Member Profile
Maria Luz Corona
BA'69, Spanish and sociology; JD'81
Magistrate, Domestic Relations Court,
Lake County Superior Court,
Gary, Ind.
Worker, leader, advocate for the Hispanic community, IUAA life member
Why I chose IU
My girlfriend attended IU, and when I came to the campus to visit her, I decided that
I would transfer to the Bloomington campus. The campus was beautiful, and having come
from an urban setting, I felt that I would get a different perspective on life.
Favorite memories of IU
I fondly remember the dean of the Honors Division, who interviewed me about my
campus life. I related to him that although the campus was beautiful, I was lonely,
as there were only about five Hispanics on campus. He offered to bring some students
to view the campus and explain financial aid options. His department helped coordinate
the first Latino weekend. The people that participated were from the Spanish Department,
the Honors Division, or the Groups program, plus all of my new friends. It was wonderful
to see that they really cared and listened to my dreams.
Another favorite memory is when my entire family drove to Bloomington to see me receive my law degree. The close friends that I made at IU are a blessing.
Advice to undergraduates
Don’t be afraid to try to experience new adventures, such as studying abroad.
Make friends outside of your own safe circle. The friends that you make during
your undergraduate years will stay with you forever. Participate in as many
extracurricular activities as you can. Give back to your community in whatever
way that you can. Mentor someone.
Why the IU Alumni Association is important to me
It is a terrific method of staying in touch with the university. The Alumni Association has
a lot to offer. It’s inclusive. Becoming a life member was the best thing I did, and it was
so reasonable. I have become a board member for the IU School of Law–Bloomington and that has
also kept me in touch. It is also beneficial to read the Indiana Alumni Magazine and find out
what the other departments are offering.