Bloomington Mayor, IU alum, and former IUSA president Mark Kruzan hated economics, but loved his IU experience. Graduating with degrees in Journalism and Political Science in 1982, Kruzan went on to IU-Bloomington School of Law in 1985. In 1986, Kruzan was elected as State Representative for Bloomington. He was the youngest member of the legislature until 1992, and in 1994, Kruzan was appointed to be the House Minority Whip. In 1996, he was elected by his colleagues to be the Majority Leader of the Indiana House of Representatives -- a post he held until 2002. Bloomington citizens elected Kruzan eight times to represent their interests in the Indiana General Assembly. An IU success story, Kruzan recalls his IU experience, and its value in his life.
Indiana Daily Student: What are your fondest memories of graduation?\nMark Kruzan: The gathering of all my friends and their families. It's really the only opportunity like it that you'll ever have in your life. It's worth taking a mental snapshot of what the experience is like for that reason, alone.
IDS: What was your least favorite class at IU? Why?\nMK: E104, Macroeconomics. It was the first semester of my freshman year, and I was the only freshman in the class. Let's just say I was a fish out of water. If it weren't for an upperclassmen dorm buddy's help with the material, I think I'd still be in that class.
IDS: What was your best memory of your IU undergraduate career?\nMK: I lived in Teter all four years and loved it. It really broadened my world perspective and was just constant fun.
IDS: What was your worst memory from IU?\nMK: The last day. I enjoyed my undergrad days so much that I was very sorry to see them end.
IDS: What was your biggest personal change from your feshman year until you left IU?\nMK: My IU experience outside the classroom was as important to my life as my classroom studies. I came to IU from a relatively sheltered background and left a much different and, I hope, better person who understood that people lead much different lives but are able to work together.
IDS: How did IU prepare you for your future as a mayor?\nMK: I was fortunate enough to have my fellow students elect me Student Body President for 1981-82. I know some people like to make fun of student government, but it's importance shouldn't be underestimated. IU and IUSA prepared me to represent people's interests and speak out to make things better for my constituents.
IDS: What do you wish you knew graduating from college, that you know now?\nMK: That life is a series of random events that are happy and sad and everything in between -- and that it's only just beginning at college graduation.
IDS: What type of Extracurricular activities were you involved in?\nMK: Primarily student government. But I was a School of Journalism student and worked a bit at the IDS, too. IUSA is a leadership experience, but it's also very much a social experience.
IDS: What advice do you have for IU graduates in their professional and personal lives?\nMK: Take what you do seriously but never take yourself too seriously. Second, never underestimate your ability to make a difference. And, most importantly, don't forget to have fun.
