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Second from left: John L. Fleming working at the "Daily Student"
John L. Fleming loved his time at Indiana University.
“There is nothing I have done in my life that I am happier about than my decision to go to Indiana and work for the Daily Student,” the 1941 graduate once wrote. John served as a sportswriter at the student newspaper. His positive experience may have convinced his brother, Tom, to also attend the IU School of Journalism.
After graduation, John didn’t pursue a newspaper career. Rather, he went to work for the Aluminum Company of America in their communications department in 1942. His early career was interrupted by service in the Army, but he returned to ALCOA and eventually rose to the position of executive vice president. When he passed away in 1975, he was not forgotten. In 1981, ALCOA honored John’s lifetime of work with a scholarship. Given his fondness for IU, the scholarship supported journalism students at his alma mater.
Two years ago, John’s children were looking through records after their mother, Marie Fleming Russell, passed away. The children, Virginia, David, Peter, and Daniel, found a worn notice from ALCOA that explained their gift in John’s name. They called the School of Journalism, but found the scholarship was no longer in effect. So they made a gift to ensure that the scholarship would help a new generation of students.
In turn, IU sent the children a copy of an Arbutus photo showing their father, then an aspiring sports writer, working with others at the student newspaper. But while the slight smile on young John’s face hints at his pleasure in his IU education, Virginia thinks there is another reason to name a scholarship after him again. “Our father was a man of integrity and high standards who believed in honesty, professionalism, and a commitment to family, work, and community,” says Virginia. “Hopefully, whoever receives my father’s scholarship will learn from his example.”
The new scholarship gives preference to students who get involved with their community, especially those who participate in student publications. With luck, they too will discover that special activity they love. That would be the true way to honor John Fleming’s legacy.