United Way's annual dinner.

The Tech Connect Award is given for exceptional service in bridging the digital divide within the nonprofit sector of Muncie and Delaware County, said Katie Frederick, Tech Link director.

"Community partnerships have driven the success of Community Tech Link," Frederick said. "Without them, Tech Link could not have made inroads into increasing the knowledge and use of technology for the nonprofit community."

Community Tech Link was created in 1999 by the United Way to assist local nonprofit organizations needing technology assistance.

"Ball State work has directly impacted the receipt of technology-based grants as well as direct savings for nonprofit organizations," Frederick said. "The Tech Connect Award is presented in gratitude for their efforts and to show our appreciation for dedicating their time to the nonprofit community."

The Huffer Center, located at 2000 N. Elgin, provides full-time child-development programs for underprivileged children whose parents are working or are in educational programs during the day. It is also a member of the Professional Development School program sponsored by Ball State Teachers College.

Ball State computing services staff members installed a networked computer system at the center to help the organization meet a technology state mandate within a short time frame.

The United Way's Community Tech Link presented the first Tech Connect Award to Stephan Jones, a professor in Ball State's Center for Information and Communication Sciences, in November 2002.

He was recognized for dedication to helping the nonprofit community through service learning projects.

For the last three years, Jones has assigned graduate-level classes to review technology issues and develop plans for nonprofit organizations. About 45 students have contributed nearly 4,500 hours of consulting work, which has an estimated value of $400,000.

"The award honored Jones and each of the students who so proudly and unselfishly give back to the Muncie-Delaware County community," Frederick said.

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Nay at fnay@bsu.edu or (765) 285-5971. Frederick may be reached at kfrederick@uwctl.org (765) 288-5586. Jones may be contacted at sjones@bsu.edu or (765) 285-1889.)