Tuesday, April 21, 2026
10 a.m.
students in the atrium art galleryThe School of Art invites the public to attend its series of rotating BFA Studio Art exhibitions between April 14 through May 2. Graduating seniors will display artworks created as part of their senior capstone projects, representing a dynamic range of media, concepts, and styles. This is a great chance to see the exciting art being made by some of the School of Art's seniors! All exhibitions will be in The Ned and Gloria Griner Art Gallery, just off the Atrium Food Court in the Arts & Journalism building. Free and open to the public.
11 a.m.
Darius Norwood is an entrepreneur and CEO who stepped into the leadership of a second-generation, family-owned commercial landscaping company serving the Indianapolis area for more than 30 years. Rather than building from a blank slate, Darius has focused on rebuilding, navigating legacy systems, inherited culture, and real-world constraints while modernizing operations and repositioning the business for long-term growth.With experience across corporate environments, real estate, and entrepreneurship, Darius brings a practical, ground-level perspective on business development, decision-making under pressure, and leading through uncertainty. His approach is rooted in faith, accountability, and disciplined execution, with a belief that sustainable businesses are built by honoring people, process, and purpose, not shortcuts.Kirsten Norwood is a second-generation entrepreneur and Executive Chair of a family-owned commercial landscaping company serving the Indianapolis area for more than 30 years. A Ball State University alum, she focuses on company strategy, workforce development, and community impact while navigating the realities of family business ownership. Kirsten is passionate about faith-driven leadership, breaking barriers as a Black woman in entrepreneurship, and helping the next generation build purpose-led careers.
1:30 p.m.
BSU First Lady Jennifer Mearns will share stories about her upbringing, adventures while working in the sports marketing business, including traveling the world with the men’s professional tennis tour, raising five children while starting her own business, and supporting her husband’s career with the Department of Justice and higher education.
2:30 p.m.
Ready to send your manuscript, poems, or stories into the world but not sure where to start? In this two-hour workshop, we’ll explore publishing options—from big houses and small presses to journals and self-publishing—answer your questions, and give you practical tools and inspiration to get your work published. Taught by Lylanne Musselman, award-winning poet, playwright, and visual artist.
5:30 p.m.
Student RecitalLeo Gutman is a violin student of Yu-Fang Chen. This event is free and open to the public.
7:30 p.m.
Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box. Follow along as an eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. Tickets available through the College of Fine Arts Box Office.
7:30 p.m.
Student RecitalKorn Roongruangchai is a violin student of Yu-Fang Chen. This event is free and open to the public.
7:30 p.m.
The light painting in Sursa's lobby entitled First SymphonyThe Ball State New Music Ensemble is dedicated to performing chamber and solo music of the past thirty years, along with classics of the earlier 20th-century. This recital is free and open to the public.