Discover the Top 6 Fun Facts About Indiana University: Uncover the Hidden Gems of This Historic Campus

1. Little 500: The Pedal-Powered Scholarship Race

Pedal to the medal, Hoosiers style: The largest collegiate bike race in the U.S. at Indiana University, the Little 500, was born in 1951 as a scholarship-earning spinoff of the famous Indy 500 race, featuring students dashing through a cinder track for 200 laps (50 miles) in the men's race and 100 laps (25 miles) in the women's race, all while raising funds for working scholars and battling food insecurity with programs like the Crimson Cupboard.
Source => broadcast.iu.edu

2. Feeling Frisky? Discover the Kinsey Institute

Feeling frisky, Hoosiers? Indiana University has got you covered: Home to the Kinsey Institute, this university has been delving into the intricacies of human sexuality, gender, and reproduction for over 75 years, amassing a treasure trove of art, artifacts, and publications that offer a titillating glimpse into our carnal complexities.
Source => kinseyinstitute.org

Did you know it took a "mere" 180 years to build the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, featuring stunning stained glass windows and unforgettable memories? Discover the fascinating story behind this Gothic masterpiece!

=> Fun Facts about Notre-Dame

3. Atom-Powered Adventures: Indiana University's Cyclotron Facility

Who said science can't be a blast? Indiana University once had its very own particle accelerator that made atoms fly: The Cyclotron Facility, operational from 1976 to 2014, served as a global research hub for nuclear and beam physics, using a massive four-sector cyclotron to accelerate protons and light ions before its lights-out finale in December 2014.
Source => ceem.indiana.edu

4. Crimson & Calm: Indiana University's Color Palette

If Indiana University were a painter, it'd be the Bob Ross of academia—happy little crimson accents, complete with a soothing palette chosen to put your eyes at ease: Indiana University's primary brand colors are crimson and light gray, complemented by a secondary color palette of Dark Midnight, Dark Majestic, and Light Granite, all curated impeccably to enhance the prominence of the crimson while adhering to digital design best practices.
Source => styleguide.iu.edu

5. Celebrating Black Cinema: The Black Film Center & Archive

Lights, camera, afro-action: Indiana University's Black Film Center & Archive is a cinematic superhero dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history and creativity of African American filmmakers. Nestled in the humble abode of Bloomington, Indiana, this one-of-its-kind sanctuary houses physical artifacts and papers that chronicle the trailblazing tales of Black cineastes, turning the spotlight on their remarkable journey and serving as the ultimate gateway to adventure in the realm of Black cinema.
Source => bfca.indiana.edu

6. Who Needs a Mascot? Embracing Hoosier Pride

Who says you need a mascot to party like a Hoosier: Indiana University has notably gone "mascot-less" with their basketball team winning five national championships, and embracing their nickname "Hoosiers" - a term with debated origins, possibly from a 1830s poem by John Finley. Over the years, they've tossed aside an ox and a bison as mascots, opting for a mysterious but enthusiastic embrace of good ol' Hoosier pride.
Source => sportingnews.com