1999 Hall of Fame

James M. Banta - Jim Banta entered Ball State University in the Fall of 1967 following his graduation from Seymour High School. Jim was a member of the Spring 1968 pledge class. During his years as an undergraduate he was involved in Chapter programs and activities. He graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Since graduation, Jim has remained an active alumnus. He is a charter member of the Board of Directors of the Martin Riverside Society. In addition, Jim serves as VP of the Indiana Gamma Housing Corp., responsible for property management and maintenance. He has also been active in the Indianapolis community including a long-time volunteer for the US Hardcourt Championships. Professionally (cough, cough), he is Service Director and Senior Representative for the Great Lakes Region in the Loss Control and Risk Management Department of the Safeco/ASBI Insurance Group in Indianapolis. Jim and his wife Dee, a 1972 Ball State graduate, reside in Indianapolis. They have a daughter, Brooke, a son, Nick, and 2 grandchildren.

Frank M. Hancock - Frank M. Hancock was raised in Indianapolis, graduated from Thomas Carr Howe High School in 1966 and continued his education at Ball State. He was an active member in intramurals and other activities, including rush chairman and pledge educator in 1969-1970. He graduated from BSU in 1970 with a BS in Graphics Management and later that year married Linda, whom he met at Ball State. Upon graduation, he began his career at Cornelius Printing, Indianapolis, working there 16 years and leaving as VP of Manufacturing. In August 1986, he and Linda founded Sport Graphics, the largest privately-owned printing company in Central Indiana. Through Sport Graphics, Frank has been involved with many community functions, such as the 1982 National Sports Festival, 1987 Pan American Games, NCAA Final Fours, Youthlinks Indiana, Hoosier State Games, Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis Colts and others. Frank has given back to the community by sponsoring many local youth activities. Frank and Linda are supporters of Ball State, Martin Riverside, and Indiana Gamma. Frank and Linda have been married for 29 years and raised 3 children. Brian and Kevin attended Ball State, are also Sig Eps, and now continue the family name at Sport Graphics. Their daughter Angela also attended BSU.

John F. Skelton - John has compiled a 16 year history of affiliation and service to Indiana Gamma that started in 1983. Following graduation from Logansport High School in 1983, he enrolled at Ball State and pledge Sig Ep that Fall. After completing 4 active years and his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance in 1987, John became a member of the Alumni Corp a few months later. His involvement and commitment between 1987 and 1999 has been extensive and significant. He has served as Alumni Board President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Chapter Counselor. His role as Treasurer lasted over 10 years during which time he drafted Indiana Gamma’s Strategic Plan, which was subsequently distributed to every in the nation. Other activities include editor of the Gamma News, speaker at Carlson Leadership Academy and the National Conclave. John and his wife Susan reside in Indianapolis where he has been active in numerous organizations including Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Boys Scouts of America, Rotary, Sertoma, Jaycees and his local homeowners association. Susan has become famous for her fresh-baked cookies she sends with John when he makes his numerous chapter visits.