Education and philanthropy are in the hearts of Don and Claire Park.  

The Park family has a long line of educators, beginning with Don’s grandfather and great-uncle in the early 1900s. Don’s father was a beloved principal at Bluffton High School. Don’s mother, two sisters, many aunts and uncles, and cousins, and both of their daughters have all served the teaching profession. And, Don and Claire themselves were educators.

Philanthropy has been an important part of the Parks’ lives since 1966 when they returned to Muncie and to their alma mater, Ball State University, where both joined the Teacher’s College faculty. Don later became the Associate Director of Alumni and Development for the university in 1974. He retired in 2006 after serving as Vice President for University Advancement for 14 years.

Among the Parks’ local philanthropy is the support of the Robert P. Bell Teacher Grant Fund at The Community Foundation, which supports the Robert P. Bell Education grant program. Bell Grants are awarded to help teachers throughout Muncie and Delaware County implement innovative ideas, programs, or projects that are related to a classroom unit or lesson.

“We believe the Robert P. Bell Teacher Grant program is a tremendous resource for classroom teachers,” shared Don. “By nature, classroom teachers are always searching for ideas and innovations to enhance the curriculum they are responsible to teach. However, funds are seldom available from the school district to support a new learning activity or innovative project. The only alternative is for the teacher to spend their money to fund the innovation or enhancement. Many will do so, but many cannot.”

The Parks’ support not only assists teachers in bringing unique learning experiences to students but also honors Dr. Robert P. Bell, the 10th President of Ball State University, an outstanding leader and faculty member. Don took business classes with Dr. Bell as an undergraduate and had the chance to work with him for many years upon returning to the campus.

“We support the Bell Grants each year because they increase student learning and teacher effectiveness. The entire community benefits from the increased learning that takes place,” added Don. “We encourage support for the Robert P. Bell Teacher Grant program and also encourage teachers to explore the program for support of that idea which they believe can make a difference in their classroom.”