IU Alumni for the History Books
Indiana University has housed thousands of students each year with a variety of skills and talents since its founding in 1820. In its over 200-year history, IU has produced many notable alumni like Hoagy Carmichael, Mark Cuban, and John Cougar Mellencamp, but there are a lot more IU alumni not talked about as much.
Pen and Paper (or computer screen…)
Born and raised in Bloomington, Meg Cabot graduated from IU in 1991 with a degree in studio arts. In less than ten years she would write one of the most beloved stories of all time, The Princess Diaries.The book would later become a hit movie starring Ann Hathaway and Julie Andrews. Other famous authors include Suzanne Collins, who graduated in 1985 with a bachelor of arts, is the writer of one of notable book series, The Hunger Games which also became a hit movie series starring Jeniffer Lawrence. Not all writers write novels. Roger Stern graduated in 1973 with a degree in Radio and Technology, but his career took him to comic books. Two years after graduation Rodger was hired at Marvel studios and has helped to shaped comic books and comic book movies as they are today. His most recent character turned to screen is Monica Rambeau, played by Teyonah Parris, in Marvel’s Wandavision.
Music, Science and Entertainment
Jamie Hyneman, co-star of Mythbusters, graduated from IU in 1981 with a degree in Russian languages and linguistics. Jonathan Banks, best known for his shows Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad, attended IU in the mid-60s to study theater. He even performed The Three Penny Opera with fellow actor Kevin Kline. One of the most prominent alumni that is barely ever talked about is Howard Ashman. Howard studied for his master’s at IU and graduated in 1973. That name may not seem familiar but he has written some incredibly notable songs. He collaborated with Alan Menken to produce and create the songs for The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast,and Aladdin. This would earn him two Oscars, two Golden Globes, and four Grammys. He also won several awards for his participation in the music for Little Shop of Horrors. Howard changed the lives of so many children and adults.
Indiana University has helped guide these wonderful people to where they are today. Some are celebrated more than others but each person deserves to be lifted and celebrated as part of IU history. We should be proud of the accomplished alumni who have made such a huge impact on the world today, as we hope to make our own impact on the world tomorrow!
Written by Reilly Smith
Edited by Mina Shelby
