Topics: Administrative, College of Communication Information and Media

August 28, 2007

Sept. 7, 2007

The opening of Ball State University's $21 million David Letterman Communication and Media Building is the next step in an evolution that has placed Ball State at the forefront of digital education and created nationally recognized programs in the College of Communication, Information, and Media (CCIM)—one of the 10 largest colleges of communication in the country.

The schedule for the day's events includes:

Tours of the Building: 10 a.m., 11 a.m, and 1 p.m.

Communications and Media Panel Discussions

10:30 a.m. (Letterman Building, room 125): "The Future of Communication Education."

  • "Digitalization and Beneficence in the Future of Communication Education."  Scott Robert Olson, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Minnesota State University, Mankato

  • "Fundamentals Win the Game." Jennifer Cochrane, Senior Lecturer and Director of On‑Line Learning, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis

  • "The Top Ten Reasons Why the Letterman Building Will Lead Multimedia Higher Education." Melissa Spirek, Associate Professor Bowling Green State University

  • Moderator, Michael E. Holmes, Associate Director Insight and Research, Center for Media Design.

1:30 p.m.  (Letterman Building, room 125): "National Shield Law: Protecting the Public Interest, an Examination of the Free Flow of Information Act," featuring:

  • Mike Pence, U.S. Congressman, Sixth District of Indiana
  • Andy Alexander, Washington Bureau Chief, Cox Newspapers
  • Gene Policinski, Vice President and Executive Director, First Amendment Center

Moderated by Warren Watson, J-Ideas Director

2:30 p.m. (Letterman Building, room 125): "Managing Uncertainty: the Future of Communications and Media," featuring:

  • Jane Clarke, Vice President, Insights & Innovation, TimeWarner Global Marketing
  • Dale Herigstad, Executive Creative Director, Schematic, California-based global interactive agency
  • Dennis Ryerson, Vice President and Editor, The Indianapolis Star
  • Michael Smith, Executive Director, Media Management Center, Northwestern University

Moderated by Mike Bloxham, Center for Media Design Insight and Research Director

4 p.m. Dedication Ceremony

Ball State welcomes and honors one of the university's most innovative and imaginative alumni, David Letterman! Wear your Ball State gear to welcome Dave back to campus. Dedication ceremony will take place in front of the new building on McKinley Avenue, directly west of Shafer Tower.

  • Keynote speaker Jeffrey Smulyan, Chairman of the Board,
    Emmis Communications Corporation.
  • Joe Lacay, Student Manager, WCRD
  • Roger Lavery, Dean, College of Communication, Information, and Media
  • Jo Ann Gora, President, Ball State University
  • Thomas DeWeese, President, Ball State University Board of Trustees

Parking:  Free parking is available for the event in the university parking garages and the large commuter lots located just north and east of Worthen Arena. See campus map.

Street Closings: McKinley Avenue will be closed between Riverside and Neely avenues starting at noon on Sept. 7, through the end of the event.

Shuttle Information: The campus shuttle will be rerouted on Sept. 7 beginning at noon through the end of the building dedication. Shuttle stops between Riverside and Neely avenues will be suspended during this time. While McKinley is closed, shuttles will detour to Neely, New York, and Riverside avenues.

The university is expecting a crowd of thousands. Be sure to arrive early.

The David Letterman Communication and Media Building will be closed to the public during the 4 p.m. dedication.