March 14, 2019
In celebration of Women’s Week and Ball State University’s Centennial, a panel presentation on the “Beneficence of the Ball Women” will be held at 3 p.m. March 19 in the Student Center, Cardinal Hall on campus.
While the Ball brothers made a lasting impact on Muncie, the contributions of their wives, sisters, and daughters are not to be forgotten. With presentations by panelists from Minnetrista and Ball State, the panel will focus on the achievements of the Ball family women in business, art, health, philanthropy, and more.
Event Details
Title:“Beneficence of the Ball Women”
Time: 3 p.m.
Date: March 19
Location: Student Center, Cardinal Hall
“This panel discussion will honor the women of the family who made this University possible,” said Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns. “I look forward to hearing about the extraordinary contributions these women have made to better the lives of people here in Muncie and across the nation.”
The panelists and the Ball women they will talk about are as follows:
- Thalia M. Mulvihill, PhD, acting assistant provost and professor of higher education and social foundations of education, Ball State — “Reimagining Beneficence: The Lives and Contributions of the Women of the Ball Family” will include highlights from the educational and community contributions of Lucina Ball (1847-1901), Frances Ball (1860-1926), and Virginia B. Ball (1919-2003) and why their educational biographies are meaningful to the Ball State University story as well as to the broader history of higher education.
- Jessica Jenkins, curator, Minnetrista — “Visiting Nurses, Tuberculosis Assailants, and Their Ball Family Champions: Sarah Rogers Ball and Bertha Crosley Ball’s work related to public health in the early 20th century” will address how these Ball women were active in the community. During the first decades of the 20th century, Sarah Rogers Ball and Bertha Crosley Ball continually worked to improve public health in the region and personally invested time and energy in improving sanitation, hygiene, and medical access in Muncie.
- Susan M. Smith, archivist and Delaware County historian, Minnetrista — “Lucy Ball Owsley” will focus on the eldest daughter of Frank C. Ball, president of Ball Brothers Glass Manufacturing Company. Married to Alvin M. Owsley, she supported his diplomatic work, was the mother of three, and pursued various philanthropic endeavors throughout her life.
- Karen M. Vincent, director of collections, Minnetrista — “Margaret Ball Petty: She Lived an Active Life” will feature a daughter, wife, mother, friend, artist, art patron, pilot, businesswoman, philanthropist, volunteer — the list goes on. Margaret Ball Petty was born to privilege, and she used that privilege well. Hope Barnes, a friend and co-author of a book about Margaret said, “Margaret was a tower of strength to her family, often displaying the ability to keep in perspective the real values in life. Her sense of humor was a joy to those who knew her well. Her modest unassuming way belied her courage.”
Jennifer Mearns, first lady of Ball State, will moderate the panel discussion. RSVP by contacting the Office of the President at 765-285-5555 or email rsvp@bsu.edu.
We will have activities and events throughout the academic year to celebrate 100 years of Beneficence: Proud Past. Bright Future. Learn more.