Indiana First Lady Janet Holcomb to Ball State University’s Class of 2024 Fall Graduates: ‘You Can and Will Fly’

Topics: Alumni, College of Fine Arts, Commencement, Faculty, Muncie, President, Speakers, Students

December 14, 2024

Ball State University conferred approximately 1,200 doctoral, specialist, master's, and baccalaureate degrees in its Fall 2024 Commencement ceremony on Saturday at Worthen Arena.

The event featured an inspiring address to the graduating class from Indiana's First Lady, Janet Holcomb, '92 MA '96, a two-time Ball State alumna. Her husband, Gov. Eric Holcomb, was also in attendance on Saturday to receive an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University in recognition of his public service and leadership.

In her speech, Ms. Holcomb reflected on her journey from her time as a Ball State student to her current role as Indiana's First Lady, encouraging graduates to embrace challenges and new opportunities. She used a Rubik's Cube as a metaphor for solving complex global issues by integrating education, democracy, the environment, technology, interpersonal development, and the arts.

"What I have learned is each time you do something that you think you can't, your world becomes a little bigger," Ms. Holcomb said. "I encourage each of you to adopt a habit of saying yes to new experiences. Try new things, push your comfort zone, stretch your boundaries and your wings. You can and will fly."

Ms. Holcomb, who earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in fine arts at Ball State, spoke fondly of her time on campus, where she participated in several organizations and served as a graduate assistant at the David Owsley Museum of Art. President Geoffrey S. Mearns praised Ms. Holcomb for her continued support of Ball State, highlighting her advocacy for The Village revitalization plan, which helped the University secure its largest-ever grant of $35 million from the Lilly Endowment.

"A year ago this month, we received that grant-a grant for $35 million," President Mearns said. "That was the largest grant awarded to any college or university in the state as part of the Endowment's College and Community Collaboration initiative and the largest single philanthropic gift in our University's history. So, thank you, Mrs. Holcomb, for helping us to generate support for the catalyst of that project-our Performing Arts Center-which we broke ground for just a few weeks ago."

Ball State on Saturday also recognized Gov. Holcomb, who received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree for his exemplary service to the state and his contributions to education and workforce development.

President Mearns praised Gov. Holcomb's leadership in securing record-breaking economic growth for Indiana, as well as his commitment to ensuring Hoosiers of all ages have access to education and opportunities for success.

"In honoring you today, Ball State University recognizes your lifelong commitment to serving others, your executive and legislative achievements while in office, and your many contributions on behalf of all Hoosiers," President Mearns said.