Ever wonder where some of the most successful executives, television stars, athletes, scientists, and so on received their education? It may be hard to believe, but even the most notable figures of today were once hopeful college grads-to-be, lugging around heavy backpacks, cramming for tests, and juggling their class schedules with important social activities. Sound familiar?
Test your knowledge of these noted individuals by checking out the colleges they attended. Did you guess their Alma maters correctly? Even if you’re not familiar with some of the names, you’ll find some interesting facts about them. You may find some of them to be worth an Internet search. After reading their stories, you may just get inspired
Dwight D. Eisenhower
34th U.S. president
West Point
Although most people know him best as a president of the United States from 1953 to 1961, Eisenhower also had an extensive military career, serving as a general and supreme commander of the Allied forces in Europe during World War II. His D-Day invasion of France led to the liberation of Europe from the Nazis.
Regis Philbin
Television personality
University of Notre Dame
According to the “Guinness Book of World Records,” in 2004 Philbin had the “most hours on camera” of any person in the world. Not hard to believe, considering his busy schedule. His television credits include “Live with Regis and Kelly” and “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” He also hosts “America’s Got Talent,” a new talent show spin-off of “American Idol.”
Dwayne Johnson a.k.a. “The Rock”
WWF wrestler, actor
University of Miami
Dwayne Johnson started off playing football at the University of Miami where he played on the Hurricanes’ 1990 NCAA championship team. He achieved fame as “The Rock” by winning the World Wrestling Federation championship seven times. The Rock is now a movie actor with a number of films to his credit. His most recent flick, “Southland Tales,” was one of only three American films chosen to compete at the 2006 Cannes Film Festival. The Rock’s talents clearly go beyond applying a hammerlock!
Rita Cosby
Reporter and news personality
University of South Carolina
As a former Fox News anchor, Cosby earned the respect of many for her ability to land exclusive interviews. Her investigative reporting has included pieces on Guantanamo Bay prisoners and Chandra Levy’s disappearance, and has earned her three Emmy awards. Cosby hosts “Rita Cosby Live & Direct” on MSNBC.
Peter Tippit
Computer guru
Case Western Reserve
Tippit is the current president of the International Computer Security Association. It’s a job that suits him well as he developed the first anti-virus software, known today as Norton AntiVirus.
Walter Anderson
Founder of White Castle restaurants
Baker University
Before there was McDonald’s, there were the square burgers of White Castle. The Wichita, Kan.-based chain was founded by Walter Anderson and his partner Edgar “Billy” Ingram after Anderson developed a means of cooking hamburgers quickly. Anderson is credited with inventing the hamburger bun in 1916.
Dwayne Wade
NBA star
Marquette University
Wade almost single-handedly led the Miami Heat to their first NBA title over the Dallas Mavericks in the 2006 NBA Finals. He was named MVP of the Finals. To celebrate Wade’s achievement, Marquette took out a half-page color ad in USA Today. Known as the “Flash” for his quick moves, Wade has been a marketer’s dream. His shoe, the “Wade,” debuted in the fall of 2005 and immediately became one of the most popular signature basketball shoes.
Charles Townes
Nobel Prize-winner in physics
Furman University
Townes, along with two other physicists, was awarded the 1964 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on planetary thermal radiation (radiation released from a planet’s heat – like sunlight, for example). In 1979, Townes was awarded the Niels Bohr Gold Medal for his contributions to atomic energy for peaceful use. He also was awarded the 1982 National Medal of Science and the 2006 Vannevar Bush Award for Lifetime Contributions and Statesmanship to Science.
Vincent “Bo” Jackson
Professional baseball and football player
Auburn University
The first athlete to be named an All-Star in both professional football and baseball. Jackson was awarded the Heisman Trophy in 1985 which is given to the top college football player in the country. Despite being the first draft pick in the NFL in 1986, Jackson instead opted to play baseball for the Kansas City Royals. In 1987 he switched back to football, joining the Los Angeles Raiders. A 1991 injury led to a hip replacement and to his retirement shortly thereafter.
Ryan Seacrest
Host of “American Idol”
University of Georgia
Seacrest’s role in the music world began at age 16 when he hosted an evening radio show while still in high school. While attending the University of Georgia, he hosted ESPN’s “Radical Outdoor Challenge.” In 2002, he was hired to co-host American Idol with Brian Dunkelman, and by the following year he was the sole host.
Lyndon Baines Johnson
36th U.S. president
Texas State University – San Marcos
Johnson succeeded to the presidency following the 1963 assassination of President Kennedy. He signed into law key civil rights legislation and Medicare as part of his “Great Society.” In the 1964 election, Johnson defeated Barry Goldwater by the widest popular margin of votes in American history.
