Friedlander attended IU as an undergraduate from 1958-62. He majored in history and minored in government.
He said he spent the first two years as a pre-med major before switching. He attended the Maurer School of Law from 1962-65.
Friedlander is a member of the law school’s Academy of Law Alumni Fellows, the highest honor the school can bestow upon its graduates, and previously served as the president of the school’s Alumni Board. This weekend, he will be honored with the Distinguished Alumni Service Award, IU’s highest accolade for alumni.
Indiana Daily Student: What were you involved in on campus during your time at IU?
Friedlander: I was president of the student bar society during law school. During my time as an undergrad, I was a member of Zeta Beta Tau fraternity and was a manager of the basketball team my freshman year. I sold programs at the football games and played intramural football and basketball. One year, we actually won the football campus championship.
IDS: What was one of your favorite memories at IU?
Friedlander: I can’t think of a specific memory, but my favorite thing was the people I met during my seven years there. They are the people I’m still close with today, and they remind me of the memories I don’t remember.
IDS: Following graduation from IU, what have you gone on to do?
Friedlander: I practiced law in Gary where an IU trustee also practiced. I moved to Indianapolis, where I practiced law for 27 years at a number of firms. I was appointed to the Indiana Court of Appeals 22 1/2 years ago and retired last month. Now, I’m a senior judge on the court, which basically means I work part time.
IDS: What are you planning on doing in Bloomington during Homecoming?
Friedlander: I plan on doing everything. There are events related to the Distinguished Alumni Service Award, but it’s also my 50th law school class reunion. So Friday I’ll be in the homecoming parade, Saturday I’ll attend the reunion luncheon and, of course, go to the football game before going to another reunion event that night. I’ve been a season ticket holder for IU football and basketball for a number of years.
IDS: So as a supporter of IU programs for quite some time, what does it mean to you to receive this award?
Friedlander: I have a number of scholarships for athletics, law and the history department, as well as endowed a scholarship at the law school. I’ve always valued education and everything I learned at IU and all the university did for me. I hope that I can return the favor and help students in the same ways I was helped when I was a student here.
