Alum David Letterman donates hundreds of items to Ball State

MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) - Ball State University alum and comedian David Letterman has donated more than 1,000 memorabilia items -- including 15 Emmy Awards he won as talk show host -- to his alma mater.

 

Ball State is appraising, researching and doing inventory on the items.

 

The gift was announced during a 2015 appearance by Letterman on the Muncie campus. Some items started arriving last August. Shipments have continued this year.

 

"It's phenomenal. We're really lucky to have the opportunity to make this collection available," said Michael Szajewski, one of the senior archivist for BSU.

 

Letterman's Kennedy Center Honor medal from 2012 and signed photos of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama from their "Late Show" appearances also were donated.

 

Campus visitors will also see the desk from the "Late Show" set, which was also donated.

 

"Well I think it shows to our students that anything is possible," said Philip Repp, dean of the College of Architecture. "Look at this distinguished alum that went out and who started in our student radio station --- and who ended up in Los Angeles and finally New York City... and who ended not only successful in the entertainment business ... but successful culturally... impactful."

 

Letterman signed off in 2015 as host of CBS' "Late Show." He hosted NBC's "Late Night" from 1982 to 1993.

 

He graduated from Ball State in 1969.

 

University officials said the collection should be open to the public this fall.