Member Profile
Gretchen Schmidt Mueller
BA'90, College of Arts & Sciences
Certificate Business Studies '90
Owner/Managing Director,
Brand Explorations
Seattle
Idealist, reluctant runner, frequent flyer, Seattle Chapter of the IUAA student recruiting
coordinator, IUAA Executive Council member, IUAA life member
Why I chose IU
As a native Hoosier, it was a slam dunk — I just always knew I would attend IU. Now,
as an out-of-state alumni student recruiter, I talk with high school prospects who didn't
grow up with that same allegiance. To these students, I stress that IU is the best of all
worlds. It's big enough to offer something for everyone, with a diverse range of academic
programs, student groups, and extracurricular activities. At the same time, it's a very
personable, intimate environment — you won't be "just a number." Classes are small, it's
easy to meet with professors one-on-one, and before long you're recognizing people as you
walk to class.
Favorite memories of IU
Mine start young — kids' Mini University, children's theater at IU South Bend, driving
down to football games with my mom and dad, playing in the Indiana Memorial Union arcade
with my younger brother, and Shawnee Bluffs. As a collegian, I remember the excitement and
nervousness of meeting people the first week of classes; joining Student Athletic Board and
getting to work with Hoosier heroes like Chuck Crabb, BA'73, and Dean McKaig, EdD'82; pledging
Phi Mu; making great friends; playing intramural sports; the flexibility and scope of the
College of Arts & Sciences and the great classes I was able to take as a result; and
meeting the love of my life — and eventual husband — Tom, BA'89.
Advice to undergraduates
Get involved as early as possible — it's the best way to make friends and truly be part
of the university. Take advantage of all the sporting, cultural, and volunteer activities
IU has to offer. My grandma told me my four years on campus would "be the best years of my
life." The experiences you have as an undergraduate are truly "once in a lifetime!" Go see
the Dalai Lama speak at the IU Auditorium, sign up for intramural bowling, take "History of
Rock & Roll" — you won't regret it, and you probably won't have the same chance again.
Why the IU Alumni Association is important to me
Becoming life members at an early age was a logical step for my husband, Tom, and me —
we knew we wanted to stay connected to IU, and the IUAA was the best way to do that.
Living in Seattle, we appreciate the e-mail service, online publications, and the
Indiana Alumni Magazine. Membership dues support countless local chapter
activities, including charitable, cultural, and social events. The IUAA really does
connect alumni and serve IU.