Over the centuries, thousands of influential athletes, artists, business people, and world leaders have called Indiana home — and some of them passed through the hallowed halls of our universities.
Let’s toss our caps for these local alumni, some of whom may surprise you.
Indiana University
Mark Cuban, 1981 | Reality television’s favorite Shark earned his Bachelor of Science degree in management from the Kelley School of Business. Infamous for buying the Dallas Mavericks, luxury jets, and entire towns, his current net worth is estimated to be $5.4 billion.
Michael D. Higgins, 1967 | Fun fact: Did you know that Ireland has a president? Higgins is currently serving his second presidential term since originally being inaugurated in 2011. He earned his Master of Arts degree in sociology long before his political career began.
Mark Spitz, 1972 | Considered by many to be one of the greatest Olympians of all time, “Mark the Shark” set seven world records and won nine gold medals in swimming events at the Games. His record of seven gold medals in a single Olympics held strong until Michael Phelps brought home eight golds in 2008.
Watkins’ “Chicago” originally opened on Broadway in 1926.
Photo by Broadway Tour via Creative Commons
Butler University
Maurine Dallas Watkins, 1919 | Ever heard of a little musical called “Chicago”? The second-longest running Broadway show of all time wouldn’t exist without Watkins, who penned the original play it’s based upon. She sourced her inspiration for the show from her experiences working as a reporter for the Chicago Tribune in the 1920s after graduating first in her class.
Bobby Plump, 1958 | Milan High School grad Bobby Plump was the major inspiration for the 1986 film Hoosiers, one of just a few movies to actually film in Indianapolis. The 1954 “Mr. Basketball” winner went on to play for Butler, and his legacy still lives on at Broad Ripple bar Plump’s Last Shot.
Purdue University
Neil Armstrong, 1955 | The first man on the moon began studying aeronautical engineering at Purdue at just 17. Legend has it that he was considering attending MIT instead, but chose Purdue after watching the Boilermakers defeat the Ohio State Buckeyes in a 1945 football game.
Drew Brees, 2000 | During his time at Purdue, the future Super Bowl MVP set the Big Ten Conference records for completions, attempts, and yards. He made his triumphant return to his alma mater as an interim assistant football coach in 2022.
We know there are hundreds more grads who should be on our list. Here’s who you wrote in to let us know about:
- “I would like to add Larry Bird to the list. He graduated from ISU in 1979; he is an All-American, three time NBA champion + MVP, former coach for the Pacers, and a member of the 1992 Olympic basketball team.” — Jerry B.
- “One of my favorite IU grads is Suzanne Collins, the author of The Hunger Games trilogy. She graduated from IU in 1985 with bachelor’s degrees in telecommunications and in theater and drama. She comes out with a new book this coming March 2025 and I’m so excited to read it!” — Rachel D.
- “Ball State University grads: Jim Davis, creator of the animated character Garfield, and Joyce DeWitt, star of television sitcom ‘Three’s Company.’” — Brenda C.
- “Orville Redenbacher graduated from Purdue.” — J.J. H.
- “David Letterman graduated from Broad Ripple High School and went to Ball State.” — Dana C.
