Meryl Streep, Jane Pauley to spend an evening at IU in November

The record-holder for the most Academy Award nominations and one of the most accomplished female television journalists have graced the stage before countless audiences, and very soon, they will be coming to the IU Auditorium.

On Nov. 12, the IU Auditorium will feature “An Evening of Conversation with Jane Pauley and Meryl Streep at Indiana University.” The event is free and open to the public.

Doug Booher, director of the IU Auditorium, said the women will be discussing their experiences in media, journalism and the arts while sharing with the audience some of their insights on their perspective fields.

“The two will come out on stage and basically have a conversation,” Booher said. “Jane Pauley is one of the most gifted interviewers to work with in the media, and we’re very excited to see her in action.”

Booher said the event should also feature a component where members of the audience will be able to pose some of their questions.

Questioning why these icons are coming to Bloomington?
Streep and Pauley both have connections to IU.

Pauley, an Indianapolis native, graduated from IU in 1972 with a degree in political science.

A distinguished journalist and news anchor, Pauley was co-host of NBC’s “Today Show” for 13 years and co-host of “Dateline NBC” for 12 years.

Streep’s Hoosier connection is through her husband, Don Gummer, a sculptor who studied at the IU-Purdue University Indianapolis Herron School of Art in the ’60s.

In addition to these Indiana ties, Booher said IU attracts speakers of such caliber for
a reason.

“We have an incredible student body,” Booher said. “The students focus on professional success after their time at the University. When we have ties with successful people, they love to come back and share enthusiasm for students to embark on their own success.”

John Kinzer, director of audience development for the IU Department of Theatre and Drama, was surprised today when he heard from a student about
the event.

“I love Meryl Streep,” Kinzer said. “She is one of the most versatile and accomplished actors of our generation.”

From her various roles in “Sophie’s Choice” to “Mamma Mia!,” Kinzer said Streep has an incredible range that is hard to find in today’s actors.

As for Pauley, Kinzer also expresses an admiration.

“Jane Pauley is one of our distinguished alumna, and I think any time we have our distinguished alumni coming back, people should take advantage to learn from them,” Kinzer said.

The event, brought to campus by the IU Foundation’s Kate Benns Sturgeon Fund, is expected to see a full audience.

Barbara Coffman, the director of Communications for the IU Foundation, said the event should be a very interesting conversation between two prominent
celebrities.

“It’s an incredible opportunity to see two very famous people who will be interacting with each other and having a great time,” Coffman said. “And I think the audience will have a great time with them.”