Member Profile

IUAA Member Spotlight Michael Fogarty

Michael Fogarty
Cert’92, Business; BS’94, Public Affairs

Founder and Principal, Kokopelli Communications Group Inc., Chicago

Husband, father, musician, entrepreneur, IUAA life member

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Why I chose IU
Although I was uncertain as to what I wanted to do professionally, I needed to attend a university that would provide me choices. IU offered — and continues to offer — unlimited possibilities for students. The strength of the university’s protean academic programs, its vast alumni network, and the school’s illustrious history and tradition made Indiana the best option and, considering my present success, the wisest choice.

Favorite memories of IU
My favorite memory of IU was my graduation weekend. While I was expecting only my parents to attend the ceremony, I was surprised when all five of my older brothers and sisters arrived to celebrate the weekend with me. It was their first time visiting a university, and it was a fantastic way to spend my last weekend as an undergraduate.

Advice to undergraduates
“I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.” Thomas Jefferson’s 200-year-old quote continually rings true. If today’s undergraduates balk at their careers, if they hesitate in the face of opportunity, they’ll be lost. Or worse, unemployed. Irrespective of one’s talent, genius, or education, one soon finds that nothing succeeds like success, which comes from hard work, fixity of purpose, and persistence. In fact, one soon realizes that talent without drive or ambition is as bad, if not worse, than being utterly untalented. Again, to paraphrase our third president, the harder you work, the luckier you get.

Why the IU Alumni Association is important to me
Staying in touch requires effort. And when one considers the myriad commitments one has to family and friends, in addition to meeting the demands of the work week, keeping connected can be quite a daunting task. The Alumni Association has simplified the process, making it easy and enjoyable to stay abreast of the latest developments at IU. It provides thoughtful and inspired insight on the accomplishments of prestigious alumni, offers the latest news on the athletics department, and fosters numerous opportunities to renew and rediscover old friendships. It’s an invaluable tool and powerful networking resource for me, as a businessman and alumnus, in keeping me connected to my past, present, and future.