Ball State launches five-year plan

Ball State University has launched its 2025-30 strategic plan that was approved in June.

The plan has a long list of goals, including:

•All students complete at least one course that involves undergraduate research, immersive learning, study abroad, study away or focus on a societal or global issue.

•Offering a variety of microcredentials, professional licensure preparation, certificates and enrichment opportunities

•Collaborating with community partners for programs involving the arts, culture and athletic events

•Having flexible learning spaces conducive to innovative models and enhancing student experiences

The five-year plan is part of the university’s overall Destination 2040: Our Flight Path that was launched in 2019.

“Destination 2040 has delivered significant results across our University, from enhancing student success to deepening our engagement with the community,” said Rick Hall, chair of Ball State’s Board of Trustees, in a press release. “This next iteration of the plan builds on that momentum, challenging us to reach even higher levels of excellence and innovation as we prepare our students for fulfilling careers and for meaningful lives.”

Holding drive

Menards stores are serving as drop sites for local humane organizations.

Stores will accept donations from now through the end of September. Items needed include pet food, treats, feeders, collars, beds, storage containers and other items. Collection boxes will be near the doors of participating locations.

Taking part in the drive are Menards stores in Muncie and Richmond in Indiana and Celina in Ohio.

Funds awarded

Dollar General recently awarded more than $3.5 million in youth literacy grants.

The grants went to more than 700 schools, libraries and non-profit organizations for purchasing books, technology, equipment and materials. They can already be used for professional development.

“As the need for accessible educational materials and resources for our country’s youth continues, we are proud to provide vital support to local literacy programs,” said Denine Torr, executive director of the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, in a press release. “The Dollar General Literacy Foundation believes the investment in the education of a young student is an investment in a brighter future. We are grateful to the local schools, libraries and non-profit organizations that are serving students and helping them thrive.”

Among those awarded grants were Selma Elementary School, Every Child Can Read in Richmond, Grant County Boys & Girls Club, Minster Elementary School and Van Wert Middle School.

Leaders hired

Bowen Health has hired several new leaders for its organization, with Jesseca Downs named director of intensive programs and Channing Westerman selected as associate director of safety.

Downs will fill a new role that is responsible for overseeing and planning the strategic direction of programs. Westerman will focus on strengthening a company-wide culture of safety in her job, which is also new to the organization.

Hospital recognized

The American College of Cardiology recently recognized Lutheran Hospital of Fort Wayne with the HeartCARE Center National Distinction of Excellence.

The honor goes to facilities that meet criteria including participating in accreditation programs and quality improvement campaigns.

“Lutheran Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to providing Fort Wayne and the surrounding area with excellent heart care,” said Dr. Deepak L. Bhatt, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board, in a press release. “ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award Lutheran Hospital with the HeartCARE Center designation.”

Deal signed

Eli Lilly has signed a $1.3 billion deal with Superluminal Medicines.

The agreement calls for developing drugs through artificial intelligence to treat obesity and cardiometabolic diseases. Lilly, an Indianapolis-based pharmaceuticals firm, will have exclusive rights to develop and commercialize those drugs.

“GPCRs have established themselves as very important targets in the obesity and cardiometabolic landscape, but we’re at the very early stages of exploration of the target class,” Superluminal CEO Cony D’Cruz told Reuters.

Flight added

Indianapolis International Airport has announced that it will offer a non-stop flight to Cabo, Mexico, for spring break in 2026.

The flight will be available on Saturdays from March 5 to April 6. Other new destinations announced this year include Chicago, Nashville and Portland, Oregon.

“Cabo is the latest win for Indy travelers — joining Punta Cana and Dublin as new international nonstop destinations,” said Mario Rodriguez, executive director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority, in a press release. “New flights like this open doors. Cabo becomes our second destination in Mexico, and every new route means more convenience, more opportunity, and more ways we’re delivering on what Hoosiers want most.”

Expo scheduled

Registration is open for the Indiana Chapter of the National Tooling and Machining Association and the Precision Machining Association Indiana District’s Indiana Manufacturing Suppliers Expo.

The event will run from 1 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, at Embassy Suites in Plainfield. It will include educational tracks including AI in manufacturing.

To register, or for more information, visit intma.org.

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