Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 9 August 2007 — Page 4

Page 4 • The Muncie Times • August 9, 2007

Muncie Homecoming Festival To Welcome Thousands Back To City

Denise Ledsinger

The Muncie Homecoming Festival is an event that encourages former residents to come back to Muncie and - hopefully - recall good times here with friends and family. When Denise Ledsinger arrives in town next week, she’s coming back to Muncie to do just that. “One of the things that I’m really excited about doing is going to Union Baptist Church with my mother (Eddie Mae Ledsinger) and hearing Pastor Jackson preach,” she said. “When I do get to town I’m always just out and in, so it’s been a while since I’ve been and seen everyone.” Besides sliding into a pew at Union and hearing some dynamic preaching, Ledsinger is also hoping to see fellow alumni of Longfellow Elementary and Central High School. She’s anticipating seeing family and friends from Muncie and Ball State, as well, saying she hopes to run into her sorors, sisters from Sigma Gamma Rho. “It’s been a long time since I’ve just sat down and talked to so many people who I grew up with and knew for so many years,” Ledsinger said excitedly. “I’m hoping that many people who’ve gone away will be able to take time off and come back for all of the

events that are scheduled.” Now Director of Student Services in the School for Continuing Studies at Northwestern University, Ledsigner is one of those “success stories” that organizers of the Muncie Homecoming Festival are eager to hear. A graduate of Ball State University, Ledsinger now lives in the Bronzeville area just fifteen minutes from downtown Chicago. She’s attended a White Sox game during her time in the Windy City, and also gets an opportunity to hang out in an area of the city that has so much to offer in terms of food, shopping, and cultural attractions. “I’ve been here at Northwestern going on 8 years and before that I worked at Roosevelt University for about two years,” she said. “After graduation, I wasn’t sure how things would work out in terms of my career, but I absolutely love my job. “It’s very funny to me at times because I look at how blessed I am,” she added. “My sister Deborah was always the stellar student and took all the academics much more seriously, but somehow I’ve been able to carve out a very nice career. For that I am very thankful.” Indeed, Ledsinger has done well for herself. Working for one of the nation’s premier private institutions is certainly an accolade to be proud of, and her position is one that she enjoys thoroughly. “In this position I develop and implement programming for nontraditional students,” she said. “Although it is administrative, I am able to keep my pulse on the students in terms of still being able to interact with them one-on-one at times. This

job could have been more limiting in terms of that, but I’ve been able to still keep that interaction with them.” In her position, Ledsinger engages with students who are returning to school after 20 or so years, students with jobs and children and families. Ledsinger realizes that commitment to school can be a chore for “non-trads,” and tries to offer supportive programming to that end. She relishes in seeing students graduate, recalling her own days as a graduate student trying to earn a master’s degree in student personnel administration in higher education. “I really remember my mentors in college, people like Brenda Greene (former Office of Multicultural Affairs director), who was my mentor. I remember me and my mom coming into her office with my financial papers and not knowing what to do ... I appreciate her for not making us feel unintelligent, and for doing all she could to help.” Dr. James Hendricks, chair of the BSU criminal justice department, was also instrumental, Ledsinger said. “Dr. Hendricks was probably the first person to mention grad school, and how he thought I should consider getting a master’s degree,” she said. “Before that, no one in my family had received a master’s degree, so it was like “wow, I can do this?” It took me a while to get back in, but I kept thinking about him encouraging me to go on. Three years after getting my bachelor’s, I went back to school for my master’s. “I was very blessed to have people in my life who sort of nudged me forward even when I was unsure exactly what I wanted to

do,” she said. “I hope I am able to give someone here that same sort of encouragement and support, and to try to help them better their lives somehow. I’m not sure if any of my old teachers are going to be around when I get into town, but it would be nice to see them. It’s going to be fun to sit down and see everyone again.” The Muncie Homecoming Festival is scheduled for Aug. 9-12 this year. The event is held every four years in an effort to reunite former area residents. Held at several locations throughout Muncie, the three-day event will include a variety of activities including church services, music, food, sports and more. The theme of the 2007 Muncie Homecoming Festival is "Let's Take Our Children Back From the Streets.” The public is welcome to attend all events. MHF Pre-Event Activities: Ttiesday, Aug. 7 6 p.m.: Jazz Night, Debonair Club. Wednesday, Aug. 8 6 p.m.: Bid Wiz game night. Debonair Club. MHF Schedule Thursday, Aug. 9 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Muncie Black Expo Health, Employment and Community Information Fair, Horizon Convention Center. 9 p.m.-2 am.: Karoake Night contest. Debonair Club. Friday, Aug. 10 9 am.: Youth Day, McCulloch Park. 12:30-3 p.m.: Educational Awareness, Ball State Student Center. 1 p.m.: Rube Poole Open Golf tournament, Cardinal Hills, fee $30.

5- 9 p.m.: Reunion Registration, Signature Inn. 7-10 p.m.: Youth Concert, McCulloch Park. 6- 10 p.m.: Golden Age Mixer, Buley Center. 8 p.m.-3 am.: Block Party, Debonair Club. Saturday, Aug. 11 8:30 a.m.: E-Mo Bowling Tournament, Liberty Bowl, fee $15. 10 a.m.: Family Picnic, McCulloch Park. 11 a.m.: Muncie Homecoming Festival Parade/Unity Prayer, from Debonair Club to McCulloch Park. 1-9 p.m.: "Bring It To The Stage," talent show, McCulloch Park. 7 p.m.: The Wages of Sin, play, Cornerstone Center for the Arts, fee $12. 10 p.m.-2 a.m.: Muncie Homecoming Festival Gala Dance, Ball State University Alumni Center, fee $15. 10 p.m.: 25 and over Skate-Aw ay and Ballroom Reunion Party, Springwater Park Union Hall. Sunday, Aug. 12 4 p.m.: Gospel Service, Christ Temple Church. 3 p.m.: Live band, McCulloch Park. Families interested in marching in Saturday's parade still have time to get signed up. Contact Christene Dillard at 8086427.