1. 1973-1977: SOME MIGHTY GOOD YEARS
Life at Indiana University - Bloomington was jump-started by my previous 4 years of High-School Spanish. I
tested so high during my placement exams, that I was able to start freshman year in 3rd year spanish classes.
During this time I had the opportunity to sign up for additional language training. I tried to enroll in French
105... this was in the "pre-Jobs/Gates era"... enrollment was manual, and consumed 6-12 hours in a hot earthen
floored and dusty building called “The Old Fieldhouse”. While waiting in line for the French class, my heart
fell when I saw them put up a "Closed" sign... meaning the classes were filled. The remaining 30 or so of us
had to find another class quickly before enrollment closed. I looked down the "Open" lines and saw something
that said 5 credit hours... I decided that I would take that class no matter what it was... I could endure anything
for one semester, rationalizing that someone would drop out of French creating an opening and I could get back
in. Well, that 5 credit-hour class was GERMAN... I fell in love with German on day one, and that love
continues.
During my freshman year, I was one of the original founders of a gospel choir called the "Indiana University
Voices of Hope". We organized in the summer of 1973. That choir is still together four decades later, made up
of students from all walks of life who love gospel music. My 2nd summer was spent overseas in Europe, and
my senior year was a full year abroad as a member of the Hamburg Program. I actually never marched with the
Graduation Class of 1973 because I was just getting back from Germany, and already had the position at
Marquette University.
That decision to do something different than that which came easy has rewarded me without end. The travels,
the people, the business encounters and lifelong alliances all repay me daily for the cost of my undergraduate
education.
Thanks to Mom and Pops for supporting my dream, even when they didn't understand it; .they offered me a
wonderful life and I accepted it! TGBTG Elton Amos, MD - 1984