[GEOFF MEARNS]
Hello and welcome back to our Call to Beneficence. My guest today is Michele Musson, a proud Hoosier and a proud Ball State Cardinal. As a graduate of our Miller College of Business, Michelle works for Eli Lilly and Company, and she currently serves as an Executive Director of Marketing. And as you're about to learn in our conversation today, her interest in working for the company first began when she was young.
In addition to her career, Michele is passionate about her role as an engaged graduate of Ball State University. So I'm going to ask her about her service on our Alumni Council and about her involvement with our Emens Scholarship program, a program that changed her life in an extraordinary way. But first, I want to ask Michele about how her undergraduate experience at our university prepared her for a fulfilling career and inspired her to lead a meaningful life—a life in which she has chosen to invest her time, her talent, and her treasure in a new generation of Ball State students. So, Michele, welcome back to campus. Thank you for returning. And thank you for joining me in the studio today.
[MICHELE MUSSON]
Thank you so much for having me. Always great to come back to campus and truly an honor to be here with you today.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
Well thank you. So I understand you were born and raised in Michigan City, Indiana. Can you tell us a little bit about your family and growing up in Michigan City?
[MICHELE MUSSON]
Sure thing. My father was actually my principal, from preschool through eighth grade, and my mother was a teacher. So I come from a big educational background, in my family. And my brother attended the school as well. So it was a family affair, to say the least. And I had to learn quickly how to make friends and get along with others, being the principal's kid. And I'm very blessed to have just wonderful parents who gave me a great childhood, who were passionate about my success. Unique opportunities to learn and grow and, of course, educational opportunities. They instilled in me a strong foundation of working hard, taking care of others, exuding kindness, and really having strong faith.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
And so was it a bit awkward in school with your father in the building?
[MICHELE MUSSON]
A little bit, but, you know, we figured it out, so, it was great. Just, I mean, being a mother myself now, having that opportunity, that would be pretty neat to see your child grow up. But we definitely, he was definitely the administrator at school, and I was definitely the student, so ... but we enjoyed the opportunity.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
Good. So while you were in high school, your family moved south to Marion. How did that move affect your family? What prompted the move? How did it affect you?
[MICHELE MUSSON]
Absolutely. So due to new opportunities that my parents pursued in those educational leadership roles, my family had moved to join a new community. It was about halfway through high school, as you mentioned, down in Marion, which was about 45 minutes from Muncie, at the time. And it was a tough move. I think any student that moves halfway through high school, it's a very interesting time in a child's adolescence and development.
And I actually was at the top of my class in Michigan City. I felt like I really had to start over. So new friends, new community, and, definitely very challenging. But, it's time to, those are opportunities to show resilience, right? And you adapt and understand on and I looked for ways that I could make an impact quickly in that environment, in that community. And it really ended up being a great move. There were two very different high schools that I went to, and I actually became aware of the Emens Leadership Scholarship program because of an outstanding guidance counselor I had at Marion High School, so I feel like it was meant to be, in that he was able to guide me that way to think of and consider Ball State.
At the time, I knew I wanted to be in business, and Ball State was on the list always. But I think having him be that guidance counselor for me really was one of the reasons why I pursued it.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
So I want to ask a few questions about that program and about Dick Emens. But before I do, do you recall specifically the conversation with the counselor and what the counselor said to you about Ball State and that program?
[MICHELE MUSSON]
You know, I remember him and this is I'm going to—I'm not going to date myself of when this was, but it was a big three ring binder. And he slammed it on the table and he was flipping through the pages really fast. And he goes, I got something for you. And he was really ... it was like he had this opportunity—
[GEOFF MEARNS]
He was excited for you.
[MICHELE MUSSON]
He was super excited. He was like, I think I've got something that really, like, rings true to you, knowing your unique experiences you've had, but also what you want to pursue. So, I just remember him being really excited and that's, you know, I didn't realize it at the time, but how neat that he was so passionate about his job and connecting a student to an opportunity. So I feel like I was really lucky to have somebody that was that engaged in their job, to help me out.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
Yeah. And certainly saw something special about you. So some of our listeners, may remember that Dick Emens was actually a guest, one of the guests on my podcast in the first season. But for the folks who maybe missed that episode, that conversation with Dick, why don't you tell us a little bit more about him, about his family and specifically about that scholarship program?
[MICHELE MUSSON]
Absolutely. So the Emens Scholars Program was actually established in 1977. It honors former Ball State President John R. Emens and his wife, Aline Emens. And just for their many years of service to Ball State. And his tenure was long, it was 23 years that he was president. So I think he was the longest standing, if I'm not mistaken.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
I am certain.
[MICHELE MUSSON]
Okay. Yeah, 23 years.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
Anyone who's listening, I will not make 23 year. So I'm fortunate to be at year nine.
[MICHELE MUSSON]
Well, we're happy you're here for year nine. [GEOFF: Thank you.] So, 23 years. And he ushered in a huge period of growth, not only in the number of students who came to Ball State, but also in the footprint and offerings for it to become a university. So really a pivotal leadership, and a lot of turmoil internationally happening at the time and in the United States, for his leadership time. The scholarship is open to all high school seniors looking to attend Ball State. And it's who actively participated in academic as well as extracurricular activities at their schools and have been a leader, right? Resounding in the name of the scholarship. The Emens Leadership scholarship. So, who've been a leader in their high school, in their local community, in their church and the activities they pursue.
And every year, this program brings some of the brightest and engaged talent to campus. And it's such an honor to be part of that, because it just varies year to year in how many individuals we can bring. So my class, which was in 2002, we only had five scholars, and currently we have 15 that came in this past year. So it's grown so much as well in regards to the amount of students we can actually fund, which is really exciting. And I actually listened to the episode before coming, but it was really great that you had the opportunity to talk with him and really encourage anybody if you want to listen. It's a great, great episode. So I'm glad you had that opportunity.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
And he had some very interesting memories of his father's service as the president. So you applied for not just admission to Ball State, but you submit an application for the Emens Scholarship. And I, I understand from one of our conversations, you have a pretty distinctive memory of the day that you received that award. Can you tell us about that memory that day and what it meant to you?
[MICHELE MUSSON]
Yeah. So I, I'm really dating myself with the paper analogy. So I remember a knock on the door and we used to find out via certified mail, like, I know now it's more active outreach. There's emails and obviously it's quicker to find things out, but open the door and found this certified letter and it was the cover that the diplomas come in. And I opened it up and it had the offer letter of recognition for the notification about being selected. And I remember opening it and just tearing up because it's such a huge relief. Not only because my vision was starting to come to fruition, but also because I knew it would alleviate a large majority of the costs that were associated with this next big step.
So I think my ability to be a successful leader in the two different high school scenarios, while being, keeping that academic excellence was probably the reason why I was part of that selection. But to this day, I mean, I remember it, like you said, very vividly, and I remain incredibly honored to have received it, to be a witness to the philanthropic efforts of all the donors—from the Emens family themselves, but also everyone that's involved in the organization. It's wonderful.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
Yeah. So I know that many of the folks who are listening probably have made contributions either to that scholarship fund or one of the hundreds of other scholarship funds. And your own personal experience is a reflection of the transformational impact of those extraordinary gifts. So as an Emens scholar, part of the commitment that you made was to be an engaged student on campus, not just to be a student in class, but to be engaged in campus activities. How did you get involved as a student? Again, not just academically, but also as a socially and in student organizations?
[MICHELE MUSSON]
Absolutely. I studied marketing, as we mentioned, at the Miller College of Business. Had an organizational communication minor. I thought it was a nice blend that would make me competitive for the future. And I'm really grateful for a lot of the professors that I had during those experiences. So to speak to the academic lift, the marketing sales department was wonderful. And at the time, I remember a huge amount of preparation going into passing Dr. Ramon Avila's sales simulation class, which was very, very spot on about what the real world of sales is like. So it was great to have that opportunity. And Dr. Jennifer Bott, she was my graduate assistant advisor, but also one of my professors in undergraduate and graduate studies.
So, from an engagement perspective, in the College of Business, those two were two individuals that really left an impact on me, as I thought about the energy and the passion they had about their teaching and what they how they were energizing students to pursue their careers. There was tons of opportunities. And I would encourage, if there’s any students listening, spread your net wide to figure out what works for you.
I think probably you name it, I was probably in it at one point in time. And it was probably too much sometimes. But I really enjoyed meeting new people. Diversity of perspectives. I was really engaged in Greek life, in our chapter of Kappa Delta here, was on an elected student government slate, University Senate and Homecoming steering committee, among a few things. But, just trying to get a diversity of perspective and experiences. And that's part of the college experience, right? Learning about yourself. And so I really did try to take advantage of it.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
And your experience is the manifestation of why I think a residential campus experience is still important. Yes, what happens in the classrooms and the research labs and the library is very important. But those other opportunities to engage with people, to engage with other students, really adds value to that experience overall. Yeah. So by your senior year, I understand you weren't quite ready to leave. And I think you mentioned Jen Bott. You were interested in graduate school, but you also had another compelling reason to stay here as a Ball State Cardinal. Can you tell us a little bit about that?
[MICHELE MUSSON]
I thoroughly enjoyed my time here at Ball State. And if anybody listening that was here with us, it was a great time to be on campus and be part of the community. I learned a lot about myself. And I try to take advantage of all those opportunities. As the senior year approached, I was not ready to go, and my younger brother was a senior in high school, actually, and he was looking at different schools, and I didn't want to bias him, but he came to visit quite a bit.
And so he was accepted to Ball State and decided he was going to come in the fall of 2006. So, I received a graduate assistantship. It all worked out, and I think it was just an amazing year, an opportunity to see him acclimate to being a freshman in college, which I'm sure my parents really liked.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
Right. Big sister keeping an eye on him.
[MICHELE MUSSON]
That's right. So, you know, we did ... he brought his laundry over, let's be honest, okay? So, like ... no, I'm just kidding, Jimmy, so if you're listening. But, you know, seeing him, I was almost reliving my firsts. Of seeing the bed race and going, you know, to football games and things like that outside of all the other activities you can do. Like, it was really neat to see it again through his eyes. And those are memories I'll always cherish of becoming closer to my brother. So it was definitely an added bonus to staying for the graduate degree.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
And what was your graduate degree that you earned here?
[MICHELE MUSSON]
So I got my master's in business administration, with a marketing focus.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
Okay. While you were a student here, you also were involved in student government, as I understand. Tell me a little bit about why you chose to take on that responsibility that challenge, that opportunity.
[MICHELE MUSSON]
So it was a unique opportunity. And I was as I was getting ready to graduate, I was actually approached by Ashorlic [sic] and she said, hey, I'm going to run for slate. Do you want to join? I know you're graduating in May, but you were. Are you thinking about staying too? So I think, and this might be different now, but I think at the time I was the first individual who was elected to an undergraduate slate but was like grandfathered in because it was in graduate school, for an elected spot. And I continued to serve as a graduate senator in University Senate. And really both of those opportunities, I enjoyed hearing about the different issues as well as initiatives that were going on campus. And how could I be part of a bigger entity, even more than, you know, the different things I was doing. But being part of those groups really instilled a sense of just how I could continue to help the community and be part of it. And I felt really honored to be elected by peers for that position. And that meant a lot to me to uphold, you know, what they were passionate about? And how do we help move Ball State forward?
[GEOFF MEARNS]
Yeah. So you were pretty busy on campus. And I also understand from our conversations that we've had, and a conversation conversation getting ready for this podcast, that while you were a student, maybe an undergraduate, maybe a graduate student, you had an idea—you already had an idea of the company where you wanted to work. What was that company?
And why did you want to work there?
[MICHELE MUSSON]
So my parents were really big on education, as you can tell from earlier. One of my earliest memories. And I think we have it on VHS somewhere. I'm really dating myself. Paper, VHS, I mean, all the throwbacks.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
Trust me. Compared to most of the people who have been on this podcast and who might be listening, you're not dating yourself. Keep going, Michele.
[MICHELE MUSSON]
Appreciate that. So, I can remember my dad, again being my principal, saying to me, you need to work hard so you can work at Eli Lilly and Company someday. And I don't know why, but that stuck with me, and I've always held Lilly in high esteem. But, I guess it's a lesson to tell your kids at a very young age what you're thinking, I guess .... I don't know, but so that was one of the things he said.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
And when he said that, did you really know much about Eli Lilly?
[MICHELE MUSSON]
Nothing. Yeah. I mean, I was, I think a 5 or 6 year old.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
Okay. Oh, so that early?
[MICHELE MUSSON]
It was that early. Yeah. I mean I remember, but I can vividly remember, just this thought of I needed to work hard. And in his mind, you know, that was something that I wanted. He wanted me to aspire to.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
That was a high standard to aspire to. Absolutely. So during your, around the time that you graduated with your MBA, about two weeks later, you land your first job. And was it with Eli Lilly? [MICHELE: Yes.] So tell us about that. Tell us about that. Tell us about your first job, how you got it and that first job.
[MICHELE MUSSON]
Sure. So, I think the professional selling program that we talked about, coupled with the marketing courses in my MBA, really quickly prepared me to deliver in that capacity. I really only applied to Lilly coming out of school, nearing graduation. So I was really elated. I don't know why I didn't have a contingency plan. [GEOFF]: 1-for-1! I don't know why, but I didn’t. But in my first assignment, it was actually in sales, and I spent five years in Fort Wayne, in our sales division.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
So your first job was in sales—
[MICHELE MUSSON]
Correct.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
Out of Fort Wayne?
[MICHELE MUSSON]
Yes.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
While you were living in Fort Wayne during those first few years, you still stayed connected. You stayed connected to Ball State through an alumni chapter. What made you so quickly want to remain engaged? And what words, maybe related, what words of encouragement would you give to other graduates who are listening about the value, the importance of being involved with our alumni association?
[MICHELE MUSSON]
Absolutely. You know, when I was there, I connected, as there are in a lot of regional places to the northeastern chapter, Northeastern Alumni Association chapter, and you, when you're new to a city, new to a community, new to your job, you're trying to understand who you are and where you fit in. And I really think meeting some fellow Cardinals is and, you know, their friends who they bring along with them is a great way to learn about your community. A lot of times they were there for, you know, a longer period of time than I was. And I really would encourage individuals if you're new to an area, or even if you're not new to an area to, to get involved, in those local chapters, as I mentioned, they help me connect to the community.
But, it's always fun to have commonalities with people. And, you know, I'm sure LaFollette came up with at one point in time. And, you know, I feel like the residence halls always is a topic of fun to have with each other. But to meet new people and have those common perspectives that you had at campus. And remember those memories together is a lot of fun. So, and also, it's great to have local people who want to cheer on the Cardinals, right? When there's games and different things happening or if they're traveling to the area. There was a lot of localized events that were happening. So it's just another way to continue your experience from Ball State and stay close to the community.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
And I imagine, as you kind of mentioned, it's a way to build your network.
[MICHELE MUSSON]
Absolutely.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
Which is important professionally, but also personally, specifically somebody who was in sales.
[MICHELE MUSSON]
Yes, absolutely.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
Yeah. The larger network you can have, the more opportunities exist.
[MICHELE MUSSON]
Never hurts.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
So while you were there, in Fort Wayne, you met the man who's now your husband. You met Paul. So tell us about how the two of you met.
[MICHELE MUSSON]
So just a couple of months after I moved to Fort Wayne, I, like I said, I didn't know anybody, was new to the area. He actually went to DePauw. So he doesn't have any Ball State roots. I didn't hold it against him. Just kidding. But, he found his way back to Fort Wayne after doing his undergraduate and graduate programs.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
Was he a Fort Wayne native, he and his family?
[MICHELE MUSSON]
Not originally, but they moved there, when he was actually in middle school. So he called Fort Wayne home. So at the time, we met on Match.com, which was kind of a—it wasn't mainstream to even do remotely online dating. And we were, by their algorithm, an 100% match. And on our first date, I mean, it just clicked and we dated for roughly about three years and ended up getting married, in Fort Wayne in 2011. And so it's our 15th wedding anniversary this year. And it's been ... he's amazing. So I'm so lucky to have met him. But obviously I am I'm honored to be his spouse.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
Yeah. So wonderful story. So fast forward a few years, 2013, I believe you and Paul decided to move to Indianapolis, which is where Lilly's corporate headquarters are. Tell us about what prompted that move and a little bit about what you do for Eli Lilly now.
[MICHELE MUSSON]
I loved Fort Wayne. I still love Fort Wayne. It's a great community. And as much as I loved being in sales in the community there, and the alumni community there as well, I really felt compelled to deliver on a broader level in my career and pursue marketing roles, as you mentioned, at our headquarters. So that February, I moved to Indianapolis, and I continue to work for Lilly now, but in a marketing capacity. So, I remember back to the memories. It was a 56 degree day in the middle of February, so we really lucked out with a move because you're like, moving in February is not a good idea in any way.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
Right, and a foot of snow is not any fun.
[MICHELE MUSSON]
Absolutely not. So, I remember that day and we were so excited. And so for the past 13 years, I've worked in our oncology division as well as our cardiometabolic health marketing division. I've held many different positions, in those divisions. I've really enjoyed the dynamics and the challenges of each role. I think Ball State prepared me to demonstrate agility, to be a leader where I can be, and to exude passion in everything I do.
I share a common vision with Lilly in that I strive to make life better. In situations I'm in, be it personally or professionally, and I just find it to be an amazing company to be a part of, working around some of the brightest minds globally. So I feel very lucky to be a part of the community.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
Yeah. So you mentioned the word leader, a moment ago. Are there particular people, that you haven't spoken about yet in your life or in your career that you identified as a distinctive leader, where you would say, I'd like to be like that person someday or as part of my career? Is there somebody who has influenced your life in that respect as a leader?
[MICHELE MUSSON]
It's a good question. It's a really good question. I, you know, I feel like,every new business book I pick up at some point in time reading about it, I really, from a leadership perspective, I loved reading Michelle Obama's book, and hearing about her journey as a leader, but also obviously being a former First Lady. And just the poise she exudes, the intelligence she has. So maybe it's the same name situation, maybe I like. But she's a 2 “L” and I'm a 1 “L”, so we won't hold that against her.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
And you've got two children. She has two children.
[MICHELE MUSSON]
I mean, the similarities are so close. I mean, like, no I’m just kidding.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
Is Paul going to run for president?
[MICHELE MUSSON]
I don't know about that. I don't know about that. I mean, you know, there's so many great female leaders over the years that I've read about, but that one sticks out to me. Just the enormity of the book itself took a very long time to read, but also everything that she did and she embarked on in her initiatives as First Lady. She is somebody as a leader I aspire to and think about.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
So this is a pretty good transition to leadership and service. You became a founding member of our Young Alumni Council, and later you have served on our Alumni Council. Tell the folks who are listening why you chose—you're very busy, right? busy career, busy life, two children—why would you choose to sacrifice or serve, use some of that time, to support the Alumni Council and Ball State University?
[MICHELE MUSSON]
The Young Alumni Council was a really unique way to bridge recent graduates’ perspectives to bring them to Ball State. So I'd always heard about the Alumni Council, and when I heard the opportunity that there was consideration to build this group, I just wanted to raise my hand. Just because there was a lot of individuals I knew already that were interested. But also, I just thought it was a nice way to .... I feel like sometimes there can be a gap, in between when you leave versus maybe when you come back. And it felt like a unique way to bridge that opportunity to keep people engaged. And how do we bring those perspectives of recent graduates into maybe some of the things that the Alumni Council is concerned as well?
So I actually had two seats. I was on the Young Alumni Council, and I was the representative for the Young Alumni Council on the Alumni Council. Say that ten times fast, right? [GEOFF: Yeah.] But that meant double meetings. But it was really interesting to be on both and see the dynamics of both, but then sitting in that unique seat of trying to represent that community that I was in, in that position, I just I loved it. So I did that for eight years. I was in the dual role for only a couple. We wanted to let somebody else have that fun for a little bit, but, yeah. So I was on the committee for eight years for Alumni Council and ended up being on the executive committee after I relinquished my seat, but just unique perspectives, back to that same thing.
I mean, people that I met on the Alumni Council, I don't think I ever would have met otherwise. I mean, we have people from California, from Florida, East Coast everywhere. Right? And so I just I really enjoyed the perspective they brought, listening to the different concerns that they had or different things that they thought would be meaningful for the Alumni Association, the Foundation to speak to, but also hearing from leaders like yourself, I think it's a, you know, when I'd run into former classmates or peers in Indianapolis, I would say, gosh, have you heard about this? And I just felt like it was a neat platform to at least be connected still, but also brin, I felt compelled to bring others along to understand as well. And I think that engagement fuels me, so.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
So tell us a little bit about your two children. And the important follow up question will be, how are you preparing them to make the right choice when they go to college? Are they, have you assured that they are Charlie Cardinal fans?
[MICHELE MUSSON]
Absolutely. So I have two children. Henry's in third grade and he wants to be an architect. So I told him I know of a great school to where he can grow up. Actually just bought Gary Vance's book, for children who are interested in architecture, so thanks, Gary, if you're listening.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
Another Ball State graduate.
[MICHELE MUSSON]
Another Ball State graduate. He’s actually, one of his clubs at his elementary school, there's an after school club that's ran by a Ball State alumni as well at Milmis [sic] around architecture. So trying to get him involved in that. He enjoys cheering on the Pacers, the Colts, the Cardinals. He plays soccer. He plays electric guitar. And, George is our kindergartner, and he loves playing basketball. So like a good old Indiana boy, he's my basketball guy. And in his words, not mine. He says he wants to be a, quote, cow wrestler when he grows up. Well, that doesn't sound like a Ball State major. It sounds like a West Lafayette major, maybe. What do you think?
[GEOFF MEARNS]
Yeah, I think that's probably right. And maybe a rodeo or something like that.
[MICHELE MUSSON]
Yes. Yeah. So I don't know what that means. But in a six year old's mind, he knows exactly what he wants to do so. We love them very much. They try so hard. And they make me so proud. So, being a mother has been a wonderful part of my life. And I try to immerse myself as much as possible I n their activities while maintaining my own.
But for the Charlie Cardinal perspective ... so we were at Ball State Homecoming in 2024, and we got to ride in the parade. And they, you know, oodles of candy went out that day. And so we got to the end of the route and we're at Worthen, and I noticed Charlie Cardinal's all by himself. Like, on Homecoming Day. And I'm like, what is going on with this guy? So he can't talk, right? So, you know, we're taking pictures with them because they're all excited. And I said, Charlie, like, where are you supposed to be? And I'm like, where's his handler? What's going on? It’s Homecoming. And so he didn't say anything. So I get my phone out and I'm like, do you need a ride somewhere?
And all caps: YES. With exclamation points. And I'm like, do you want to go to the football stadium? And he starts shaking his head. So needless to say, we opened the sunroof. Charlie sat in the passenger seat. His head was sticking out of the sunroof. My kids, we have it on video. They were squealing the entire ride from Worthen to the Alumni Center, and we got amazing parking for Homecoming because we were Charlie's handler for a half a mile and were right in.
It was great. So, I think that alone is securing them to be Cardinals in the future, but, they were just, it was so funny. So I don't know who that Charlie was. It was only two years ago. So that Charlie, if you're listening and you're still here... remember who gave you that ride.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
So you saved Charlie Cardinal on Homecoming football Saturday.
[MICHELE MUSSON]
I don't know what was going on, but so he got to where he needed to be.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
That's a great story. So dialing it back now to the Emens Leadership Scholarship program, you have maintained a special connection to Ball State through that scholarship program as a member of that selection committee. How did that opportunity come about? And tell us what that role is for you?
[MICHELE MUSSON]
I feel really proud to be part of the committee. It has, as we talked about, such a rich history with the university. So Dick Emens, who was the son of President Emens, was a leader, was the leader of the program for a number of years with his brother, David. And he asked me to be a member of the selection committee, I think it was about eight years ago now. Maybe a little bit longer than that, but it was just a full circle moment for me to come back and serve in that capacity. And even some of the individuals who were on the committee were people who picked my application, you know, almost a couple of decades prior to that.
So that was really meaningful. And there's so many leaders on the committee as well. And to be very honest, I sometimes feel very intimidated because of the individuals that are there. But they're obviously wonderful and humble individuals. But sitting with those leaders, who have given back so much of their time and talent is just truly an honor.
Dick and his wife, Bea, along with Carol Emens, his sister-in-law, and the scholarship committee. They aren't technically my family, but now I've known him for almost 25 years, so I definitely think they're family. [GEOFF: Yeah.] I'm in complete awe of their generosity, and their continued generosity, and their passion to see Ball State thrive and succeed.
And they're not even, they're not graduates, right? I mean, they obviously have a direct connection with a former president, but it's just really inspiring. I remember saying to Paul at one point, gosh, if I had half of the energy that Dick Emens has, I think I could probably take on the world because he just like... His leadership vision... And maybe that should have been my answer earlier, is just when I think about somebody specifically, he's just incredibly inspiring and, you know, he would call me multiple times a month and he would be strategizing on how do we raise more money to help students through the scholarship fund. And his energy, coupled with that vision, was really unmatched. And I really miss him. We continue to pull through his mission for the scholarship program, which was obviously created in in honor of his father and mother, and bring that focus to bring the best and brightest to Ball State through the program.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
And so you use the word inspire or inspiration a couple times there. It's my understanding that your engagement with Dick and Bea and Carol, has inspired you and Paul, your own generosity. Why don't you tell us about that, if you would?
[MICHELE MUSSON]
I feel compelled to give back, because Ball State really has given so much to me. And Paul and I decided it would be meaningful to give back specifically to the Emens Leadership Scholarship Fund. So our gift is now at a point with the Emens Scholars Fund that, there's now an undergraduate student this year that is the recipient of the first Musson Family Scholarship. And it's incredibly meaningful. I get emotional...
[GEOFF MEARNS]
It's okay.
[MICHELE MUSSON]
It's incredibly meaningful to know, see how inspiring it is, to see her as well as hear her aspirations and to know we had some part of that is really important to us.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
Yeah, well, you are a role model and an inspiration to folks who are listening to know, that that opportunity, to share good fortune with other people so that they secure the kind of opportunity you had is pretty, pretty special, pretty gratifying.
[MICHELE MUSSON]
Absolutely.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
Yeah. So that is an appropriate way to segue to what has been the final question that I ask folks, and it's about beneficence, which, as you know, is really about doing good for other people through service and philanthropy. And certainly at a very young age, you have demonstrated both of those, quite, quite sincerely. So, Michelle, as you reflect on your Ball State experience, your continuing relationship with Ball State, including your own contributions, what does beneficence, what does doing good for other people, what does that mean to you?
[MICHELE MUSSON]
I think beneficence is one of the things I hold very close to my heart, and I carry with me about Ball State. I believe in demonstrating gratitude and doing good whenever I can. Maybe a quick thank you or recognizing somebody more broadly. I believe it to all to be meaningful. And how I show gratitude to what Ball State has done for me is through servant leadership, but then also in philanthropy. And I remember the day when I received the scholarship, and I didn't say this earlier, but one of the first things I thought was, I really hope one day I can do this for somebody else. And that's exactly what we've done and will continue to do.
I would encourage everyone to give gratitude, to do good, to give back in a way that's meaningful to you. May it be small, may it be large, but whatever is meaningful to you. And to ensure a bright outlook for future generations, there's nothing more meaningful.
[GEOFF MEARNS]
Well thank you, Michelle. This was a wonderful conversation. Thank you for your continued service and your generous philanthropy. Thank you very much.
[MICHELE MUSSON]
Thank you for having me. Appreciate it. Honored to be here.