1932: The Indiana Memorial Union created
The Indiana Memorial Union contains a hotel, numerous cafeterias, reading spots and the IU Bookstore. It was the largest student union upon the date of completion.
1947: The Kinsey Institute created
Alfred Kinsey was a very controversial scientist because of his studies on sexual behavior in humans, which was considered radical in his lifetime. When IU became the site for his research, it showed its dedication to the pursuit of education in all fields.
1951: Little 500 Race founded
Howdy Wilcox, then-executive director of the IU Student Foundation, founded the race 30 years after his father won the Indy 500. Every year more than 25,000 people attend the races.
1956: Beck Chapel constructed
The small church next to Dunn Cemetery was presented to IU as a gift from alumni Frank and Daisy Beck.
It draws mostly wedding ceremonies, sometimes having up to three a day.
1962: Dunn Meadow created
The IU Board of Trustees designated Dunn Meadow a place for students to use spontaneous free speech, and the meadow has been a site for protests in the years since. Students have advocated against the Vietnam war, marched for the Cuban Missile Crisis and demonstrated against U.S. involvement in El Salvador all on the lawn in front of the Indiana Memorial Union.
1978: IU Art Museum designed
The IU Art Museum, which features glass ceilings and geometric architecture, was designed by I.M. Pei. The building is devoid of right angles.
1987: The Sample Gates dedicated
Though the idea for an entrance to IU’s campus originated more than 80 years before the Sample Gates, the University struggled to decide on a design. In the end, they chose a Gothic design so the gates would blend in with the rest of campus.
1991: First IU Dance Marathon
IU Dance Marathon is a fundraising event for Riley Children’s Hospital which culminates in a continuous, multi-hour event with games, music and dancing. This past year IUDM raised more than $2.6 million.
2007: Michael McRobbie named IU President
McRobbie is the 18th president of IU and has been instrumental in the creation and merger of schools in the University since his inauguration.
2008: Tom Crean named IU basketball coach
Crean experienced some of the worst seasons of basketball in IU history, but in 2013 he was equipped with a team that helped him overcome his losses.
