Brian and Ramona Gallagher

Crediting Ball State as a large part of his career success, Brian and Ramona Gallagher have been long-time supporters of Ball State through both their time, service, and financial giving. Together they are passionate about helping provide resources to future first-generation students to give them the best possibility of success during their time at Ball State.

Time at School

Nervous but excited, Brian was a first-generation student that came to Ball State wanting the best college experience he could find. His family never really talked about a college education, but Brian knew that a college education was an adventure he wanted to have. After borrowing his brother's car and driving all over the state to tour different colleges, Ball State stood out from the rest. Its culture and community immediately had an impact on Brian and in turn, he knew he was home.

"Going away to college was life changing. It was a turning point for me and provided me with the opportunity to interact with a student body that was diverse and different from me and my experiences. The people I met and professors I worked with shaped who I am today." - Brian Gallagher

Brian came to BSU to study history, but quickly changed to social work, hoping to help as many people as he could in the future. During his first social work class, the small gathering of students sat in circles, directly interacting with each other and their professor. This was something Brian had never experienced before and was blown away by this curriculum. Now completely responsible for himself, Brian decided to say yes to everything he could in order to get as much as possible out of his college experience. This included visiting nonprofit social work agencies, participating in a senior year practicum, and spending intentional time getting to know his professors.

Dr. Ron Dolon had the biggest impact on Brian during his time as a student. The young professor encouraged Brian to take his social work training seriously and his wealth of knowledge informed much of what Brian came to learn about the field. The most important skill Dr. Dolon shared with Brian was how to empathize with everything. Dr. Dolon lived this out, caring about students in and out of class and as individuals rather than just students. To Brian, Dr. Dolon was an example of the intentionality and care Ball State had for their students.

During his time as a student, Brian saw how a university can be more than just a place to live or school to attend. To him, "It can be a big part of who you are and can give you a sense of purpose no matter where you are in life." Staying connected to Ball State was a conscious choice and something that Brian did not want to lose hold of as he went on in his career.

After Graduation

After graduating in 1981, Brian was led by his professors to apply for an internship at United Way America. There, he was given more opportunities to exercise his personal motto "Don't be afraid to say yes." Selected as the 1st alternate to the program, Brian eventually got an internship spot, but with one contingency. He would have to move. With a deep breath and everything he had learned from Ball State behind him, Brian said yes and moved to Winston Salem, North Carolina. Thankfully he did say yes because a little while later, he met his wife there. Brian continued to climb the ranks of United Way, inspired to do more than direct social work. After many moves and years of hard work and dedication to the company, Brian was named CEO of United Way. His task was to oversee this large corporation and live out the company's goal of "advancing the common good across the world." Remaining there until retirement, Brian has and his impact have changed the lives of many, more than he will ever know.

Planned Giving

At a Ball State giving event in Atlanta, Georgia, Brian and Ramona decided to make their first gift to help build the Alumni Foundation building. As a joke, Brian told his friend that he would make a gift if he could bring him a pledge form. That form was scribbled out on a small cocktail napkin and Brian signed it. Although funny, this moment was the catalyst for years of dedicated giving to Ball State. Nearly one third of Ball State's student population are first-generation students like Brian had been. This fact resonated with the Gallagher's and inspired them to continue to give in hopes that they would help first-generation students graduate with as little debt as possible. To them, making a planned gift is not a replacement for annual giving. Rather, it is a way to make sure that there are enough resources for Ball State students in the future even after they are gone.

"People overthink it, you can't take money with you someday. You might as well make a difference when you are and are not here, especially to support things that are important to you. For us, Ball State is what is important." - Ramona Gallagher

Ball State is incredibly grateful for the gifts Brian and Ramona have made and will continue to make for years to come. Their support of this school through time on the Alumni Council and Board of Trustees, as well as financial gifts has already benefited so many.

For more information about the Ball State University Foundation, click here . To give now, click here . To learn about Planned Giving, click here.