Mixing Business with Pleasure: Bohanons' Planned Gifts Back Ball State's Economic Program and DOMA

Educators Cecil and Barbara Alvarez Bohanon have made careers out of opening young minds at Ball State and beyond – Cecil to the wide world of economics and Barbara to the arts, everything from Bach to Baroque.

Now, the couple is giving back even more through a charitable bequest that will create two funds that support their passions and interests.

Bohanon has been a professor in the University's Economics Department since 1980 and has published several monographs and books on political economy in addition to receiving national awards and local accolades for his teaching. During his tenure, he has watched the department blossom from good to great. He describes the economics program as being "independent minded" and having a "classical-liberal perspective on the economy." His planned gift will help ensure this outlook does not change.

The Bohanon Fund for Department of Economics/Economics Education will provide financial support for educational projects and travel for students, student groups, and faculty who promote economic education and dissemination of economic scholarship. It will also bring speakers to Ball State for the education of students, faculty, and the general public. His ultimate goal is to help achieve the department's educational and research goals.

"Find something you think works well at Ball State and that you'd like to see continued, supported, or supplemented, and make that happen through a planned gift," Bohanon said.

Barbara has taught music in public schools at all levels, is a church musician, and was an assistant and associate professor at both the University of Wisconsin and Ball State University. She is now retired and volunteers regularly as a docent at Ball State's David Owsley Museum of Art (DOMA).

"I always say that DOMA is one of the gems of Muncie," Barbara said. "It always surprises me when there are people at Ball State or in Muncie that say they have never been there. An art museum has something for everyone."

The Alvarez Bohanon Fund for Museum Engagement will provide financial support for museum engagement and educational activities. This may include visitor engagement, educational programming, family programming, experiential learning opportunities, or educational components for special exhibitions.

It is Barbara's hope that this fund will help visitors explore the encyclopedic collection at the museum.

To fund your favorite Ball State programs, contact or visit us at ballstatelegacy.org.