JOHN J. PRUIS

JOHN J PRUIS, Ph.D., 92, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, at Westminster Village. He was Past President of Ball State University. Born Dec. 13, 1923, in Borculo, Mich., he was the son of Ties J. and Trientje (Koop) Pruis. John received his B.S from Western Michigan University and his M.A. and Ph.D. from Northwestern University. During his career, he also received honorary degrees from five other universities. Dr. Pruis started his career in education as a grade school teacher in Jamestown, Mich., and a few years later became a faculty member at Western Michigan University. After completion of post-graduate work at Northwestern, he became a faculty member at Northern Iowa University and Southern Illinois University respectively. From 1955 until 1968, he served as a faculty member and Vice President of Administration at Western Michigan University. Dr. Pruis served as President of Ball State University from July of 1968 until September of 1978, and as Vice President of Corporate Relations for Ball Corporation from 1978 until his retirement in December of 1988. Dr. Pruis authored several articles on speech, communication and education and held many positions of leadership in academic and professional organizations, including the presidency of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the Indiana Conference on Higher Education. He served as chairman of an advisory committee of the American Council on Education and as a commissioner of the National Commission on Accrediting, as well as a member of the executive board of the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. He chaired the Board of Incorporators of the University of Southern Indiana and served as a trustee of that institution for five years. Active in civic affairs, Pruis was a former director of United Way, Muncie - Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, Muncie Symphony Orchestra, Rotary Club and Big Brothers/Big Sisters. He served in numerous capacities at Ball Memorial Hospital and its affiliated organizations. He was a charter director of the Academy for Community Leadership. In retirement, Pruis served as Executive Vice President of the George and Frances Ball Foundation, as well as a director of the Ball Brothers Foundation. He was a director and director emeritus of the Ball State University Foundation. He is listed in Outstanding Educators of America, American Men of Science, Who's Who in Finance and Industry, Who's Who in America and Who's Who in the World. Dr. Pruis received the lifetime VIVA (Very Important Volunteer Award) in 2007. He also received the President's Medal of Distinction from Ball State University. He was a longtime member of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church and served as an elder. John proudly served his country and his family while on active duty in the United States Navy from 1943 to 1946 and later retired from The United States Naval Reserve with the rank of Captain. Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Angeline R. (Zull) Pruis; three sons, David Pruis (Deborah) of Lakeville, Ind., Daniel Pruis (Patricia) of Fort Wayne and Dirk Pruis (Kathleen) of Cincinnati, Ohio; six grandchildren, Jaime Ailes, Jonathan Pruis, Jennifer Pruis, Emily Pruis, Kyle Pruis and Kevin Pruis; six great-grandchildren, Alec and Alaina Ailes, Tyce and Elsa Pruis, Ava and Carter Holderman; and brother, Rodger (Norma) Pruis of Kalamazoo, Mich. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be scheduled at a later date. Arrangements by The Meeks Mortuary & Crematory, Washington Street Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Minnetrista, Muncie, IN 47303 or the Leelanau Conservancy, PO Box 1007, Leland, MI 49654. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com