Topics: College of Communication Information and Media, Alumni, President
August 29, 2007
David Letterman's name is engraved on 16 Emmy Awards and one prestigious George Foster Peabody Award—the Pulitzer Prize of radio and television. On Friday, Sept. 7, it will be etched forever in the place the entertainment icon got his start: Ball State University.
A 1970 graduate, Letterman continues a relationship with his alma mater both on the air and behind the scenes, mentioning Ball State frequently on his nightly national broadcast and providing annual scholarships for three telecommunications majors in the College of Communication, Information, and Media (CCIM). The late night television host also assisted in the establishment two decades ago of campus radio station WCRD—"Cardinal Radio Dave" in the hearts of its student staff members—and still contributes to its operation.
"It is entirely fitting that the university should respond with this public demonstration of our admiration and respect for such an accomplished and loyal alumnus," said Ball State President Jo Ann M. Gora about the impending dedication of the David Letterman Communication and Media Building. "It's also appropriate that we seek to recognize Dave as a great role model for our students, not only in terms of his professional success, but also his generous establishment and support of the Letterman Scholarships.
"By naming our latest cutting-edge teaching and learning facility in honor of David Letterman, we hope to provide a visible example of his inspirational commitment to Ball State."
Enclosing 75,000 square feet of classroom, studio and faculty office space, the $21 million Letterman building completes a three-structure complex supporting the departments of communication studies, journalism and telecommunications, as well as the Center for Information and Communication Sciences (CICS) and Center for Media Design (CMD).
Dedication ceremonies for the David Letterman Communication and Media Building begin at 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 7. A crowd numbering in the thousands is expected for the outdoor event, which, weather permitting, will take place in front of the new building on McKinley Avenue, directly west of Shafer Tower.