Dr. Louis Ingelhart -- a tribute by Marilyn Weaver, Ball State University Department of Journalism chairwoman

Truth. Integrity.  Courage.  Freedom.

The words you celebrate today were never more embodied in anyone than in Dr. Louis Ingelhart.  Dr. Ingelhart died on January 7, but his spirit lives on in every adviser, every student, and every citizen who cares about the First Amendment.

This is a day he would have loved because he spent most of his life defending the rights of high school and college journalists.  He dedicated himself years ago to supporting free expression at all levels.  To that end, he was instrumental in creating the Student Press Law Center and working to acquire funding to continue it through the years.  As most of you know, SPLC is an organization that gives advice and legal counsel to students.  This was Ingelhart’s dream come true.

Ingelhart won many awards for his work, including several awards that recognize him by granting the award in his name.  The Indiana High School Press Association gives an award each year – The Ingelhart Award for a Friend of Student Press.  Other organizations do so as well, including College Media Advisers.

Dr. Ingelhart came to Ball State in 1953 and began to build a vital program.  For 25 years, he served as chairman and director of student publications.  Along with his colleagues and students, he started the summer workshop program and high school journalism day that has reached thousands of students.  During the years, he was the architect for a department that served many consultants.  But throughout his life, the one thing he cared most about – indeed, and what he was most passionate about, was to ensure that each of you were able to have your voices heard.

Today, I hope we can dedicate this wonderful program to the man who stood up for all of us and gave us the courage to express ourselves – no matter what our age.