History and Inspiration

Spotlight: Remembering Jim Justus

Timothy Long, Professor Emeritus of Classical Studies at IU, wrote this remembrance. I was lucky enough, when I came to IU in 1969, to make the acquaintance, almost immediately, of Charles Forker of the English Department. Charles was better than any Spartacus Guide for acclimating yourself to Bloomington gay life. Through Charles I then met …

Posted in the following categories: History and Inspiration, Spotlight

Top 100: The Insider’s View

One of the Faces of IUPUI Talks Top 100 The 20th annual IUPUI Top 100 is on Friday, April 12 at the Indianapolis Marriott and I’m pleased to give our volunteers at every campus a look at what goes into making this program what it is. And it really is more than just a banquet …

Posted in the following categories: Events, History and Inspiration

It Started With A Fire

Picture it: 1838 in Bloomington, Indiana. A big change had just occurred for Indiana College.  The name had just been changed to Indiana University and the future of the school was starting to come into focus. Then a series of crises happened over the next few years: a cholera epidemic, a university strapped for cash, …

Posted in the following categories: History and Inspiration

Who is Ralph Sollitt and Why It Matters

My mentor J T. Forbes teaches me, among other things, the curious history of the Association and how to appreciate it.  He shared this reflection with me and the other senior staff last May, and I am compelled to forward it on because of today’s anniversary. On January 20, 1915, IU alumnus and Peru, Indiana …

Posted in the following categories: History and Inspiration

Minute for Mission: December 2018

As 2018 comes to a close and we reflect on the year the Alumni Association has had, we remain grateful for the tireless support, advocacy, and participation our most trusted alumni, volunteers and friends have had on this organization. It is through your commitment to student success that we celebrate over $260,000 in scholarship support …

Posted in the following categories: History and Inspiration

Thank you, Mr. Rich

I had the honor of delivering the student remarks at the November 30 scholarship banquet in Indianapolis during Executive Council Weekend. I was so grateful for the opportunity to do so. That night, we gathered to affirm the scholarships from our beloved alma mater and celebrate each and every one of our stories. To the …

Posted in the following categories: History and Inspiration, Spotlight

Thankful for IU and You

Thanksgiving brings a nostalgia I just can’t describe, especially since I have been characterized as an intuitive person without a memory for facts and figures. I’m the type that cannot recall what is said at the staff meeting, but rather, what is not said. Why I’m charged with taking minutes for our governing board is …

Posted in the following categories: History and Inspiration, Spotlight

IU’s Bicentennial: Get Involved with Us

Jan. 20, 2020 marks Indiana University’s bicentennial and planning for the big celebration is well underway. The Office of the Bicentennial has programs in the works to celebrate, chronicle, and explore IU’s history as well as to inspire our next 100 years. In partnership with the IU Alumni Association, the Office of the Bicentennial has …

Posted in the following categories: Events, History and Inspiration

Spotlight: Diane Jackson-Chapman, Groups Program Alumna

When did you attend Indiana University and how would you describe the mood of the campus and the nation during that time period? I attended Indiana University from the summer of 1970 through the summer of 1973 being the third oldest of eight children and the first to leave home to attend college. The mood …

Posted in the following categories: History and Inspiration, Spotlight

Spotlight: Kelly Ragle, Central Indiana Chapter

Today’s spotlight is an interview of Kelly Ragle by new staff member Malique Boothe. Malique joined the IUAA team on August 20, 2018 and is the Student Fellow for Alumni Communities. Degree and Graduation Year from IU: B.S. in Business in 2007 Chapter Region: Central Indiana Role/Title on Board: Immediate Past President Can you tell me how you first …

Posted in the following categories: History and Inspiration, Spotlight

Spotlight: New Associate Director Reuben Rifin

Twenty plus years ago my parents embarked on a new journey from Haiti to the United States for a chance at a better future for their children. As brave as they were, they relied on family and the support of others who have taken the journey before them. Serving as the new Associate Director of …

Posted in the following categories: History and Inspiration, Spotlight

Fulfilling the Promise to our Students

Thanks to the generosity of our many alumni around the world and the hard work of volunteer alumni leaders, it was another incredible year for supporting students at Indiana University! Donations by several hundred individuals allowed our many scholarship programs to disperse $163,190 to 141 students. In April alone, in the spirit of IU Day, …

Posted in the following categories: Events, History and Inspiration