A new display at Ball State University is honoring individuals, corporations and groups that have provided significant support to the university community.

The Tradition of Beneficence Donor Recognition Display is located in the pre-event area leading into Assembly Hall in the Alumni Center.

The tradition is a reference to Beneficence, a statue dedicated in 1937 on the Old Quad as a civic testimonial to the five Ball brothers and their families who helped create and then nurture a young university, said DeAnna May, associate vice president for communications for the Ball State University Foundation.  

"The university and the Ball State University Foundation want to thank all who have generously supported the 'Tradition of Beneficence,'" she said. "Over the decades, thousands of alumni and friends have helped to enhance the mission of Ball State."

The display has five separate five-foot tall plaques containing names of donors and endowments, including: 

• Founders Society: More than 35 etched metal portraits recognizing those who have given lifetime gifts of $1 million or more to the university
• Quadrangle Society: About 130 names recognizing those who have given lifetime gifts of $100,000 or more
• Fellows Society: About 750 names recognizing those who have given lifetime gifts of $25,000 or more
• Beneficence Society: About 300 names recognizing those who have given a planned (deferred) gift of any amount
• Endowments: A list of about 540 permanent funds for perpetual university support 

"I'm sure people have a great deal of pride seeing their name on this permanent display, but for most it's not the reason they give to Ball State," May said. "Many of our alumni say they would not be where they are today without a good education, and they are inspired to give back to assist in the growth of Ball State and to help future students."

The display was unveiled Sept. 24 at the National Philanthropy Council Dinner. 

(Note to Editors: For more information, contact May at dmay@bsu.edu or (765) 285-7066.)