Julie Mannies
Julie Mannies is more than just a proud Ball State alumna. She is a true representation of what it means to answer the call to beneficence. Her love for Ball State University and how it has transformed her life, as well as her desire to honor her parent's legacy is why Julie has decided to give back to the university in the form of a planned gift.
Julie came to Ball State as a junior transfer student and member of the tennis team, but her love for BSU started long before she stepped on the court. Julie was raised in Muncie and quickly got to know the pillars of the Ball State community such as Steve Shondell, Bill Richards, and Virgina and Ed Ball.
"Our lives were entwined with Ball State. All of these people I knew, especially Ed and Virginia were huge influences on my life. They were so community and Ball State focused. Their whole lives were dedicated to serving others. Watching them had a huge impact on me."
Her parents were also active members of the Ball State family. Her dad, Morry Mannies, was the "Voice of the Cardinals" for over 50 years. Julie grew up going to football and basketball games, sitting in the media box alongside her family. She also attended Burris Laboratory School, where her mom taught for her during her 7th and 8th grade years. Through Burris, she was allowed to head over to Ball State's campus to take advanced, college-level courses. When Julie returned to finish her college education at Ball State, she stated that it felt like coming home.
During her education, Ball State proved its loyalty to her when a few months into her first tennis season her arm became swollen and she was no longer able to play. Doctors diagnosed her with a six-inch blood clot and the prognosis for returning to the tennis court was not good. However, Ball State stood by her athletic scholarship to help her complete her studies and even had campus police pick her up every morning from her apartment to take her to her classes. "Ball State was there for me every step of the way. They prioritized my education over just my athletic abilities and gave me opportunities that many other places would not have." Thankfully, after six months of rehabilitation, the circulation in her arm was restored and she was able to compete for her senior season of tennis.
After graduating in 1986 with a degree in journalism and sociology, Julie started her lifelong career with Kimberly-Clark, a multinational personal product corporation, in 1989. She climbed the ladder within the company for thirty two years before retiring in 2020 to dedicate more time to her small dog rescue mission, which she started in 2004. Throughout her career and retirement, Julie's goal was to emulate the mentors and people she looked up to at Ball State. "My goal was to do for others what had been so graciously given to me." This included volunteering constantly just like her mother and mentoring new employees fresh out of college like her professors and coaches had done for her. This mission is not over yet, however. Julie continues to dedicate her life each day to serving her local community as well as the Ball State family as she strives to make an impact just like those who made an impact on her.
Ball State, specifically Ball State Athletics, was not only there for Julie when she needed it, but also for her parents. After her mother's death in 2003, Ball State supported them in every way possible and even put a name plaque on the seat her mother would sit in at every game. It wasn't just the institution as a whole that honored her and supported her family, but the people as well.
After a long 56 year career, her father had to retire from being the "Voice of the Cardinals," but no one ever forgot his legacy. Two weeks before Morry passed away, six players from the BSU basketball team in the 80s called Julie and asked where they could visit him.
"Dad loved getting to see the players again. He loved getting to talk to them about their current lives and reminisce on the old days. At 82 years old, people still recognized his dedication and loyalty to Ball State. These players showed him how important he was, which was so good for him to hear. He was the Voice of the Cardinals, you can't really retire from that. Ball State Athletics really did impact his whole life, just like mine."
After his passing, Julie realized that she wanted to continue to honor her parent's legacy and figure out a way to spur on the successes of others.
"I want to make my parents proud and honor them now that they aren't here. Ball State is the obvious catalyst for any success that we as a family have been able to enjoy. I want to share that back to Ball State and the people who need assistance."
Julie then decided that making a planned gift was the best way to accomplish her goals and pay tribute to those who impacted her so greatly. Julie's gift will be split between BSU Athletics and the Department of Communications at Ball State. She trusts that the gift will be used well and will change the lives of future students and athletes who call the university home.
"Ball State is more than just a university. It is the people that were there and that are there now that make it what it is. It's more than just a place to get a degree, it's getting to do life with the highest quality of people that will become your family."